Autoinflammatory is quite a mouthful. Break it apart and the idea becomes easier to understand: the body’s inflammatory defenses are becoming active when they should be quiet, or staying active longer than they should.
The innate immune system is an early line of defense against infection and injury. In autoinflammatory diseases, problems in its regulation can produce inflammation without the usual trigger. The consequences vary: recurrent fever, rash, joint symptoms, abdominal pain, or inflammation affecting particular organs.
Are these always inherited?
No. Some conditions are caused by a change in one gene and can run in families. Others involve a new genetic change, an acquired change in some cells, or more complex causes. “Genetic” and “inherited” do not mean exactly the same thing. Symptoms can begin in childhood or adulthood.
Different diseases, different patterns
Examples include FMF, TRAPS, CAPS and mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD). MVK is the gene associated with MKD. PFAPA and Still’s disease also belong in discussions of autoinflammation, but do not follow the same simple inheritance pattern as every monogenic syndrome.
Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a serious hyperinflammatory complication that can occur in several settings, including Still’s disease. It should not be treated as simply another name on a list of inherited periodic fever syndromes.
Where to begin
A recurring fever is a reason to look carefully at the pattern—not proof of an autoinflammatory disease. Start with the basics, browse the condition guides, or read how genetic results are interpreted.
Further reading: MedlinePlus overview and clinical guidance.
Updated September 30, 2026.