As a parent, it can be heartbreaking to see your child unwell, especially when the symptoms are confusing and persistent with no clear explanation. Children with autoimmune disorders often experience similar, noticeable problems that can easily be mistaken for common childhood illnesses. But thanks to increased knowledge and advances in pediatric care, we are now better able to identify and treat these conditions early, resulting in significant improvements in your child’s health and quality of life.
Understanding autoimmune disorders in children
Autoimmune disorders occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, thinking they are foreign invaders. In children, some of the most commonly diagnosed autoimmune conditions include:
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA): Symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) include stiffness, swelling, and persistent joint pain. Children may have difficulty with everyday tasks, and the severity of symptoms can vary.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): This complex condition can affect multiple organs and cause symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes, and kidney problems. Monitoring is important because early warning signs can be difficult to detect.
- Dermatomyositis in children: This condition can affect a child’s mobility and energy level and is characterized by muscle weakness and a characteristic skin rash.
- Kawasaki disease: usually affects young children, characterized by high fever, rash, and swelling of the limbs. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent heart complications.
The Rise of Diagnosis: Awareness Leads to Action
The number of children diagnosed with autoimmune diseases has increased significantly in recent years. This does not mean that these disorders are becoming more common in children today than they were in the past. Instead, more accurate and timely diagnoses are the result of increased awareness among parents and healthcare professionals, as well as the availability of trained pediatric rheumatologists. For example, over the past decade, hospitals have seen an increase in the number of annual visits from 500 to 2,500. This increase underscores the importance of identifying symptoms early and getting professional support.
Seeing the Early Signs: What Parents Should Watch Out For
As a parent, you are in the best position to notice subtle changes in your child’s health. Early signs of an autoimmune disorder may include:
- Unexplained fatigue: There may be more to it than a busy day if your child is constantly exhausted, even after getting enough sleep.
- Persistent joint pain or swelling: If your child constantly complains of pain in their knees, wrists, or other joints and you don’t know why, don’t assume it’s “growing pains.”
- Skin rashes: Rashes can be a sign of underlying problems, especially if they don’t go away after conventional treatments.
- Recurrent fever: Frequent fever without a good reason requires further investigation.
- Digestive disorders: Autoimmune processes can sometimes involve persistent abdominal pain, diarrhea, or blood in the stool.
Timely action: The path to better health
If you see any of these signs, it is important to consult a pediatrician. Early assessment can lead to timely referrals to specialists, ensuring that your child receives appropriate care. Early intervention not only reduces symptoms but also prevents potential complications, allowing your child to continue enjoying their daily activities with minimal disruption.
Strengthen your family through knowledge and support
It can be difficult to diagnose an autoimmune disease in children, but remember that you are not alone. Building a support network, staying informed about your condition, and maintaining open communication with your healthcare providers are important steps. With early detection and prompt action, we can effectively control these disorders and help your child live an active and fulfilling life. By remaining vigilant and proactive, you are taking important steps to protect your child’s health. Together, we can ensure that autoimmune disorders are identified and treated promptly, changing lives for the better through prompt and informed action.
(Dr. Anand P Rao, Consultant – Pediatric Rheumatology, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road)
