The Facts on FCAS FCAS stands for Familial Cold Autoinflammatory Syndrome. It can also be called FCAIS or FCU, which stands for Familial Cold Urticaria.

Symptoms of FCAS are less severe than the other 2 types of CAPS, but they can still seriously limit the decisions you make in your day-to-day life about what you can or cannot do.

These symptoms include:

• A rash that keeps coming back
• Fever
• Feeling weak or tired
• Pain in the joints
• Headache
• Chills
• Sore or red eyes
• Pain in the muscles

FCAS Can Disrupt Your Life In most cases, people that have FCAS know that something is wrong. It is clear to them from their symptoms that they need to see a doctor and find out what is going on with their health.

The symptoms of FCAS can seriously impact your day-to-day activities. Thirty people with FCAS were surveyed to see how FCAS has disrupted their everyday lives before they were treated.

Here is what they said:

	95% –	Most all people with FCAS have had to give up most of their time spent outside.
	83% –	Many people with FCAS said they have had to cancel plans with friends and family.
	78% –	Many people with FCAS said that, even if they could work, it was still hard.
	37% –	More than one third of the people with FCAS have had to leave their jobs.

The symptoms of FCAS can strongly affect daily life. There are a number of treatments, however, that can help relieve symptoms and, in some cases, may eliminate them.

Related Pages:

• For FCAS treatments visit the CAPS Treatments page
• Learn more about NOMID, the most acute CAPS syndrome
• Compare with MWS symptoms

• Overview
• About Canadian CAPS Network
• About CAPS
• Treatments
• FCAS - Facts, Symptoms and Patient Story
• MWS - Facts, Symptoms and Patient Story
• NOMID - Facts and Symptoms

• Download the CAPS Patient booklet
• Download the CCN Terms of Reference
• Download the CCN Membership Form
• References

FCAS Patient Story

I remember when I was a little boy my parents noticed that my hearing had got worse, but nobody knew at the time what was causing it. That wasn't the only symptom. I loved drama when I was younger, but so many times I would get these nasty rashes on my arms and face just when I was leaving for class in the evening, and end up having to stay home. It made me so unhappy, and my self-confidence went through the floor! When I found out that my condition had a name and that it could be treated, I couldn't believe it. Now I can just get one with my life. It's fantas

FCAS Symptoms

Rash in FCAS

People with FCAS usually start having symptoms from birth. Occasionally, symptoms may start later in childhood.

Symptoms of FCAS can begin after a person is exposed to cold temperature. For example, being in an air-conditioned room, eating cold foods, or swimming in cool water can bring on symptoms.

A rash will usually start 1 to 2 hours after being exposed to the cold. Other symptoms may start 4 to 6 hours after being exposed to the cold.

There may be some days when symptoms are not felt, but they always come back. These symptoms may get worse throughout the day. Most symptoms last up to 24 hours,although some can last longer.

Some people may not know that they have FCAS. If you think you do, you should see your doctor. It is important to be diagnosed and get treatment from your doctor.

Treatment can help relieve symptoms and, in some cases, may eliminate them.