RHEUMATIC FEVER

Rheumatic fever is a complication developed following an untreated throat infection (by a type of bacteria called group A streptococcus).

Common symptoms of rheumatic fever are the following:

  • Arthritis (inflammation of the joints)
  • Carditis (heart inflammation)
    • Shortness of breath
    • Persistent cough
    • Fatigue
    • Chest pain
  • Sydenham’s chorea – involuntary and uncontrollable jerking of limbs
  • Skin rash
  • Other symptoms: subcutaneous skin nodules, high fever, abdominal pain, epistaxis (nose bleed)

Diagnosis

Rheumatic fever is diagnosed by the identification of major and minor symptoms according to the Jones Criteria.

Physician make request for the following tests to help in the diagnosis of rheumatic fever:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Blood tests (C-Reactive Protein, Antistreptolysin O, ESR)

 

Recommended Management

Treatment plan for rheumatic fever includes:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for relief of symptoms
  • Antibiotics for removal of streptococcus bacteria
  • Bed rest

Related Articles

JOUBERT SYNDROME

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Joubert Syndrome (JS) is a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects [...]

JUVENILE MYOCLONIC EPILEPSY

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) is a type of epilepsy that typically [...]

JUMPERS KNEE (PATELLAR TENDINITIS)

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Jumpers knee, also known as patellar tendinitis, is a condition characterized [...]