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Stills disease is a rare but serious autoimmune disorder that can affect both children and adults. The exact number of people around the world living with Stills disease is unknown, though estimates suggest that it affects between 1 in 1,000 and 1 in 10,000 people.
Autoimmune Disorder
Stills disease is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs in the body. This can cause inflammation and damage to the affected tissues and organs. Stills disease is also known as systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA), which is an inflammatory condition that affects multiple parts of the body.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of Stills disease include fever, rash, joint pain and swelling, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, chest pain, eye inflammation, and anemia. Symptoms usually come on suddenly and can last for several weeks or months.
Diagnosis
Stills disease is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical exam, blood tests, and imaging tests. A doctor may also order a joint fluid test to look for inflammation and a genetic test to look for a specific gene that is associated with Stills disease.
Treatment
Treatment for Stills disease typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. These medications may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and biologic drugs. In some cases, physical therapy and lifestyle changes may also be recommended.