Autoimmune Disorders and Children: Diagnosis and Management

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1 Autoimmune Disorders and Children: Diagnosis, Management and Health

Autoimmune Disorders and Children: Diagnosis, Management and Health

It is estimated that autoimmune disorders affect approximately 50 million people in the United States; this includes both adults and children. Although autoimmune disorders affect people of all ages, children, who have developing immune systems, seem to be particularly vulnerable to the development of such disorders.

Diagnosis of Autoimmune Disorders in Children

The diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder in a child can be challenging. The diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder is based on a combination of symptoms and physical findings, laboratory tests and other medical information. In some cases, a specific test may not be available to diagnose a particular autoimmune disease. Some common signs and symptoms of a possible autoimmune disorder can include persistent fever, fatigue, joint pain, rash, and weight loss.

Management of Autoimmune Disorders in Children

The management of an autoimmune disorder in a child often involves aggressive treatment and/or prevention of its underlying cause(s) and the manifestation of symptoms. It is important to have a child’s autoimmune disorder monitored and managed on an ongoing basis by a qualified physician. The physician may use a range of different therapies that could include medications, dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and even complementary and alternative therapies.

Health of Children With Autoimmune Disorders

A child with an autoimmune disorder will typically require ongoing health care. It is important for these families to have access to a supportive health care team that can provide guidance and tailored care to ensure that the child’s health remains optimized and the risks of the disorder are minimized.