Rheumatic fever & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is rheumatic fever?

Rheumatic fever is inflammation of the liver, nervous system, skin, and joints, following a bacterial infection. Rheumatic fever can arise as a result of complications from strep throat or untreated scarlet fever.

This disease is not contagious, but the infection that causes it is contagious.

How common is rheumatic fever?

Rheumatic fever can occur at any age but generally in children under 18 years. You can minimize the possibility of suffering from this disease by reducing risk factors. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of rheumatic fever?

Rheumatic fever symptoms include:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Mild rash, which appears under the skin in bony areas such as the hands, wrists, elbows, and fingers
• Inflammation of the joints is accompanied by pain, swelling, and feeling hot

If the heart is affected, there can be shortness of breath, swollen ankles, swollen areas around the eyes, and a faster pounding heart.

The most common complication is damage to the heart valves leading to a heart murmur. Sometimes this damaged heart valve has to be replaced.

There may be some signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about a particular symptom, please consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Your child should see a doctor if he or she has symptoms and signs of strep throat. Proper treatment will prevent rheumatic fever. In addition, you need to go to the hospital if you experience:

• Sore throat without other flu symptoms such as runny nose
• Sore throat accompanied by swollen and painful lymph nodes
• A red rash that starts on the head and neck and spreads downward
• Difficulty swallowing anything including saliva
• Thick and bloody discharge from the nose. Usually occurs in children under 3 years
• A bright red tongue filled with rashes, also known as "strawberry tongue"

Cause

What causes rheumatism?

Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body reacts against its own cells and tissues. Recent research has found that a strep throat infection is the trigger. Strep bacteria contain proteins that are similar to proteins found in certain tissues in the body. Therefore, immune system cells that normally attack bacteria will treat the body's own tissues as if they were an infection maker, especially the tissues of the liver, joints, skin, and central nervous system. This immune system reaction causes inflammation.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for rheumatic fever?

Factors that can increase your risk of rheumatic fever include:

• Family history. Some people can carry genes that make them more at risk of developing rheumatic fever.
• Strep bacteria. Certain types of strep bacteria are more likely to cause rheumatic fever than other types of bacteria
• Environmental factor. A higher risk of rheumatic fever is often associated with densely populated areas, poor hygiene, and other conditions that cause the spread and transmission of the strep bacteria.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for rheumatic fever?

After diagnosing rheumatic fever, your doctor will give you antibiotics for the bacteria for a few days. Tell the doctor if your child is allergic to penicillin.

In addition, if you have muscle and joint pain, your doctor can give you anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or corticosteroids to help reduce pain and control the symptoms of rheumatic fever.

What are the usual tests for rheumatic fever?

The doctor can make a diagnosis through a medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests such as blood tests to find streptococcus bacteria or streptococcus antibodies in the blood.

In addition, doctors can also perform chest x-rays, ECG, and echocardiography to see damage to the heart valves.

If there is heart damage, you will be referred to a cardiologist (a doctor who specializes in heart medicine).

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat rheumatic fever?

The following lifestyle and home remedies can help you deal with rheumatic fever:

• If your child has rheumatic fever, you should reduce his activity until the symptoms disappear, usually 2-5 weeks
• Make sure your child takes the prescribed antibiotics until they run out
• If fever develops, drink plenty of water

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.