Still’s Disease

Still’s disease is a disorder condition caused by infection with a microbe, hypersensitivity, or autoimmune disorder. The actual cause of Still’s disease is not yet confirmed anyway. The condition is known as a type of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). It mostly happens in children, but may also attack adults. Still’s disease usually comes with inflammation, high fevers, gland swelling, internal organ involvement, rash, and arthritis.

The symptoms of Still’s disease are usually systemic or body-wide. Patients may feel extreme fatigue, high fever which alters from high, low, to high again, poor appetite, nausea, weight loss, gland swelling, liver enlargement, sore throat, spleen enlargement, and rashes that do not itch. Some may also feel inflammation and fluid accumulation in areas around heart and lungs.

The diagnosis of Still’s disease is not that easy since there are shared symptoms with those of other types of arthritis. Practitioners can only make diagnosis after careful physical examination, medical record analysis, blood test, and even x-rays. After the indications are found, Stills’ disease can be treated with the NSAIDS (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) which are common to treat joint pain or inflammation. NSAIDS will relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation. Otherwise, the DMARDS (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) or also known as SAARDS (slow acting anti rheumatic drugs) can also be a good alternative. The medication works slowly in long term, usually after several months. However, DMARDS are usually used in combination with NSAIDS because they can only slow down the development of Still’s disease, not to stop it in near time.

If the condition is acute, doctor may suggest stronger medication such as Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids may control the symptoms of Still’s disease better, however the side effects on children should also be considered. Parents should now use the drugs without doctor’s recommendation. Acute Still’s disease may also include physical therapy, physical exercise, and joint protection in order to treat the condition. They are beneficial to recover joint’s work, maintain muscle tone, protect joint, and prevent future damage. Surgery can also be recommended if the Still’s disease has been aggressive and destructed joint. By undergoing surgery, patients will be able to perform their normal activities. A general surgery for Still’s disease will reduce pain, improve joint functions, improve joint appearance, replace affected or destructed joint, and/or reconstruct tendon. The appropriate medication to treat Still’s disease depends on the severity and other accompanying conditions. Consult doctor as early as possible if you find any symptoms or light signs of the disease, so that potential harm can be avoided.