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Warning-sign checks

Familial mediterranean fever: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency medical care for:

    • Sudden, severe, or unfamiliar abdominal pain
    • Chest pain with breathlessness, fainting, sweating, or pressure
    • Sudden testicular pain or swelling
    • Confusion, a stiff neck, severe weakness, or difficulty waking
    • Swelling of the lips or tongue, wheezing, or trouble breathing after medicine

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact your healthcare team promptly if an attack lasts longer than usual, feels different from previous attacks, or comes with persistent vomiting or difficulty drinking.

    Foamy urine, reduced urination, or swelling around the eyes or ankles also needs timely review.

    Severe or ongoing diarrhea, unusual bruising, marked muscle weakness, or dark urine while taking colchicine may indicate a medicine problem and should be assessed promptly.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    These symptoms can have causes other than FMF and should not be managed as a routine attack without assessment.

    Routine follow-up is appropriate if attacks are becoming more frequent, you are missing treatment because of side effects, or you want to discuss pregnancy, travel, genetic testing, or changes to your management plan.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Familial mediterranean fever. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.