Autoimmune diseases in children are more common than you may think. Unfortunately, they are tough to diagnose and even more tough to treat. From Crohn’s Disease to Lupus and PANS to PANDAS, autoimmune conditions can put children’s health at risk as the immune system begins to attack healthy tissue and organs throughout the body. Getting to the root cause of symptoms is necessary for successful diagnosis and treatment.
Millions of children around the world suffer from autoimmune diseases, conditions in which the body’s immune system unknowingly attacks itself. They present with many different symptoms that can significantly impact the child’s life in a variety of ways. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to getting them under control and protecting the child’s quality of life.
This article explores autoimmune diseases in children, including the types, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Autoimmune Diseases in Children
Although they are not talked about enough, many different types of autoimmune diseases can affect children. Educating yourself on what they are and how to spot them can be life-changing.
Here is everything you need to know about autoimmune diseases in children.
Types of Autoimmune Diseases in Children
The autoimmune diseases that can impact children can be placed into two different categories — those that impact one organ (localized) and those that are found throughout the body (systemic).
A few of the most common include:
- Addison’s Disease
- Crohn’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS)
- Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated w/ Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS)
- Juvenile Dermatomyositis
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Lupus
- Scleroderma
Signs of Autoimmune Diseases in Children
Because every autoimmune disease is unique, each has its own set of symptoms to look out for. So, while there isn’t a set list of signs that will cover the entire spectrum of autoimmune diseases, the below could signal that there is an issue with the immune system — and further investigation is warranted.
- Chronic fatigue or tiredness
- Low-grade fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Dizziness
- Rashes or lesions on the skin
- Stiffness or pain in the joints
- Dry eyes
- Dry mouth
- Brittle hair or hair loss
Note that most kids experiencing an autoimmune disease will feel a general sense of unwell.
Diagnosing Autoimmune Disorders in Children
Diagnosing autoimmune disorders in children is often a lengthy process. Because they are often more of the exception than the norm, it is not uncommon for medical professionals to attempt to treat the symptoms before getting to their root cause. This is why it is so important to know what to look for and advocate for your child.
Physical Exam. Uncovering an autoimmune disorder can be done through a variety of methods. A physical exam will allow the doctor to review the medical, surgical, and family history of the child. This also allows the opportunity to look for physical signs of illness, such as jaundice, a swollen belly, and so forth.
Lab Tests. Doctors can order blood tests to get a deeper look at what is going on inside the body. One of the most important factors they are looking for is abnormal proteins that are produced by the immune system as it attacks healthy tissues.
Lab work may consist of:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- C-reactive protein (CRP)
- Antinuclear antibody (ANA)
- Rheumatoid factor (RF)
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP)
Imaging Tests. Ultrasounds and MRIs may be used to detect any inflammation throughout the body.
Treatment Options for Children’s Autoimmune Diseases
Treatment options for autoimmune diseases in children will vary based on what it is and what it is impacting. Doctors often work hard to alleviate the most painful symptoms before they get to work reducing inflammation and restoring the body. This is often easier said than done, however.
Many aggressive drug treatments that are commonly used have significant side effects that can produce another set of symptoms for these young patients. These drugs include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs
- Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, or DMARDs
- Biologics
- Corticosteroids
- Intravenous immunoglobulin, or IVIg
Another type of treatment removes the plasma (antibodies) from the blood through a process known as plasmapheresis. This can greatly weaken the immune system so it is often a last resort.
More recently, new treatments are showing immense promise in treating autoimmune disorders in children, such as:
- Immunotherapy
- Stem cells
- Neuroregentaertive peptide therapy
- Growth hormones
PANDAS and PANS: A Challenge for Medical Professionals
Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) is a condition that appears quickly with dramatic symptoms appearing seemingly out of nowhere. This includes OCD behaviors, eating disorders, depression, irritability, anxiety, and more.
Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) is a subset of PANS and is similar in its acute onset — as fast as 2 to 3 days for some. The difference is that these patients will test positive for a recent streptococcal infection.
Both PANDAS and PANS can be challenging for medical professionals to diagnose. Their symptoms are often sudden and severe, but there are no definitive tests that can lead to a diagnosis. Getting to the root cause of symptoms for these kids still often leads to a misdiagnosis. The result? Many kids may go years without proper treatment.
Seek Treatment at Lyme Mexico Clinic
It is not uncommon for autoimmune diseases to go undetected in children without the right attention. Prioritize your child’s health by seeking out the best treatment from a team of doctors who are experts in autoimmune diseases, including PANS and PANDAS.
Sometimes this may mean looking beyond borders. Consider traveling outside the United States, Canada, and the UK to Mexico to meet with a top clinic, Lyme Mexico. We can discuss your symptoms and the alternative treatment options that work.
Give your child the best chance at a healthy, fulfilling future. Schedule a consultation today.
Conclusion
Autoimmune diseases in children can be tough to diagnose — especially for those who don’t make these conditions their primary focus.
Whether your child has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease or you think the symptoms are pointing in that direction, it is important to seek the right medical team.
Get to the bottom of your child’s autoimmune disease and find treatment options that will work.