Live Life Team
Rheumatic fever is one of the major diseases in developing countries. But it can be tackled well with the availability of the antibiotics as well as improved living conditions. Children are one the major victims of this disease. Prevailing since centuries, the exact cause of this disease is still unknown but it develops after throat infection and affects the joints, skin and heart. As per the survey conducted, Rheumatic fever also affects children ranging from 5 to 15 years of age. No vaccination is available for treating this disease, but patients recover from this disease within 12 weeks, sometimes with permanent damage to the heart. As per the statistics, 30-50% patients suffering from rheumatic fever show damage in the heart valves.
Symptoms
Symptoms of rheumatic fever are not known until and unless infection comes into notice in form of fever. It is basically caused by throat infection. Red and swollen tonsils, fever, fatigue, headaches and muscle aches are the symptoms caused by throat infection. Symptoms may also get severe and the symptoms of fever may appear between 1-5 weeks after the throat infection. Abdominal pain, skin rashes, jerky body movements, shortness of breath are the symptoms caused by the rheumatic fever. Symptoms will remain for six weeks or sometimes more than that too. In extreme cases, the heart may get damaged which can lead to heart failure.
Causes
The exact cause of the Rheumatic fever is still unknown but usually it’s the throat infection from where it starts. If our body gets infected with the bacteria known as strep bacteria, the immune system would react differently leading to the production of antibodies. Sometimes, antibodies would attack the tissues of the person’s body which can lead to rheumatic fever. Sometimes, these antibodies can also affect the heart muscles, joints and other parts of the body.
Diagnosis:
The treatment of the Rheumatic fever depends on the recognition of the symptoms. In some cases, multiple tests are conducted to check different conditions. Basically, examination of the heart, skin and joints are done. ECG is conducted to check the condition of the heart. Any damage detected is treated accordingly. Blood tests are conducted to nail down the symptoms of the rheumatic fever. Two types of tests C reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate may be conducted as a part of diagnosis.
Treatment
Based on the results of the diagnosis, the treatment may be prescribed by the doctor. In case of ECG, if some problem is detected, the doctors may try to provide supportive treatment to the patient. In case if the results of the blood tests show symptoms, then inflammation of the joint as well as skin is treated. Doctors will prescribe antibiotics, aspirin and sedatives to the patient and also bed rest would be important.
Complications
As per the survey conducted, it was found that 30-50% of people suffering from this disease will also suffer from heart and joint related problems. Nervous system of the patient also gets affected with this condition badly.
Prevention
The best prevention could be a proper diagnosis and if any possibility of this condition comes into picture, its best to see a doctor immediately.
