PFAPA syndrome

Overview

The PFAPA syndrome (periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis) causes repeated episodes of fever. It is accompanied by inflammation of the back of the throat and tonsils, ulcers in the mouth and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. The exact cause of this fever syndrome is unknown. The symptoms disappear on their own after a few days.

Symptoms

Main symptoms

• Recurrent high fevers
• Ulcers (aphthae) in the mouth
• Inflammation of pharynx and tonsils
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

These symptoms occur regularly every two to ten weeks.

Other features

• The symptoms disappear on their own after 2 to 7 days
• The disease usually heals by itself between the ages of 10 and 20
  

Causes and treatment

Causes

• The cause is not known
• Genetic factors and certain infections are suspected

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Blood test (inflammatory markers)
• Throat swab

Possible therapies

• Painkillers
• Cortisone
• Removal of tonsils
  

When to see a doctor?

• Fever in babies up to 3 months old
• Febrile seizures
• Fever of higher than 39 degrees
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Disorientation
• Dificulty breathing (air hunger) or pain when breathing
• Fever after a trip to the tropics
• Skin rash, small or bigger haematoma
  

Synonyms

periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis