Are you a parent with a lot of care and concern for your child? Do you often struggle to deal with the spontaneous sickness of your child? Raising a child is a complete journey filled with joy, laughter, and lots of health concerns. One of the most concerning issues that parents often struggle with is the periodic fever syndrome. This is the problem of recurring fevers in children and can be alarming.

Let’s explore more about the disease and understand what periodic fever syndrome is and how we can take care of it.

What is Periodic Fever Syndrome?

Periodic fever syndrome refers to the problem of fever recurring in a child without the detection of any serious illness or infection. These fever episodes normally occur at regular times and can even last for days. Normally, fevers are caused due to infection and can be a result of any subsequent disease. Unlike other fevers, periodic fever syndrome is not caused by any bacterial or viral pathogen. In fact, they are a result of any underlying genetic factor.

What are the Types of Periodic Fever Syndrome?

  • There are several types of periodic fever syndrome that affects children:

    • PFAPA Syndrome

    • PFPA Syndrome is the most common syndrome, and it stands for Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Adenitis. In this type of periodic fever, children face the issue of fever every few weeks. This often leads to other issues like mouth sores, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. This syndrome affects children between the ages of 2 and 5. There are no long-term complications, yet treatment for the disease is advisable. PFAPA is a long-term disease, and will tend to recover as the kid grows up.

    • FMF Syndrome

    • Familial Mediterranean Fever or FMF is common among people of the Mediterranean area or Middle Eastern descent. This syndrome causes recurring fever and also leads to inflammation in other body parts like the abdomen, chest, or joints. Sometimes, painful swelling in the joints can even make it hard to walk. Normally, the syndrome affects the kids below the age of 10. If left untreated, it may lead to an unwanted build-up of protein and can even lead to organ failure.

    • Hyper IgD Syndrome

    • The hyper lgD Syndrome or HIDS is a genetic disorder. It is a rare genetic fever condition and is also known as Mevalonate Kinase-Associated Periodic Fever Syndrome. The symptoms usually start in the child in the first year and the fever can go up to 104 degrees. The symptoms may include – rash, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, joint pain, etc.

    • Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor

    • Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS) – This is a condition that causes intermittent fevers. These fevers are often followed by other issues like rashes, chills, and muscle pain.

What are the Symptoms of Periodic Fever Syndrome?

  • Periodic fever syndrome causes regular episodes of fever accompanied by other symptoms listed below:
    • 1.   Mouth Ulcers (Common in PFAPA)
    • 2.   Sore throat and swollen lymph nodes
    • 3.   Abdominal pain
    • 4.   Joint pain and swelling
    • 5.   Skin rashes
    • 6.   Headaches

How Can Parents Diagnose Periodic Fever Syndrome?

  • The diagnosis of this disease is a little challenging but you can start by cancelling out the other causes of periodic fever such as infection or any other disease. Some other common ways of diagnosis are:

  • Physical Test

  • The doctors will completely examine the child’s body and will look for signs associated with the disease such as – swelling, abdominal pain, rashes, muscle pain, etc.

  • Blood and Urine Test

  • Blood and urine tests are critical to identify if there is any other underlying condition or disease that a child is suffering from. Tests are often conducted both times, when your child is sick and when he is well to compare the inflammation at all times.

  • Genetic Test

  • This periodic fever syndrome could be a genetic condition, and that is why it becomes crucial to identify the true cause of it. This is conducted via lab test or physical examinations to identify if your child has an inherited syndrome.

What Treatment Options Are Available for Periodic Fever Syndrome?

The type of treatment for your child will depend on the diagnosis. The important aspect is to get a doctor’s consultation and get proper prescribed treatment. Doctors will advise ways or provide medications to mitigate the symptoms and reduce inflammations. Some periodic fever syndrome episodes demand long-term treatment while others may resolve quickly.

Parents may also incorporate some lifestyle changes and adjustments along with the medications. Take a regular fever check, give your child a healthy diet, make them drink plenty of water, and take extra caution in changing weather conditions.

Conclusion

Periodic fever syndrome is not easily detectable and requires a lot of precaution and care. Parents need to take extra care of their child to understand the problem in depth, and get relief. Consult your healthcare professional for other precautions, and ensure your child’ well-being at all times.