Recognizing Autoinflammatory Diseases
Autoinflammatory diseases are a group of rare and diverse conditions that cause the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues, resulting in inflammation. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of these diseases can be challenging due to their variability and episodic nature. However, early recognition and diagnosis can lead to more effective management and improved quality of life.
When to Think About Autoinflammatory Diseases
Consider the possibility of an autoinflammatory disease if you or a loved one experiences the following recurrent symptoms (especially If the family doctor ruled out common infections, and the episodes are similar):
Fever, Skin rashes, Joint pain, Abdominal pain, Chest pain, Eye inflammation, Mouth sores, Swollen lymph nodes.
These symptoms can vary significantly from person to person and range from mild to severe. They often occur in episodes, or attacks, lasting from a few hours to weeks.
Important Signs and Symptoms
While the signs and symptoms of autoinflammatory diseases can vary greatly, some common ones include:
Fever
Important Signs and Symptoms
Skin Rash
Many autoinflammatory diseases cause skin rashes that can vary in appearance.
Joint Pain
Joint pain, often accompanied by swelling and redness, is a common symptom of many autoinflammatory diseases.
Abdominal Pain
Some autoinflammatory diseases can cause inflammation in the abdomen, leading to pain and other digestive symptoms.
Eye Inflammation
Inflammation in the eyes can occur in some autoinflammatory diseases, leading to redness, pain, and vision problems.
If you or a loved one experiences these symptoms, mainly if they occur in recurrent episodes, consider consulting a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Dear Parent or Health Care Professional,
If you suspect that a child or patient with recurrent fever may have an autoinflammatory disease, you can schedule an outpatient examination here: