INFORMATION ON RHEUMATIC FEVER

Rheumatic fever is a serious inflammatory condition that can affect many parts of your body heart, joints, nervous system and skin. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease which may develop after a Group A streptococcal infection and can involve the heart, joints, skin, and brain. Although rheumatic fever can occur at any age, it most frequently occurs in children between the ages of 6 and 15 years. The disease is twice as common in females as it is in males. Rheumatic fever is common in the United States today as it was at the start of the 20th century, before the widespread use of the antibiotic penicillin. Outbreaks do occur periodically, however. Rheumatic fever is still common in developing countries.

SYNONYMS OF RHEUMATIC FEVER

Synonyms and related keywords:
1. Acute rheumatic fever.
2. Group A streptococcal infection.
3. Structural heart disease.
4. Streptococcal pharyngitis.
5. Valvular vegetations.
6. Mitral valve regurgitation.
7. Congestive heart failure.
8. Migratory polyarthritis.

SYMPTOMS OF RHEUMATIC FEVER

Signs and symptoms:
1. Sore throat.
2. Red and swollen tonsils.
3. Fever.
4. Headache.
5. Muscle aches.

DIAGNOSIS OF RHEUMATIC FEVER

Diagnosis is based on the medical history and physical examination. Blood tests may be done.

TREATMENT OF RHEUMATIC FEVER

There is no cure for rheumatic fever once it has developed, although medications can be used to eradicate any remaining streptococcal infection and to control some of the symptoms. Children who have rheumatic fever are often treated in the hospital, depending on the severity of the disease. Treatment for rheumatic fever can involve.