30 March 2009
“Arthritis in children is almost as common as diabetes”, Federal Member for Dickson Peter Dutton MP said at the beginning of Arthritis Awareness Week.
The effects of juvenile arthritis were raised at the Parliamentary Friends of Arthritis Australia meeting in Canberra March 18 where the symptoms and effects of juvenile arthritis were explained by Dr Mona Marabini.
“We think of arthritis as something older people get but there are around 5000 Australian children with forms of juvenile arthritis” Mr Dutton said.
Mr Dutton heard Annie Grindrod, 16 years of age, talk about her struggle with school each day. One of the hardest parts of her disease is fatigue and living with pain all the time.
“Arthritis can have an incredible impact, not just on children but also on their siblings and parents.
“We need to raise awareness and provide support to families who are suffering this debilitating condition.”
The cause of juvenile arthritis isn’t known and is a group of auto immune disorders diagnosed under the age of 16. Girls are affected more than boys and the main symptoms are swelling, pain and stiffness in the affected joints. These symptoms may be accompanied by fever, skin rash and/or fatigue, ant the child feels generally unwell.
As the peak body for arthritis, Arthritis Australia is responsible for promoting awareness, early diagnosis and early intervention to improve and reserve sufferers’ quality of life. In collaboration with its state and territory affiliates it provides a range of awareness, education and support services, as well as managing a national arthritis research program.
The Juvenile Arthritis in Australia report and further information is available at www.aihw.gov.au