How do I know if I have FMF?
How do I know if I have FMF?
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is characterized by recurrent episodes of fever accompanied by pain in the abdomen, chest, joints, pelvis, and/or muscles. Episodes may also be associated with a skin rash or headache, and rarely, pericarditis and meningitis .
How is FMF treated?
Initial treatment of FMF is with colchicine. Colchicine — Colchicine is primarily effective as a prophylactic treatment for the FMF attacks. It is recommended in all patients regardless of the frequency and intensity of attacks.
Can you grow out of Mediterranean fever?
Attacks of fever in FMF are usually accompanied by symptoms of inflammation in one or more sites. These may include abdominal pain, chest pain, joint pain and skin rashes, among others. It is a life-long disease and there is no known cure.
Can you have FMF without fever?
FMF diagnosis is supported by the presence of fever lasting less than 2 days, chest and/or abdominal pain, ethnicity. Otherwise, the absence of: fever lasting more than 6 days, enlarged cervical lymph nodes, urticarial rash, aphthous stomatitis supports the diagnosis [20].
What triggers FMF attacks?
Attacks can be triggered by fatigue, stress or physical effort. Recurrent fevers during early childhood are often the initial symptom of FMF. Temperatures can rise rapidly often spiking to 100-104 degrees Fahrenheit (or up to >40 degrees Celsius).
Does FMF ever go away?
There is no cure for FMF, but there are effective treatments. Specific treatments are aimed at the specific symptoms apparent in each individual. Many individuals are treated with the mainstay medication is called colchicine, a complex compound that reduces inflammation.
How painful is familial Mediterranean fever?
FMF often causes fever attacks that may last for up to 3 days. Fevers can spike up to 104 degrees. Along with a fever, it can cause joint pain and swelling, typically in the knee or ankle. A child’s joint may be so painful and swollen that they can’t walk.
How do you get diagnosed with FMF?
A diagnosis of FMF can be confirmed by molecular genetic testing, which can identify the characteristic MEFV gene mutations that cause the disorder. Molecular genetic testing is available through commercial and academic diagnostic laboratories.