Up to 10,000 Australian children are believed to suffering from arthritis, a condition usually associated with aging.
Juvenile Arthritis Foundation Australia (JAFA) is pushing for greater awareness of the condition so it can be diagnosed earlier.
“Symptoms generally associated with older adults, such as joint inflammation, chronic pain and vision loss, are affecting thousands of Australian children and young adults,” JAFA said in a statement released today.
“A diagnosis of juvenile arthritis takes an average of 10 months, but for some children it can take years – putting them at risk of lifelong pain and disability.”
JAFA Founder Associate Professor Ruth Colagiuri said juvenile arthritis was often dismissed as growing pains or mistaken for an injury.
“Kids with arthritis can’t wait to be diagnosed,” she said.
“Every day is critical to reducing their risk of a life of pain, disability, social marginalisation and dependence.”
Chair of the Australian Paediatric Rheumatology Group (APRG) Associate Professor Jonathan Akikusa said delayed diagnosis of the condition could have have significant impacts on children and their families.
“Juvenile arthritis is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases, affecting an estimated 6000 to 10,000 children under the age of 16 years of age; equivalent to diabetes in the same age group,” he said.
“Untreated inflammation in JIA not only causes pain and reduced physical functioning but can lead to joint and eye damage and, in severe cases, risk ongoing disability.
“The earlier we make the diagnosis and start treatment, the better the chance we have of controlling the disease and protecting a child’s future.”
To learn more visit www.jafa.org.au
