What Is Mediterranean Flu?

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) or Mediterranean flu is an inherited disorder usually affecting people of Mediterranean origin including Sephardic Jews, Arabs, Armenians and Turks. The disorder is an inflammatory disorder involving inflammation of the abdomen, lungs and joints. Patients with FMF inherit the disorder through a mutated gene, which causes the inflammation. Sufferers of the disorder often experience pain in the inflamed areas. Although there is no cure for the disorder, the patients may seek relief through treatment.

Symptom Attacks

Sufferers of FMF often experience symptoms during childhood and 90 percent of patients with FMF are diagnosed before they reach 20 years old, according to the Mayo Clinic. People with FMF experience attacks that typically last between two and three days. Common symptoms during attacks include sudden fever, abdominal pain, chest pain, aches in joints, constipation, diarrhea, muscle aches and a red rash on their legs. Between attacks, sufferers do not experience symptoms. Sufferers may experience attacks every week or every few months.

Testing and Diagnosis

Currently, there is not a particular test to detect FMF in patients experiencing attacks. Doctors can diagnose patients from their symptoms, family history and ethnicity. Doctors also perform blood tests to detect elevated levels of white blood cells when the patient experiences an attack. Because FMF is an inherited disorder, genetic testing may determine if the patient has a genetic mutation associated with FMF. The disorder is an autosomal recessive trait, which means the mutated gene must be inherited from each parent to develop the inflammatory condition.

Treatment Options

Although FMF cannot be cured, there are treatment options available for patients to control their symptoms. Doctors treating FMF frequently prescribe colchicine, which is an anti-inflammatory drug. The drug is taken at least once a day to prevent attacks and lessen troublesome symptoms such as diarrhea. Side effects including muscle weakness, numbness in hands and feet, and kidney function problems are possible when taking colchicine. Other drug options for patients experiencing side effects including Enbrel, Remicade or Kineret.

Lifestyle Changes

Certain lifestyle changes should help control FMF symptoms and prevent any other complications. Taking medication on schedule is important for preventing attacks, getting relief and reducing any possible side effects. If you're planning on becoming pregnant, it's important to communicate your intent with your doctor to increase your chances of a comfortable pregnancy and healthy baby. Following a low-fat, lactose-free diet should help eliminate abdominal discomfort while you take colchicine.

Finding Support

Coping with a chronic illness as the patient or the parent of a patient can be a difficult process. Being informed about the disorder is important, so you understand the symptoms and what to expect. You can learn more about FMF by talking with your doctor and reading informative brochures. Talking with a support group will help you vent your frustrations with people in the same situation. You can find a support group by asking your doctor.