Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Disease Treatment and Management from a Family Perspective
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Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, JIA, is a chronic disease that impacts many children worldwide. JIA is marked by joint pain and inflammation, and includes several categories of disease depending on the patient’s symptoms. As there is no cure for JIA, successful treatment plans are vital to managing symptoms and maintaining a high quality of life. Treatments vary and can include medications and/or more conservative alternative therapies. Although only the patient carries the JIA diagnosis, the disease impacts the patient, other family members, and the family system. Despite the fact that JIA impacts the family physically, psychologically, and emotionally, many resources exist to provide information about the disease and aid in coping. This thesis details the resources available to children and families impacted by this chronic inflammatory disorder.