Rheumatic Fever

Overview

Rheumatic Fever is an inflammatory disease arising from autoimmune processes as a consequence of Streptococcal infection. Simply said, Rheumatic Fever can be a sequelae of Strep Throat or Scarlet Fever.

Signs and Symptoms

Fever, Painful joints most commonly in the knees, ankles, elbows and wrists, Symptoms of heart failure including chest pain, shortness of breath and fast heartbeat, Fatigue, Jerky, uncontrollable body movements, Painless lumps under the skin near joints, Rash that appear as pink rings with a clear center, Newly existed heart murmur

Common Causes

Group A Streptococcus.

Risk Factors

Family history : Some people carry a gene or genes that might make them more likely to develop rheumatic fever. , Type or strains of streptococcus bacteria, Overcrowding, Poor sanitation, Lack of access to medical services, Skin infection with the streptococcus bacteria, Young age, Past history of rheumatic fever

Investigation Techniques

Full blood count, Throat swab and culture, Antistreptolysin O test, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, Blood culture, Chest X-ray, ECG, Echocardiography.

Treatment and Prevention

Bed rest even if the patient feels well enough to move around, Antibiotics, Aspirin, Corticosteroids (for selected cases), Avoid overcrowding, complete antibiotics as instructed by doctors