Understanding Periodic Diseases: What They Are, How They Happen, and How to Treat Them
People who have periodic diseases, which are also called periodic fever syndromes, have a group of rare and complicated illnesses that are marked by repeated fevers and other symptoms. Understanding these diseases is important for correct evaluation and good treatment because they can have a big effect on a person’s quality of life. We will talk about what monthly diseases are, what causes them, what their most common signs are, and how they can be treated
What are diseases that come and go?
Periodic diseases, also called periodic fever syndromes, are a group of autoimmune and autoinflammatory illnesses that cause fever and inflammation to happen over and over again. These diseases are rare and are often passed down through families. People of all ages can get them. Genetic changes that make it hard for the body to control the inflammatory reaction are often to blame for periodic illnesses.
Periodic diseases that most people get
A number of recurring illnesses have been found. Here are some of the most well-known ones:
- Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF): FMF is one of the most common recurring diseases, and people of Mediterranean descent are most likely to get it. It gives people fevers, stomachaches, joint pain, and rashes over and over again.
- Hyper IgD Syndrome (HIDS): People with HIDS have fevers, stomach pain, swollen lymph nodes, and high amounts of IgD antibodies in their blood
TRAFS stands for Tumour Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated Periodic Syndrome. TRAPS causes fevers, stomach pain, muscle pain, and rashes to happen over and over again. Changes in the TNFRSF1A gene are what cause it.
PFAPA stands for Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Cervical Adenitis Syndrome. This disease is mostly seen in children and leads to fevers, sore throats, mouth sores, and swollen lymph nodes.
Periodic diseases often have these signs:
A fever that comes and goes is a sign of an irregular disease. During bouts, however, other signs can also happen, such as
- Pain in the stomach
- Pain and stiffness in the joints
Rash on the skin
- Pain in muscles
Aphthous ulcers, or sores in the mouth
- Lymph nodes that are swollen
- Tiredness
- Pain in the head
It’s important to remember that the signs can be different for each person and for different periodic illnesses.
How to Diagnose and Treat
Periodic diseases are hard to diagnose because they don’t happen very often and their signs can be very different. To make a diagnosis, doctors usually use a mix of clinical evaluation, genetic tests, and ruling out other possible reasons of fevers that keep coming back.
Once they are identified, the following methods are often used to treat irregular diseases:
- Drugs: Drugs like colchicine, corticosteroids, and biologics are often used to control inflammation and lower the number and intensity of bouts.
- Changes to your lifestyle: Some patients find that making changes to their lifestyle, like staying away from certain things that make their symptoms worse, can help them deal with their symptoms.
- Supportive Care: During episodes, it’s important to deal with pain and soreness, and supportive care measures like getting enough rest and water can help.
- Genetic counselling: Some diseases are passed down from parent to child, so people may be told to get genetic counselling to learn about their genetic risk and make plans for having children.
In conclusion
Periodic illnesses are a small group of rare conditions marked by recurring fever and other symptoms. People who have these diseases can have big effects on their lives, but getting diagnosed early and getting the right care can help people deal with their symptoms and live full lives. If you or someone you care about has a fever that won’t go away and other symptoms that you can’t explain, you should see a doctor right away. Only then can you find out if an annual disease is the cause and make a good treatment plan.