Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic Fever (RF) is an inflammatory disease that can affect the heart, joints, skin and brain. RF typically occurs 2 to 4 weeks after a streptococcal throat infection.

Inflammation caused by rheumatic fever can last a few weeks to several months. In some cases, the inflammation causes long-term complications. Rheumatic fever can cause permanent damage to the heart (rheumatic heart disease).
  • Symptoms
  • Fever

    • Greater than or equal to 38°C (100.4°F), Less than 38°C (100. 4°F)

    common

    Pain in ankle region without achilles tendon

    • Polyarthralgia

    • Moves from one place to the another

    or Joint pain

    • Elbows, At wrist, Knees

    • Moves from one joint to the other

    common

    Enlarged wrist

    • Both wrists

    • With redness

    or Enlarged knee joint

    • With redness

    • In both knees

    or Enlarged elbow

    or Ankle joint swelling

    • Bilateral

    • With redness

    common

    Rapid heart rate

    common

    Joint stiffness

    • Difficulty moving elbow, Difficulty moving wrist, Difficulty moving knee, Limited ankle movement

    Fatigue

    Difficulty breathing

    • Occurs or worsens with exertion

    Chest discomfort

    • Center of the chest, Left side

    Irregular heartbeat

    • Recurrent

    Skin rash and redness

    • Marginatum

    Strange non-vibrating involuntary movements

  • Risk factors
  • Recent upper respiratory tract infection

    History of Rheumatic Fever

  • Treatment
  • RF is typically treated with aspirin at high doses of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and individuals with positive bacterial throat infection are also given antibiotics to fight the infection.
  • Recommended specialist
  • If you have Rheumatic Fever, then a visit to a cardiologist is highly recommended.

    Contact a

    Cardiologist

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