Rheumatic fever (patient information)

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What is rheumatic fever?

How do I know if I have rheumatic fever and what are the symptoms of rheumatic fever?

Fever
Joint problems, which mainly affect in the knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists, appear joint swelling, joint pain. Pain in one joint that migrates to another joint.
Skin nodules, skin rash (erythema marginatum) on the trunk and upper part of the arms or legs
Epistaxis
Cardiac problems, which may not have symptoms, or may result in shortness of breath , chest pain, palpitations and fatigue.
Sydenham chorea: It is uncontrollable body movements, most often in the hands, feet and face; less often in the arms and legs.
Emotion changes, such as crying or inappropriate laughing.

Who is at risk for rheumatic fever?

Studies suggest that rheumatic fever is a delayed, autoimmune reaction to the streptococcus bacteria.

How to know you have rheumatic fever?

Medical history and physical examination: The doctor may suspect rheumatic fever when he/she finds fever, polyarthritis and subcutaneous nodules.
Blood tests: These tests can assist in making a diagnosis of rheumatic fever.

Antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer: It can be used to detect prior infection by group A Streptococcus by measuring antibodies against streptolysin O.
Complete blood count
Sedimentation rate (ESR): This test can measure how much inflammation is in the body. Patients with rheumatic fever may show an increased ESR.

Electrocardiogram: This test detects and records the electrical activity of the heart. An EKG also can show if you have arrhythmias.
Echocardiography: An echocardiogram uses sound waves to produce images of the heart. It may enable the doctor to detect structure and function of the heart. An echocardiogram can reveal damaged valves in the later peroid of the disease.

When to seek urgent medical care?

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of rheumatic fever.

Treatment options

There is no special treatment for rheumatic fever once it has occured. Medications can be used to control streptococcal infection and relieve symptoms.

Bed rest: The length of bed rest depends on the severity of the disease and the involvement of the heart and joints. It usually ranges from two to twelve weeks.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics such as penicillin are used to control streptococcus infection. After the initial treatment, the patient is recommended to continue to receive monthly injections of a long-lasting preparation of penicillin to help prevent further complications and recurrence.
Anti-inflammatory medications: Medicatons such as aspirin or corticosteroids can be used to reduce inflammation to help relieve joint pain and decrease the swelling.

Diseases with similar symptoms

Where to find medical care for rheumatic fever?

Directions to Hospitals Treating rheumatic fever

Prevention of rheumatic fever

The most important way to prevent rheumatic fever is to treat strep throat and scarlet fever early and effectively.

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Prognosis of rheumatic fever depends on:

Complications, especially whether heart valves are damaged.
Whether the patient receives monthly antibiotics injection, especially during the first 3 -5 years after the first episode of the disease.