What is rheumatic fever?
According to Ravi Shankerji Kesari, MD, General Practitioner, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bengaluru (India), rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can affect many organs in the body, including the joints, heart, skin, and nervous system. It often occurs after a streptococcus infection (group A streptococcus) that causes sore throat, especially when the infection is not treated promptly or is not treated adequately.
“This condition primarily affects children between the ages of 5 and 15 and is the leading cause of heart valve disease in young people,” says Dr. Kesari.
Symptoms of rheumatic fever
The symptoms of rheumatic fever can vary widely and affect different parts of the body. Dr. Kesari lists some of the most common signs as follows:
High fever: Usually the first symptom to appear and lasts for a long time, can reach 39-40°C.
Joint pain (arthritis): Pain and swelling in the joints, most commonly in the large joints such as the knees, ankles, elbows, and shoulders. Arthritis can move from joint to joint, so it is also called migratory arthritis.
Carditis: A serious symptom of the disease, it can cause inflammation of the inner layer of the heart, especially the heart valves. This can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue and irregular heartbeat.
Subcutaneous papules: Small, hard, painless bumps that appear under the skin, especially on the elbows, knees, and spine.
Fatigue and muscle weakness: Patients feel tired and weak due to arthritis and inflammation of the heart.
Causes of rheumatic fever
“The main cause of rheumatic fever is an untreated or poorly treated streptococcal infection, most commonly strep throat or scarlet fever, caused by group A streptococcus bacteria,” says Dr. Kesari.
When these infections are not promptly treated with antibiotics, the bacteria can trigger an abnormal immune response in susceptible individuals. This response causes the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy tissue, leading to inflammation and subsequent damage, primarily in the heart, joints, skin, and brain.
How to treat rheumatic fever
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are imperative to prevent complications. Dr. Kesari has listed the following treatment options:
Antibiotics: Antibiotics are the most important treatment to eliminate streptococcus bacteria and stop the progression of the disease. Penicillin or amoxicillin are commonly used.
Anti-inflammatory medications: In addition to antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or corticosteroids may be prescribed to suppress the immune response, reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and relieve symptoms.
Supportive care: Rest, proper nutrition, and symptom control are needed to support the body's healing process.
Regular follow-up: People diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis need long-term follow-up to watch for relapses and prevent potential complications, especially of the heart.
