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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffSigns and symptoms of familial Mediterranean fever usually begin during childhood. In fact, 90 percent of all people initially diagnosed with FMF are younger than 20 years old. The signs and symptoms, which are collectively referred to as attacks, often occur with little warning. Generally, the attacks last two to three days. Typical signs and symptoms of FMF may include:
- A sudden fever, ranging from about 100 F (37.8 C) to 104 F (40 C)
- Abdominal pain
- Recurrent chest pain
- Achy, swollen joints
- Constipation followed by diarrhea (in children, usually just diarrhea)
- A red rash on your legs, especially below your knees
- Muscle aches
- A swollen, tender scrotum
Attacks usually occur sporadically, although some people report that vigorous exercise or stress provokes their attacks. Symptom-free periods may be as short as a week or as long as months. Between attacks, you'll likely feel normal.
When to see a doctor
If you or your child experiences sudden worrisome signs or symptoms, such as shortness of breath or passing out, call 911 or get emergency medical help.
See your doctor if you or your child has a sudden fever accompanied by pain in the abdomen, chest and joints so that the doctor can determine the cause.
- Familial Mediterranean fever. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec19/ch297/ch297b.html. Accessed May 28, 2010.
- Kastner DL. Familial Mediterranean fever. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2899961. Accessed May 28, 2010.
- Fonnesu C, et al. Familial Mediterranean fever: A review for clinical management. Joint Bone Spine. 2009;76:227.
- Rosenberg PM, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of familial Mediterranean fever. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 1, 2010.
- Galip G, et al. Current perspectives on familial Mediterranean fever. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 2009;22:309.
- Rosenberg PM, et al. Management of familial Mediterranean fever. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 1, 2010.
- Ben-Chetrit E, et al. Familial Mediterranean fever in the world. Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2009;61:1447.
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