Rheumatic Fever Overview and Management
Understand rheumatic fever, its causes, symptoms, and complications. Learn about diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies to protect long-term heart and joint health.
Introduction
Rheumatic fever is a serious inflammatory disease that can develop after a throat infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria (commonly known as strep throat). If left untreated, it can lead to long-term heart damage, joint pain, and other complications. While it mostly affects children between the ages of 5 and 15, adults can also develop this condition.
The good news is that rheumatic fever is preventable with proper treatment of strep throat. Early diagnosis and management can help reduce the risk of complications. In this article, we’ll discuss the symptoms, causes, and ways to manage rheumatic fever effectively.
What Causes Rheumatic Fever?
Rheumatic fever occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, particularly the heart, joints, skin, and brain, after a strep throat infection. This happens because the bacteria’s proteins are similar to those found in certain human tissues, leading the immune system to attack healthy parts of the body.
Key Risk Factors:
- Untreated or inadequately treated strep throat
- Family history of rheumatic fever
- Living in crowded or unhygienic conditions (which increases the risk of strep infections)
Consult a Rheumatologist for the best advice
Symptoms of Rheumatic Fever
Symptoms usually appear 1 to 5 weeks after a strep infection. They can vary from mild to severe and may include:
1. Fever
- High or low-grade fever that persists
2. Joint Pain (Arthritis)
- Pain and swelling in large joints (knees, elbows, ankles, wrists)
- Pain may move from one joint to another (migratory arthritis)
3. Heart Problems (Carditis)
- Chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath
- Heart murmurs (abnormal heart sounds detected by a doctor)
- In severe cases, permanent heart valve damage (rheumatic heart disease)
4. Skin Changes
- Red, painless rashes with a jagged edge (erythema marginatum)
- Small, painless lumps under the skin (subcutaneous nodules)
5. Neurological Symptoms (Sydenham’s Chorea)
- Involuntary jerky movements of the face, hands, and feet
- Emotional instability or difficulty concentrating
If you or your child experience these symptoms after a sore throat, consult a doctor immediately.
How Is Rheumatic Fever Diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose rheumatic fever based on:
- Medical history (recent strep infection)
- Physical examination (checking for joint swelling, heart murmurs, rashes)
- Blood tests (to detect strep antibodies or signs of inflammation)
- Throat swab (to confirm strep infection)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram (to check heart function)
Management and Treatment
The main goals of treatment are to:
- Eliminate the remaining strep bacteria
- Reduce inflammation and symptoms
- Prevent future infections and complications
1. Antibiotics
- Penicillin (or other antibiotics if allergic) is given to kill any remaining strep bacteria.
- Long-term antibiotics (monthly injections or oral doses) may be needed to prevent recurrence.
2. Anti-inflammatory Medications
- Aspirin or ibuprofen helps reduce joint pain and fever.
- Corticosteroids may be prescribed for severe heart inflammation.
3. Bed Rest
- Rest is crucial, especially if the heart is affected, to prevent strain.
4. Heart Monitoring
- Regular check-ups with a cardiologist to monitor heart health.
Preventing Rheumatic Fever
The best way to prevent rheumatic fever is to treat strep throat promptly with antibiotics. Other preventive measures include:
- Good Hygiene: Wash hands frequently, avoid sharing utensils, and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Complete Antibiotic Course: Even if symptoms improve, finish the full course of antibiotics.
- Regular Follow-ups: If you’ve had rheumatic fever before, take preventive antibiotics as prescribed.
Lifestyle and Dietary Tips
While medications are essential, a healthy lifestyle can support recovery and prevent complications:
- Heart-Healthy Diet: Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reduce salt intake if heart damage is present.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help with inflammation.
- Gentle Exercise: Once recovered, engage in light activities like walking to maintain joint flexibility.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking worsens heart and lung health.
When to See a Doctor?
Seek medical help if:
- A sore throat lasts more than 48 hours, especially with fever.
- You or your child develop joint pain, rashes, or unusual movements after a throat infection.
- There is a history of rheumatic fever, and symptoms reappear.
Final Thoughts
Rheumatic fever is a preventable condition, but it requires awareness and timely treatment. If you suspect strep throat or notice symptoms of rheumatic fever, consult a doctor immediately. Early intervention can protect your heart and overall health.
Consult a Rheumatologist for the best advice
Consult a Rheumatologist for the best advice
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Zulkarnain
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS, PGDM, FFM
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr Ankit Patowari
Rheumatologist
6 Years • MBBS, MD MEDICINE, DM RHEUMATOLOGY
Guwahati
Apollo Clinic Guwahati, Assam, Guwahati
Dr. Brig K Shanmuganandan
Rheumatologist
20 Years • MBBS, MD (Med.), DNB (Med.), Fellow (Rheuma.)
Chennai
Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai
(450+ Patients)
Dr. Ramineni Naga Tejaswini
Rheumatologist
3 Years • MBBS, DNB(Internal Medicine), DrNB ( Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology)
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills Hyderabad, Hyderabad
Consult a Rheumatologist for the best advice
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Zulkarnain
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS, PGDM, FFM
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr Ankit Patowari
Rheumatologist
6 Years • MBBS, MD MEDICINE, DM RHEUMATOLOGY
Guwahati
Apollo Clinic Guwahati, Assam, Guwahati
Dr. Brig K Shanmuganandan
Rheumatologist
20 Years • MBBS, MD (Med.), DNB (Med.), Fellow (Rheuma.)
Chennai
Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai
(450+ Patients)
Dr. Ramineni Naga Tejaswini
Rheumatologist
3 Years • MBBS, DNB(Internal Medicine), DrNB ( Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology)
Hyderabad
Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills Hyderabad, Hyderabad