How Long Can You Live With Still's Disease?

Still’s Disease Lifespan & Management: SJIA vs AOSD Explained

Still’s disease is a rare inflammatory disorder that can affect both children and adults. When this condition occurs in children, it’s called systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA); meanwhile, when it affects adults, it’s called adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD).

With proper treatment, most patients with Still's disease have a near-normal lifespan. However, severe complications like MAS or heart inflammation can be life-threatening without prompt intervention.

Understanding how Still's disease affects long-term health and quality of life can help patients make informed decisions about the treatment. Read on to learn more about how long a person can live with Still’s disease and what factors may influence their outlook.

What are the types of Still’s disease?

Still’s disease includes two main forms:

1. Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA)
2. Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD).
    

SJIA is a specific type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), but other forms of JIA are different conditions and not classified as Still’s disease. While SJIA and AOSD share many similar symptoms, they typically develop at different ages.
 

When Does Still’s Disease Start?

• Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) usually begins in children under age 5.
• Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) commonly starts in people aged 15–25 or 36–45.
   

What are the symptoms of Still’s disease?

Common symptoms of Still’s disease include:

• Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• Muscle and joint pain
• Sore throat
• High fever (can reach 41°C)
• Salmon-pink skin rash
• Swollen or stiff joints
• In children, arthritis can be more severe.
   

How Long Does Still’s Disease Last?

Still’s disease can follow different patterns:

1. Monophasic: One episode lasts weeks to months, and then it goes away.
2. Polyphasic: Multiple flare-ups with symptom-free periods in between.
3. Chronic: Ongoing symptoms that may cause long-term joint damage.
    

What are the complications of Still’s disease?

If not treated properly, Still’s disease can cause serious problems like

• Joint damage or deformities
• Swollen liver or spleen
• Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS):A life-threatening immune response
• Pericarditis: Inflammation around the heart
• Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle
• Pleuritis: Inflammation around the lungs
• Amyloidosis: A rare buildup of abnormal protein in organs
   

How is Still’s Disease Diagnosed?

Still’s disease is hard to diagnose because there’s no single test for it. Doctors usually:

• Check your medical history and symptoms
• Conduct a physical exam
• Run blood tests (e.g., to check ferritin and white blood cell levels)
• Use scans like X-rays or ultrasounds to spot joint damage or organ swelling
• Sometimes, heart scans (echocardiograms) are done.
   

What is the treatment for Still’s disease?

There’s no cure yet, but treatment can control the symptoms and improve the quality of life.

For Children (SJIA):

• Starts with NSAIDs (like ibuprofen)
• If NSAIDs don’t work, steroids (oral or IV) are used to reduce inflammation fast.
• Long-term use of steroids is avoided due to side effects.
• Biologics (targeted medicines) are now often used, sometimes right away.
• Once fevers and rashes improve, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be added to manage joint symptoms.
   

For Adults (AOSD):

• Treatment is similar: NSAIDs, steroids, DMARDs, and biologics
• Occupational therapy may help with daily tasks and joint care.
   

What Causes Still’s Disease?

The cause isn’t fully understood, but it likely involves:

• Immune system issues
• Genetic and environmental triggers
• Viral infections or allergies
• Inflammation caused by the body attacking itself (autoimmune/autoinflammatory response)
   

Can People With Still's Disease Have Kids?

Yes, people with Still’s disease can have children. However, pregnancy might bring some extra challenges for those affected by this condition.

Can Still's Disease Affect the Brain?

Yes, although it's rare, Still's disease can affect the brain and central nervous system. While this doesn’t happen often, some people may develop problems like

• Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)
• Nerve damage
• Stroke-like events
• Meningitis without infection (aseptic meningitis)
   

What are Some Ways to Manage Still’s Disease?

Lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and improve daily life:

• Exercise: Keeps joints flexible and helps reduce stiffness and fatigue.
• Diet: No special diet needed, but healthy eating and managing weight support joint health.
• Fatigue Management: Learn to balance rest and activity, and protect joints during tasks.
• Sleep: Getting enough good-quality sleep reduces inflammation and boosts recovery.
   

Although Still’s disease is a rare and complex condition, many people diagnosed with it can lead fulfilling lives with the right treatment. Early diagnosis, ongoing medical care, and lifestyle adjustments can help improve quality of life and control symptoms.

It’s also important to consider health insurance to protect both your health and finances during such challenging times. At Star Health, our health insurance plans cover a wide range of health conditions and offer easy claim processes with quick settlements through a network of over 14,000 hospitals across India.

Call now for more details!

Also Read:

→ When is a Fetus’s Brain Fully Developed

→ What are Menkes and Wilson's diseases

→ Is Autoimmune Pancreatitis Curable

→ What are the 4 stages of pancreatitis

→ What are the 4 granulomatous diseases