What is rheumatic fever?
Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory and immune-mediated disease that develops from a bacterial infection of the throat or skin called streptococcal, which also causes strep throat and scarlet fever. The pathology is mainly suffered by children and affects the heart, joints, skin, blood vessels and brain. Symptoms occur two to three weeks after infection, manifesting as joint swelling, redness and functional impotence in elbows and knees. Other symptoms are skin nodules, pain, redness or warmth in the joints, fever, weight loss, fatigue and stomach pain. Treatment consists of rest and administration of anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics.
Prognosis of the disease
Recurrence of rheumatic fever is more common in people who do not take antibiotics regularly, particularly during the first 3 to 5 years after the first attack of the disease. On the other hand, heart problems can be serious, especially if the heart valves are involved. In some cases rheumatic fever can even damage a heart valve. In such cases, the specialist may indicate a surgical operation to repair or replace the damaged valve.
After overcoming a streptococcal throat infection, rheumatic fever may develop.
Symptoms of rheumatic fever
The symptoms of rheumatic fever may vary. The patient may suffer from some or several symptoms which may vary during the course of the fever. First of all it should be noted that the onset of rheumatic fever appears after two to four weeks after a streptococcal throat infection. As for the signs and symptoms of this disease may be the result of inflammation of the heart, joints, skin or central nervous system, which may include:
- Fever
- Joint pain with movement and palpation, most often in the knees, ankles, elbows and wrists.
- Red, warm to the touch, or swollen joints
- Small, painless lumps under the skin
- Chest pain
- Heart murmur
- Fatigue
- Flat or slightly raised, painless rash with jagged borders
- Jerky, uncontrollable body movements, most often in the hands, feet, and face
- Bizarre and unusual behavior, such as crying or laughing inappropriately
Medical tests for rheumatic fever
The diagnosis of rheumatic fever can be made on the basis of different tests or based on the clinical history, the results of the physical examination and other studies. The following are the different tests that may be performed:
- Clinical tests
- Electrocardiogram
- Echocardiogram
What are the causes of rheumatic fever?
One of the causes of rheumatic fever may be the appearance of rheumatic fever after overcoming an episode of throat infection through group A streptococcus bacteria. Throat infections with this type of bacteria produce strep throat, or scarlet fever. Infections of the skin or other parts of the body with group A streptococcus can rarely lead to rheumatic fever. As for risk factors that increase the risk of rheumatic fever are:
- Family history
- Type of streptococcal bacteria
- Environmental factors
Can it be prevented?
The only way to prevent this disease is to perform proper and immediate treatment for strep throat or scarlet fever with a full course of medications prescribed by your specialist.
Treatments for rheumatic fever
The goal of treatment for rheumatic fever is to destroy the group A streptococcal bacteria, relieve symptoms, control inflammation and prevent recurrence. Recommended treatments include:
- Antibiotics
- Anti-inflammatory treatment
- Anticonvulsant medications
Which specialist treats it?
The specialist who treats rheumatic fever is the rheumatologist. Top Doctors offers the patient any kind of information in order to facilitate the booking of the patient’s appointment. The patient will be able to choose the specialist that best suits his or her needs on-line.