Inflammation is the body’s response to infection or trauma. It is a defense mechanism that the immune system uses to fight off bacteria or heal injuries. However, there are times when the immune system is dysregulated and causes autoinflammatory diseases in children.
Autoinflammatory diseases cause regular bursts of inflammation that can cause a range of symptoms and potentially damage different organs in the body.
Read on to learn more about autoinflammatory diseases in children and how you can support your child if they get diagnosed with one.
What are the symptoms of autoinflammatory diseases in children?
The most common symptom of autoinflammatory disease is recurrent and unexplained fever. The fevers may be accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- Chills
- Skin rash
- Joint pain/swelling
- Sore throat
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Redness or swelling of the eyes
- Inflammation of internal organs
- Mouth sores
- Abdominal pain
The symptoms usually show up as flare-ups that can last for multiple days and, left untreated, can lead to organ damage and health complications.
What causes autoinflammatory diseases in children?
Some autoinflammatory diseases are genetic and passed on from the parents to the child. In contrast, other diseases may develop because of gene changes that help regulate the innate immune system. When the body identifies potential invaders like bacteria, viruses, or toxins, it will trigger defense mechanisms such as inflammation to fight off the invaders. However, these genes can sometimes become deregulated by environmental factors, illnesses, or exposure to toxins, leading to “flare-ups.”
In some cases, the cause of the disease is unknown.
What are the different types of autoinflammatory diseases in children?
There are many different types of autoinflammatory diseases in children, all with their unique pattern of symptoms, including:
Blau syndrome – An inherited condition that causes gene mutations leading to symptoms such as skin rashes and arthritis. It can also have an impact on vision.
Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) – Skin rash, fever, and joint pain usually caused by exposure to cold temperatures. These symptoms can last a few hours to several days.
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) – A genetic condition that causes recurrent fevers and painful inflammation in the abdomen and joints. It is more common in families of Mediterranean origin, but it can affect any ethnic group.
How are autoinflammatory diseases treated?
The treatment depends on the causes of the autoinflammatory disease, the age of the patient, and the severity of the symptoms. In all cases, the goal of the treatment is to reduce inflammation, reduce the severity of the flare-ups, and prevent long-term damage to their internal organs.
Treatment can include:
- Medication – steroids and anti-inflammatories
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Counselling to reduce the impact of emotional triggers
What to do if you notice any symptoms?
Autoinflammatory diseases are very rare in children, and the symptoms your child has could be down to other causes. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to minimize any health complications and reduce the frequency and impact of flare-ups.
If you have concerns about any recurrent fevers that your child has, contact us today to book an appointment with one of our board-certified pediatricians.