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Rheumatic fever is a serious inflammatory disease that primarily affects children between the ages of 5 and 15. It occurs due to an untreated or improperly treated infection from Group A Streptococcus bacteria. While it is rare nowadays, it can lead to severe heart damage if not detected early.
Read below this article to learn about rheumatic fever, its symptoms, risk factors, complications, and prevention tips.
What Is Rheumatic Fever?
Rheumatic fever occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to an untreated strep throat infection. In this condition, your body’s immune system mistakenly targets the body’s tissues, particularly the heart, joints, skin, and brain, instead of attacking the bacteria.
If this condition is left untreated, it may develop into life-threatening rheumatic heart disease.
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rheumatic fever is more common in developing nations compared to developed countries like the U.S.
Signs of Rheumatic Fever in Kids
Rheumatic fever typically develops 1 to 5 weeks after a child has had a strep throat infection. The common symptoms of rheumatic fever in children include
- A persistent high fever
- Joint pain, especially in the knees, bones, elbows, and wrists
- Red or swollen joints
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Skin rashes in the form of pink ring-like patterns
- Chorea or jerky movements of arms, legs, or face
- Extreme weakness
Risk Factors of Rheumatic Fever
The primary risk factor of rheumatic fever is untreated strep throat infection in kids. The other possible risk factors include
- Rheumatic fever typically affects children aged between 5 and 15.
- A family history of rheumatic fever
- Area with limited access to healthcare, which results in undiagnosed strep throat infection.
Complications
Rheumatic fever typically leads to a life-threatening condition called rheumatic heart disease. According to the World Health Organization, rheumatic heart disease affects over 40 million people worldwide, with 250,000 deaths annually. Other associated risks include heart failure and higher chances of heart stroke.
Prevention Tips of Rheumatic Fever
Some of the effective prevention tips to reduce the risk of rheumatic fever in kids include
- Diagnosing strep throat at an early stage is essential. If you notice any symptoms like a sore throat, fever, and swollen tonsils, see a doctor promptly.
- Completing the full course of antibiotics prescribed by the doctor to prevent the infection from returning or worsening.
- Practicing good hygiene habits, including washing hands frequently and avoiding sharing food or other items with others.
- There is a vaccine for rheumatic fever. However, getting vaccinated against other diseases significantly reduces the risk.
Treatment
Treating rheumatic fever typically includes antibiotics to treat the underlying strep throat infection and prevent its recurrence. Anti-inflammatory medications are also recommended to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the joints. In children with severe symptoms, it is recommended to take extended periods of rest to avoid putting strain on the heart.
- Penicillin (Oral or Injection): This is the first-line treatment. Oral penicillin (Penicillin V) is usually given for 10 days.
- Intramuscular benzathine penicillin G is often administered every 3-4 weeks for long-term prophylaxis.
- Amoxicillin: Amoxicillin can also be recommended as an alternative to penicillin, especially if a liquid form is needed for easier administration to children. In the acute phase, it is dosed for 10 days.
- Erythromycin or Azithromycin: For children who are allergic to penicillin, these are the alternatives recommended.
Takeaway
Rheumatic fever is a preventable condition that, if left untreated, can have life-threatening consequences. If you suspect any symptoms of strep throat infection or rheumatic fever in kids, seek immediate medical advice.
