Children with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions may experience joint pain, swelling, fevers, rashes, or changes in mobility. Because these conditions can affect different parts of the body and symptoms may come and go, it is not always easy to recognize what is causing them at first.
WMCHealth pediatric rheumatology specialists are experienced in evaluating complex inflammatory and autoimmune conditions in children. At Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, we work closely with your family to understand your child’s symptoms and identify possible causes. Our goal is to create a treatment plan that supports your child’s long-term health and daily life.
Signs Your Child May Need a Pediatric Rheumatology Evaluation
Some rheumatologic conditions can be difficult to identify because symptoms may change over time or affect several parts of the body. Early evaluation can help your child receive the right testing and support.
Your child may be referred to pediatric rheumatology for unexplained joint swelling, recurrent fevers, inflammatory symptoms, or conditions that have not yet been clearly diagnosed. Some conditions are autoimmune diseases, while others may first appear as unexplained symptoms without a clear injury or cause.
Common Rheumatology Symptoms
You may want to talk with your pediatrician about pediatric rheumatology care if your child experiences:
- Swollen or stiff joints
- Joint pain in multiple areas
- Unexplained rashes or fevers
- Limping or changes in mobility
- Redness or warmth around joints
- Ongoing fatigue or activity limitations
In younger children, symptoms may appear as avoiding activities, favoring one leg, or changes in walking.
Chun Peng Chao
Pediatric Rheumatology
Locations:
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19 Bradhurst Avenue Suite 1400S
Hawthorne, NY 10532
Pediatric Rheumatology Treatment Capabilities
Treatment depends on your child’s diagnosis, symptoms, and overall health. Some children may need short-term care, while others benefit from ongoing monitoring and continued care.
Your child’s care plan may include:
- Biologic medications
- Infusion-based therapies
- Immunoglobulin treatments
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Steroid medications and therapies
At Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, children have access to infusion therapy services and advanced therapies for complex inflammatory conditions.
Our Approach to Pediatric Rheumatology
Many pediatric rheumatology conditions affect more than one organ system. That is why our Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital specialists work closely with other pediatric experts across WMCHealth. As a team, we evaluate symptoms, review testing, and guide treatment decisions together.
Your child’s care team may include specialists in:
- Cardiology
- Hematology
- Nephrology
- Dermatology
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious disease
When conditions are complex or difficult to diagnose, specialists may review imaging, lab results, and clinical findings together to help clarify next steps.
Partnering With Families Throughout Care
We partner closely with families throughout treatment. Parents and caregivers often notice important symptom changes between visits, especially when symptoms fluctuate. These observations help your child’s care team understand how symptoms are affecting daily life.
Your child’s goals, daily activities, school routines, and quality of life are all part of the treatment conversation. Together, we use this information to guide care that supports both everyday and long-term needs.
Support Long-Term Rheumatology Care
Some children with rheumatologic conditions need ongoing care into adolescence and adulthood. As your child gets older, our pediatric rheumatology team works closely with adult rheumatology specialists across WMCHealth to support a smooth transition of care. This coordination helps your child continue receiving specialized treatment from providers who understand their medical history and long-term needs.