Understanding Autoinflammatory Syndromes: When the Immune System Creates the Fire
- Dr. Isabelle Amigues
- Sep 3
- 2 min read
Autoinflammatory syndromes are some of the most intriguing—and often overlooked—conditions in rheumatology. Because they’re rare and can mimic more common illnesses, they’re frequently misdiagnosed. Raising awareness is essential for early detection and better outcomes.
What Are Autoinflammatory Syndromes?
Inflammation is your body’s natural way of healing and fighting off infection. But in autoinflammatory syndromes, the immune system “misfires”—triggering inflammation even when there’s no infection or injury to defend against. This leads to repeated flares that look and feel like infections, but with no infectious cause.
Common symptoms include:
Abdominal pain
Skin rashes
Sometimes chest pain or shortness of breath
During these episodes, blood tests often show high markers of inflammation, but between flares, test results may return to normal.
Why Early Recognition Matters
Even if symptoms come and go, untreated chronic inflammation can have serious consequences. Over time, persistent inflammation can cause amyloid protein deposits, which may damage the kidneys, heart, and other vital organs. That’s why early diagnosis and proactive treatment are so important.
The Genetics Behind Autoinflammatory Syndromes
Most autoinflammatory syndromes are genetic. If you have a family history of unexplained fevers or inflammatory conditions, it could be a clue. Different family members might experience different symptoms or severity.
Some well-known autoinflammatory syndromes:
TRAPS (TNF Receptor Associated Periodic Syndrome): More common in families from Northern Europe.
Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF): More prevalent among people from Turkey, Greece, Italy, and North Africa.
Interestingly, these genetic traits may have once offered survival advantages against infections, but today, they can cause harmful inflammation.
How Are Autoinflammatory Syndromes Treated?
The good news: effective treatments are available, and new therapies are emerging all the time.
First-line therapy: Colchicine (often used for gout) can help reduce inflammation and prevent flares.
Advanced therapies: Biologic medications that block specific inflammatory pathways (such as IL-1, TNF, or IL-6 inhibitors).
Supportive approaches: Calming the nervous system—through techniques like vagus nerve stimulation—may help some patients reduce flares.
The primary goal is to control inflammation, prevent long-term organ damage, and help you reclaim your quality of life.
When Should You Talk to a Rheumatologist?
Consider reaching out to your doctor or a rheumatology clinic if you or a loved one experience:
Repeated fevers with no clear cause
Cyclic episodes of abdominal pain, joint pain, or skin rash
A family history of similar unexplained symptoms
Genetic testing is available and can help clarify the diagnosis and guide treatment choices.
The Bottom Line
Autoinflammatory syndromes may be rare, but with the right diagnosis and treatment plan, flares can be managed and long-term health protected. If you or someone you know is experiencing unexplained, recurring symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek expert advice.
For more information, check out my latest YouTube episode HERE, or reach out to our clinic for a consultation.
or call 303-731-4006
Are you in need of a compassionate rheumatologist who will listen and work with you toward disease remission? If you're searching for the best direct-care rheumatologist in Denver, UnabridgedMD is here for you. Click here to get in touch https://www.unabridgedmd.com or call 303-731-4006
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