Other Inflammatory & Auto-Inflammatory Conditions
Inflammatory conditions like auto-inflammatory syndromes and sarcoidosis can significantly affect a child’s health, affecting their ability to spend time with their friends, participate in sports, and focus on school. These conditions often lead to persistent symptoms such as pain, fatigue, or fever, which can pose long-term health risks to vital organs.
At Child Neurology & Consultants of Austin, we understand the challenges these conditions can bring. Our team offers comprehensive and compassionate care, tailored to each child's unique needs. Through a gentle and personalized approach, we focus on managing symptoms, preventing complications, and providing the support families need to foster hope and healing.
Common Conditions
There are several inflammatory conditions that affect children of all ages. For these children, we take pride in offering dedicated care that is personalized to their symptoms, bodies, and lifestyles. The most common auto-inflammatory conditions we treat include the following.
Auto-inflammatory syndromes in children are a group of rare conditions caused by an overactive immune system, which triggers recurrent episodes of inflammation without an apparent infection or autoimmune trigger.
Some examples include periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome; familial Mediterranean fever (FMF); and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS). These syndromes are often linked to genetic mutations that affect the regulation of the immune response, leading to excessive inflammation in various parts of the body.
Common symptoms may include:
- Recurrent high fevers
- Skin rashes or hives
- Abdominal, chest, or joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes and enlarged glands.
- Mouth sores or throat pain.
- Fatigue
Diagnosing auto-inflammatory syndromes involves a detailed medical history, physical exams, and blood tests to assess inflammatory markers. Genetic testing is often used to identify mutations specific to conditions like FMF or TRAPS. Imaging studies and biopsies may also be needed to check for organ involvement.
Treatment options aim to reduce inflammation and prevent flare-ups. This approach may include anti-inflammatory medications, such as corticosteroids, and targeted therapies, which directly address the underlying immune dysregulation. Regular monitoring and a tailored care plan play a crucial role in managing symptoms and maintaining a child’s overall health and well-being.
Sarcoidosis in children is a rare inflammatory condition where clusters of immune cells, known as granulomas, form in various organs. These granulomas can interfere with how affected organs function, most commonly impacting the lungs, lymph nodes, skin, or eyes. Sarcoidosis may resolve on its own; however, some children may need monitoring and treatment for it throughout their lifetimes.
Symptoms of sarcoidosis may include:
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood
- Joint pain
- Skin rashes or raised patches.
- Eye pain, redness, or vision problems
- Fatigue
- Fainting spells or abnormal heartbeat
- Weakness on one side of the face
- Headaches
- Seizures
Diagnosing sarcoidosis may involve imaging techniques like X-rays and CT scans to detect granulomas, as well as an electrocardiogram (EKG) to monitor the heart. Blood tests may also be used to assess inflammation and detect autoimmune deficiencies.
Treatment for sarcoidosis in children focuses on reducing inflammation and managing symptoms. Mild cases may improve on their own, but more severe cases often require corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications.
Auto-Inflammatory Syndrome Treatment for Children in Austin, TX
Provide your child with compassionate and dedicated treatment for their condition from expert physicians who truly care. Call Child Neurology & Consultants of Austin at (512) 494-4000 or request an appointment now. We look forward to serving you at one of our three convenient locations in Central Austin, Cedar Park, or South Austin.
