"Rheumatic Fever: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options"

Overview Types Causes & Risk Factors Symptoms Preventions Treatment

Overview

Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop when strep throat or scarlet fever is not properly treated. It is a serious condition that can cause long-lasting heart damage, including heart valve problems and heart failure. Rheumatic fever is a rare disease in the United States and other developed countries, but it can affect anyone, regardless of age or background.

Types of Rheumatic Fever

There are two main types of rheumatic fever:

Acute rheumatic fever: This is the most common type of rheumatic fever, which occurs suddenly after an episode of strep throat or scarlet fever.
Chronic rheumatic fever: This type of rheumatic fever occurs when the infection is not properly treated and the symptoms persist over time.

Causes of Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic fever is caused by an infection with Streptococcus (strep-toe-KOK-us) bacteria, which can cause strep throat or scarlet fever. The infection is typically treated with antibiotics, but if the infection is not fully cleared, it can lead to the development of rheumatic fever.

Risk Factors of Rheumatic Fever

Certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing rheumatic fever, including:

Age: Children and adolescents are more likely to develop rheumatic fever than adults.
Genetic predisposition: Having a family history of rheumatic fever may increase the risk of developing the disease.
Untreated strep throat: Failing to treat strep throat with antibiotics can increase the risk of developing rheumatic fever.

Symptoms of Rheumatic Fever

The symptoms of rheumatic fever can vary depending on the severity and location of the infection. Common symptoms include:

1. Fever: A high fever that can last for several days.

2. Rash: A rash that may appear on the skin.

3. Pain: Pain in the joints, particularly in the hands and feet.

4. Swollen joints: Swelling in the joints, particularly in the hands and feet.

5. Difficulty moving: Difficulty moving or performing daily activities due to joint pain and swelling.

Preventions of Rheumatic Fever

Preventing strep throat and scarlet fever is key to preventing rheumatic fever. This can be done by:

Getting prompt treatment for strep throat: Taking antibiotics as prescribed by a healthcare provider can help clear the infection and prevent the development of rheumatic fever.
Practicing good hygiene: Washing hands frequently and thoroughly can help prevent the spread of strep bacteria.
Getting vaccinated: Getting vaccinated against strep bacteria can help prevent the development of strep throat and scarlet fever.

Diagnosis of Rheumatic Fever

Diagnosing rheumatic fever typically involves a combination of:

Medical history: A medical history to identify any symptoms or signs of rheumatic fever.
Physical exam: A physical exam to assess any signs of joint pain and swelling.
Laboratory tests: Laboratory tests, such as blood tests and urine tests, to assess any signs of inflammation or infection.
Imaging studies: Imaging studies, such as echocardiograms and MRI scans, to assess any signs of heart damage.

Treatment for Rheumatic Fever

Treatment for rheumatic fever typically involves antibiotics to kill the strep bacteria, as well as pain relief medication to manage joint pain and swelling. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to manage complications.

When to seek medical attention ?

If you suspect that you or your child has developed symptoms that may be related to rheumatic fever, seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare provider.