In order to control and coexist better with the familiar Mediterranean fever, which usually arises during childhood, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician, because although there is no cure, the disease can be controlled with treatment that must be done during the life so that disease crises are rare.
Thus, in the case of suspected Mediterranean family fever, when the child has fever, pain in the belly, chest and joints, it is important to perform blood tests to identify the mutation causing the disease and to confirm the diagnosis, especially if there are cases of illness in the family.
Treatment to relieve symptoms, decrease suffering and ensure a normal life should be started as soon as possible and can be done at home using the remedies prescribed by the doctor. However, if symptoms worsen and there is shortness of breath or fainting during a seizure, it is recommended to go to the emergency room immediately.
How is the treatment done?
The treatment for family fever in the Mediterranean, which is an inherited inflammatory disease in which the body can not control or stop any inflammation, involves the use of medicines such as:
- Colchicine: reduces inflammation of the body because it prevents cell multiplication and therefore decreases the intensity of symptoms, however, can produce side effects such as diarrhea, weakness and tingling in the hands and feet;
- Anti-inflammatories, such as Anacinra or Rilonacept: are used primarily in cases where it is not possible to control the symptoms with colchicine.
This type of treatment, although it does not cure the disease, helps to alleviate the symptoms and prevent their onset and therefore must be done during the whole life during the crises under medical supervision.
What are the symptoms
Symptoms of Mediterranean family fever usually first manifest during childhood, and even when the disease is controlled with medication, seizures may occur, including:
- Fever above 38ºC;
- Pain in belly and chest;
- Joint pain;
- Swollen joints;
- Constipation alternated with diarrhea;
- Muscle aches;
- Redness in the legs.
Generally, crises of Mediterranean family fevers last between 1 and 3 days, although they may not manifest for several months.
Moreover, since the Mediterranean family fever is a hereditary disease that arises more frequently in Mediterranean families, such as Italians, Arabs or Turks, it is recommended to make genetic counseling before becoming pregnant.
