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An inflammatory disorder that follows infection with group A streptococcus. It affects the heart, joints, and subcutaneous tissues. It manifests with pericarditis, heart murmur, congestive heart failure, polyarthritis, subcutaneous nodules, and erythema marginatum. It is characterized by the formation of granulomatous lesions called Aschoff bodies usually in the heart tissue.

Symptoms of Rheumatic Fever

The following features are indicative of Rheumatic Fever:
  • fever
  • chest pain
  • red joint
  • swollen joints
  • heart murmur
  • fatigue
  • flat or raised, painless rash with a ragged edge
  • pain in one joint that migrates to another joint
  • painful and tender joints
  • jerky, uncontrollable body movements
  • outbursts of unusual behavior
  • small, painless bumps beneath the skin
It is possible that Rheumatic Fever shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Rheumatic Fever

The following are the most common causes of Rheumatic Fever:
  • throat infection
  • group A streptococcus bacteria

Risk Factors for Rheumatic Fever

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Rheumatic Fever:
  • family history
  • overcrowding
  • poor sanitation

Prevention of Rheumatic Fever

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Rheumatic Fever. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • quickly treat strep throat infections and scarlet fever

Occurrence of Rheumatic Fever

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Rheumatic Fever cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Rheumatic Fever most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged between 5-14 years

Common Gender

Rheumatic Fever can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Rheumatic Fever

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Rheumatic Fever:
  • Blood test: To detect antibodies to the strep bacteria circulating in the blood
  • Electrocardiogram: To detect functioning of heart
  • Echocardiogram: To get live action images of the heart

Complications of Rheumatic Fever if untreated

Yes, Rheumatic Fever causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Rheumatic Fever is left untreated:
  • narrowing of the valve
  • valve regurgitation
  • damage to heart muscle
  • heart failure

Self-care for Rheumatic Fever

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Rheumatic Fever:
  • take bed rest until inflammation, pain and other symptoms have improved

Patient Support for Treatment of Rheumatic Fever

The following actions may help Rheumatic Fever patients:
  • Join support and advocacy groups: Helps to connect with other patients and families to provide valuable services

Time for Treatment of Rheumatic Fever

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Rheumatic Fever to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • Disease cannot be treated but only maintained or effects reduced

Is Rheumatic Fever Infectious?

Yes, Rheumatic Fever is known to be infectious. It can spread across people via the following means:
  • through direct contact of mucus from a sick, infected person to a healthy person

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Rheumatic Fever.

Related Topics

Rheumatic Fever

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