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Rheumatic Fever Discharge Instructions


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 care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Take all drugs as ordered by your doctor.
  • Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.

What follow-up care is needed?


  • Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
  • Your doctor may send you to a heart specialist.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Fight an infection
  • Help with pain and swelling
  • Stop uncontrolled movements

Will physical activity be limited?


You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚  

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. ‚  

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum.
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Swollen glands
  • Rash and skin peeling
  • You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

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.

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what changes I need to make with my drugs or activities.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, trouble swallowing, swollen glands, or a rash.

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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