Written by Elizabeth Williams-Drueding, DO | August 1, 2026
August is Autoinflammatory Disease Awareness Month, an opportunity to shine a light on a group of rare conditions that are often misunderstood and can take years to diagnose.
While these diseases are uncommon, recognizing the symptoms can make a tremendous difference for those living with them.
What Are Autoinflammatory Diseases?
Our immune system is designed to protect us from infections and help our bodies heal. In people with autoinflammatory diseases, part of the immune system becomes overactive and causes inflammation even when there isn’t an infection or injury.
Think of it like a smoke alarm that keeps going off even though there’s no fire.
Unlike autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, autoinflammatory diseases involve a different part of the immune system that stays switched “on,” leading to repeated episodes of inflammation.
There are more than 50 known autoinflammatory diseases, including conditions such as Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS), TNF Receptor-Associated Periodic Syndrome (TRAPS), and Adult-Onset Still’s Disease.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms often come and go in episodes called flares. These may include:
- Recurring fevers without a clear cause
- Joint pain or swelling
- Skin rashes
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain
- Eye redness or pain
- Mouth sores
- Fatigue and feeling generally unwell
Some people feel completely normal between flares, while others experience ongoing low-grade inflammation.
What Can Trigger a Flare?
Not everyone has the same triggers, but common ones include:
- Physical or emotional stress
- Illness or infections
- Cold exposure (for some conditions)
- Hormonal changes
Sometimes flares occur without any obvious trigger.
Why Diagnosis Can Be Difficult
Because these symptoms can look like infections, autoimmune diseases, or other inflammatory conditions, many people spend years searching for answers.
Diagnosis often involves:
- A careful review of your medical and family history
- Blood tests to measure inflammation
- Genetic testing
- Evaluation by a rheumatologist or immunologist when appropriate
Treatment
Although there is currently no cure, there are excellent treatments that can significantly reduce inflammation, prevent flares, and lower the risk of long-term complications.
Treatment is individualized and may include medications, physical therapy, regular follow-up, and support from a team of specialists.
When Should You Talk With Your Doctor?
Most people who experience an occasional fever or joint pain do not have an autoinflammatory disease.
However, it’s worth discussing with your healthcare provider if you have:
- Recurring fevers without an explanation
- Repeated episodes of joint pain, rashes, or abdominal pain
- Symptoms that seem to follow a pattern
- A family history of similar unexplained inflammatory illnesses
Early recognition can lead to earlier treatment and a better quality of life.
Helpful Resources
If you’d like to learn more, these organizations provide excellent patient-friendly information:
- Autoinflammatory Alliance
- National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
- American College of Rheumatology
- Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
We’re Here to Help
At Active Health DPC, we believe that listening carefully to a patient’s story is one of the most important parts of good medical care. If you’ve been experiencing recurring symptoms that don’t seem to fit together or feel like you’ve never received satisfying answers, we’d be happy to help evaluate your concerns and determine whether additional testing or a specialist referral is appropriate.
Sometimes the most important step toward a diagnosis starts with someone taking the time to listen.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this content does not establish a physician patient relationship with Active Health DPC or its physicians. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific health needs. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical care.
