Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), commonly associated with older adults, surprisingly affects a significant number of young people, including teenagers. This chronic autoimmune disease primarily targets joints, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and eventually joint deformity. It’s a condition that doesn’t spare the youth, as studies have shown RA can develop in individuals as young as 18 to 34 years, with an incidence of about 8 in 100,000 in this age group.
The impact of RA on young adults and teenagers is profound, not only physically but also emotionally and socially. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is typically linked with aging joints, RA in young people can often be a result of an autoimmune disorder. This includes juvenile arthritis or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, affecting approximately 300,000 children under the age of 16 in the United States. However, young adults can also develop osteoarthritis.
Diagnosing RA in young adults can be challenging. Most symptoms, like joint pain and swelling, are common in other conditions too. The disease tends to start between the ages of 30 and 60, but can occur in children and young adults, termed young-onset rheumatoid arthritis (YORA). The median age of onset across both genders is 58, and men are less likely to be diagnosed before the age of 45. RA in young adults may present more severe symptoms and require different management strategies compared to older adults.
One of the complications of RA in younger individuals is the development of Sjogren’s syndrome, a disorder that reduces moisture in the eyes and mouth. Additionally, the immune system impairment, either due to the disease itself or the medications used for treatment, can increase the risk of infections. Therefore, vaccinations and protective measures are crucial for people with RA.
For more in-depth information on rheumatoid arthritis in young adults, its symptoms, causes, and treatments, explore these resources:
WebMD provides insights into how RA affects young adults.
Cleveland Clinic offers an overview of RA’s impact on young adults.
Detailed information about RA symptoms and causes can be found on Mayo Clinic.
Medical News Today discusses how arthritis can affect young adults.
Learn about arthritis in teenagers from Children’s Health.
For more on the age of onset of rheumatoid arthritis, visit Verywell Health.
Cleveland Clinic again provides valuable information on rheumatoid arthritis.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis information can be found at KidsHealth.
The CDC offers comprehensive details on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
NIAMS provides information on Rheumatoid Arthritis.
