Rheumatic fever is a severe condition that can develop after a strep throat infection. It can cause inflammation in the heart, joints, and different body parts, and if left untreated, it can cause permanent damage. Some common symptoms of rheumatic fever include joint pain, fever, and fatigue.
If you notice these symptoms, do not wait; immediately seek medical attention! Bansal Hospital Bhopal is the best hospital in central India for treating rheumatic fever. Their team of experienced doctors and healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing top-notch treatment options for their patients.
Table Of Contents
1. What Is Rheumatic Fever?
2. Rheumatic Fever Causes
3. Rheumatic Fever Symptoms
4. Risk Factors For Rheumatic Fever
5. Rheumatic Fever Diagnosis
6. Rheumatic Fever Treatment
7. Expert Advice
8. The Final Say
9. FAQs
What Is Rheumatic Fever?
Rheumatic fever is a type of autoimmune disease that results in inflammation in the body’s tissues, including the joints and heart. Medical professionals may sometimes refer to it as acute rheumatic fever. It occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to an untreated strep throat or scarlet fever.
Your body’s immune system attacks tissues due to rheumatic fever, resulting in inflammation and swelling. Due to this, the patient may develop a rheumatic fever rash. Rheumatic fever affects children between 5 and 15.
However, both adults and younger children can develop it. Rheumatic fever is uncommon in India and other affluent nations, whereas strep throat is frequently encountered. The complications of rheumatic fever include heart failure or damage.
Causes Of Rheumatic Fever
Causes of rheumatic fever can include:
1. An untreated or inadequately treated strep throat infection
2. Genetics (some people may be more susceptible to the disease)
3. Poor living conditions and lack of access to healthcare
4. Close contact with someone who has a strep infection
5. Age (the disease is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15)
Rheumatic Fever Signs And Symptoms
Acute rheumatic fever symptoms result from inflammation of the heart, skin, joints, or central nervous system (CNS). There could be a few or many symptoms.
Rheumatic fever symptoms in adults might include:
• Chills and Fever
• Joint pain and tenderness are commonly experienced in the knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists.
• If you experience pain in one joint that then moves to another joint, please seek medical attention.
• Red, hot or swollen joints
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Flat or slightly raised, painless rash with a ragged edge
• Heart murmur
• Jerky, uncontrollable body movements (Sydenham chorea) in the face, hands and feet
• Sydenham’s chorea may cause unexpected behaviours like crying or inappropriate laughing.
• Small, painless bumps beneath the skin
Risk Factors Associated with Rheumatic Fever
The significant risk factors associated with rheumatic fever are:
• Where You Live: Most people with rheumatic fever live in places with limited medical resources, such as resource-poor countries. Living in an area where getting medication or medical care is difficult may also put you at risk.
• Age: Children or teenagers between 5 and 15 are most commonly affected by rheumatic fever.
• Overall Health: People with a weakened immune system are at higher risk of developing rheumatic fever.
• Family History: Members of your family who have experienced rheumatic fever may be more susceptible to contracting it themselves.
• Crowded Areas: Places where lots of people congregate make it easier for bacteria to spread.
Diagnosis Of Rheumatic Fever
The significant diagnosis for rheumatic fever are:
1. Clinical symptoms include fever, joint pain and swelling, a skin rash, and a history of strep throat or scarlet fever.
2. Blood tests can help confirm the presence of streptococcal antibodies and inflammation markers.
3. An electrocardiogram (ECG) and an echocardiogram may be used to detect any heart involvement.
4. A healthcare expert will typically diagnose after considering all the symptoms and test results.
5. Early detection of rheumatic fever symptoms is essential for proper treatment and the prevention of long-term complications.
Treatment Of Rheumatic Fever
Treatments for rheumatic fever initially concentrate on eliminating the bacterial infection. The body’s internal inflammation is then addressed through treatments.
Treatments for rheumatic fever include:
1. Antibiotics
Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat the underlying bacterial infection. Some antibiotics require only one injection. Others you consume orally for a week or longer.
2. Medications
Recommend a medication, such as aspirin, to reduce inflammation (swelling) throughout the body. Additionally, this drug may help with symptoms, including joint discomfort. Your doctor could recommend more vital medication (corticosteroids) to treat inflammation if your symptoms are severe.
3. Other treatments
Rheumatic fever can affect people in various ways. Your provider can suggest other therapies depending on how the problem affects you. You might require joint or heart surgery to treat significant consequences in extreme circumstances.
Expert Advice
If your child develops severe rheumatic fever, the long-term implications could be devastating. Some of the illness’s harm would not become apparent for several years. As your child gets older, be cautious of potential long-term repercussions. Support resources are available to assist you and your family if your child suffers long-term effects from rheumatic fever. Furthermore, a well-balanced diet may help prevent this disorder.
The Final Say
Rheumatic fever is a rare complication. It may occur when medications fail to cure strep throat or scarlet fever. Teenagers and small children are most frequently affected.
In extreme circumstances, it may result in critical health issues with the heart, joints, or other organs. If you have one of these typical bacterial illnesses, you should see your doctor immediately to avoid developing rheumatic fever.
Rheumatic fever patients frequently require lifetime medical attention to maintain their health. If you are looking for top-notch healthcare experts, contact the orthopaedic department of Bansal Hospital Bhopal. It provides the best care facility for its patients.
FAQs
- Can rheumatic fever come back?
Yes. You can get rheumatic fever again if you get strep throat or scarlet fever later. A way to prevent another strep infection and avoid the recurrence of rheumatic fever is through a treatment known as antibiotic prophylaxis.
- How does rheumatic fever affect the heart?
Although rheumatic fever may not always impact the heart, it has the potential to cause damage to heart tissues, particularly the heart valves. This damage can result in scarred heart tissue that does not function properly. Over time, rheumatic fever may lead to permanent heart damage. Providers may call this condition rheumatic heart disease or congestive heart failure.
- How can I prevent rheumatic fever?
Since an untreated strep throat infection causes rheumatic fever, prompt antibiotic treatment of any strep throat infection is the most effective way to prevent rheumatic fever. It is also crucial to maintain good hygiene practices to prevent this disorder.
- Is rheumatic fever a serious disease?
Yes, rheumatic fever without treatment can lead to severe complications like heart disease.
About Bansal Hospital
Bansal Hospital is a multispeciality hospital and is one of the leading, reputable and reliable healthcare providers trusted by patients and their families across the region. It has all the major departments, including cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopaedics, gastroenterology, urology, liver transplant, bone marrow transplantation, nephrology, gynaecology and more. The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and technology. It has a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors and medical staff who provide round-the-clock care to the patient.
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