What is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)?

JIA is an autoimmune disorder, and although researchers do not know the cause of JIA, it seems to be related to both genetic and environmental factors. The most common symptoms of JIA are joint inflammation, swelling and tenderness of the joints, inability to bend or straighten joints, fatigue and decreased physical activity. Other symptoms include joint stiffness, weakness in muscles, fever, skin rash or enlargement of the lymph nodes. This type of arthritis affects young people, as it first appears before 16. Approximately 249,000 children in the US are affected by this condition and it is seemingly more common in females.

What is the Connection between Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Celiac Disease?

• Research has estimated that celiac disease is about seven times more common in children with JIA than in the general population
• Celiac disease and JIA share common risk genes, and the start of JIA usually occurs before celiac disease is properly diagnosed and treated with a gluten-free diet

Where Can I Learn More?

• National Institutes of Health
• Mayo Clinic
• American College of Rheumatology
• Arthritis Foundation
• The Journal of the American Medical Association
  

Do you or a family member suffer from juvenile idiopathic arthritis? You may have celiac disease. Find out now. Take our Celiac Disease Symptoms Checklist.