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Health library/Familial Mediterranean fever

Immune health

Familial Mediterranean fever

Also known as: Benign paroxysmal peritonitis, Familial paroxysmal polyserositis, FMF, MEF, Recurrent polyserositis, Reimann periodic disease

Familial Mediterranean fever produces recurrent attacks of inflammatory fever and pain. Persistent inflammation between attacks can cause serious complications in some people.

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What you may notice

Symptoms can overlap with other conditions and vary between people.

  • Recurring fever
  • Abdominal pain
  • Chest pain
  • Painful swollen joints

Understanding care

Clinical care may include specialist assessment of recurring attacks and monitoring of inflammation and kidney health. A qualified clinician decides which investigations and options fit the individual situation.

When to seek help

Discuss recurring inflammatory attacks with a specialist. New severe abdominal or chest pain, breathing difficulty or marked illness should not be assumed to be an ordinary flare.

For severe breathing difficulty, collapse, suspected stroke, or another emergency, call local emergency services immediately. In India, call 112.

Read the medical sources

These sources support the educational article and offer more detail.

Educational reading · Updated 6 October 2026

Prepared from the linked sources. This summary has not had an independent clinician review. A qualified clinician can assess symptoms and explain which information applies to you.

A child and a caring grown-up reading a picture book together

LITTLE PEOPLE. BIG FEELINGS.

It’s okay to have
a lot of questions.

A doctor visit or an unfamiliar health word can feel scary. You can ask a trusted grown-up to help you understand, one small question at a time.

01

Say how you feel.

“I feel worried” is a good place to start.

02

Ask for simple words.

“Can you explain that in a way I understand?”

03

Bring someone you trust.

A caring adult can help you ask and listen.

For children and their grown-ups. This illustration explains a conversation, not a diagnosis. An adult should seek qualified care for a child who is unwell.

Familial Mediterranean fever — First AID health library