About this topic
Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune disease. It most often happens after an infection. Our immune system protects us from diseases and infection. With this illness, your immune system attacks the healthy cells in the body. ‚
Rheumatic fever is most often a side effect of strep throat. It is not passed from person to person, but the strep infection may be. Rheumatic fever affects the heart, joints, skin, and brain. It is more common in children. If not treated the right way, this illness can cause very serious heart problems. ‚
What are the causes?
Most often, rheumatic fever happens after a strep throat infection that has not been fully treated. Less often, it may be caused by scarlet fever. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more likely to get rheumatic fever if you have had it before. Children aged 5 to 15 years are also at risk. People who live in crowded places or those who have a poor diet may be more likely to have this health problem. ‚
What are the main signs?
Signs most often happen a few weeks after you have had a strep throat infection. You may have: ‚
- Fever
- Belly pain
- Joint pain and swelling
- Muscle aches and feeling weak
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Lumps under the skin
- Rash
- Jerky movements of the arms and legs
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor will want to check your heart, skin, and joints. The doctor may order: ‚
- Throat culture
- Lab tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram
- Chest x-ray
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your doctor will first treat the infection causing rheumatic fever. The doctor will also treat your signs. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
Surgery may be needed to replace damaged heart valves when drugs have not worked. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Help with pain and swelling
- Stop uncontrolled movements
What problems could happen?
- Long-lasting damage to the heart and its valves
- Strep infection returns
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Know the signs of a strep infection or scarlet fever. See your doctor right away if you think you may have either of these illnesses. ‚
Helpful tips
- Signs of heart damage from this illness may not show up for many years. Make sure the doctor knows if you have had this illness.
- If you have rheumatic heart disease, take good care of your teeth to prevent infection. See your dentist 1 to 2 times each year.
Where can I learn more?
American Heart Association ‚
http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@hcm/documents/downloadable/ucm_300321.pdf ‚
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Rheumatic_fever ‚
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/687/viewAbstract ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rheumatic-fever/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚