What Is The Rheumatic Fever And What Are The Symptoms
Rheumatic fever is a serious disease which affect the heart, joints, skin, and nerves. It is caused by a reaction of certain body tissues to the common strep bacteria. Often rheumatic fever occurs several weeks after a strep throat.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS
Usually there is a fever along with other symptoms that can be mild or severe. There can be swelling, tenderness, and redness of the joints, called arthritis. There can be twitching of the muscles or writhing movements of the arms and legs, called chorea. Involvement of the heart is indicated by chest pain or shortness of breath. Involvement of the heart valves is indicated by a blood-flow noise, which your doctor can hear, called a murmur.
HOW COMMON IS IT?
Rheumatic fever occurs most commonly between ages 5 and 15 years.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Depending on the type of involvement, the episode of rheumatic fever may last from several weeks to several months and occasionally longer. Rheumatic fever can recur.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS?
Though many of the problems caused by rheumatic fever will disappear over the following weeks and months, half of the children may be left with rheumatic heart disease. Of those who have rheumatic heart disease about one third will experience improvement with age. Rheumatic fever is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. Remember, it can recur. Subsequent attacks can be life threatening, especially those that involve the heart. Therefore your child may need to take medicine for the rest of his/her life to prevent infections.