Rheumatic fever definition

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What is rheumatic heart disease? Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which the heart valves have been permanently damaged by rheumatic fever. The heart valve damage may start shortly after untreated or under-treated streptococcal infection such as strep throat or scarlet fever. An immune response causes an inflammatory condition in the body which can result in on-going valve damage. What causes rheumatic heart disease? Rheumatic heart disease is caused by rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can affect many connective tissues, especially in the heart, joints, skin, or brain. The heart valves can be inflamed and become scarred over time. This can result in narrowing or leaking of the heart valve making it harder for the heart to function normally. This may take years to develop and can result in heart failure. Rheumatic fever can occur at any age, but usually occurs in children ages 5 to 15 years old. It’s rare in developed countries like the United States. Who is at risk for rheumatic heart disease? Untreated or under-treated strep infections can increase the risk for rheumatic heart disease. Children who get repeated strep throat infections are at the most risk for rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. What are the symptoms of rheumatic heart disease? A recent history of strep infection or rheumatic fever is key to the diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease. Symptoms of rheumatic fever vary and typically begin 1 to 6 weeks after a bout of strep throat....

Enter search terms to find related medical topics, multimedia and more. Advanced Search: • Use “ “ for phrases o [ “pediatric abdominal pain” ] • Use – to remove results with certain terms o [ “abdominal pain” –pediatric ] • Use OR to account for alternate terms o [teenager OR adolescent ] Search A-Z Rheumatic fever is a nonsuppurative, acute inflammatory complication of group A streptococcal pharyngeal infection, causing combinations of arthritis, carditis, subcutaneous nodules, erythema marginatum, and chorea. Diagnosis is based on applying the modified Jones criteria to information gleaned from history, examination, and laboratory testing. Treatment includes aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids during severe carditis, and antimicrobials to eradicate residual streptococcal infection and prevent reinfection. A first episode of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) can occur at any age but occurs most often between 5 years and 15 years of age, which are the peak years of age for Tonsillopharyngitis Sore throat is pain in the posterior pharynx that occurs with or without swallowing. Pain can be severe; many patients refuse oral intake. Sore throat results from infection; the most common... read more . ARF is uncommon before 3 years and after 21 years. However, preceding symptomatic pharyngitis is recognized in only about two thirds of patients with ARF. Worldwide, incidence is 19/100,000 (range, 5 to 51/100,000), with lowest rates ( 10/100,000) in E...

Children between the ages of five and fifteen are most susceptible to strep throat, and therefore most susceptible to rheumatic fever. Other risk factors include poverty, overcrowding (as in military camps), and lack of access to good medical care. Just as strep throat occurs most frequently in fall, winter, and early spring, so does rheumatic fever. Causes and symptoms Two different theories exist as to how a bacterial throat infection can develop into the disease called rheumatic fever. One theory, less supported by research evidence, suggests that the bacteria produce some kind of poisonous chemical (toxin). This toxin is sent into circulation throughout the bloodstream, thus affecting other systems of the body. Research seems to point to a different theory, however. This theory suggests that the disease is caused by the body's immune system acting inappropriately. The body produces immune cells (called antibodies), which are specifically designed to recognize and destroy invading agents; in this case, streptococcal bacteria. The antibodies are able to recognize the bacteria because the bacteria contain special markers called antigens. Due to a resemblance between Group A streptococcus bacteria's antigens and antigens present on the body's own cells, the antibodies mistakenly attack the body itself. It is interesting to note that members of certain families seem to have a greater tendency to develop rheumatic fever than do others. This could be related to the above theo...

Rheumatic fever is one of the complications associated with strep throat. It’s a relatively serious illness that usually appears in children between the ages of 5 and 15. However, older children and adults have been known to contract the illness as well. It’s still common in places such as sub-Saharan Africa, south central Asia, and among certain populations in Australia and New Zealand. It’s rare in the United States. Share on Pinterest Rheumatic fever is caused by a reaction to the bacterium that causes strep throat. Although not all cases of strep throat result in rheumatic fever, this serious complication may be prevented with a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment of strep throat. If your or your child have a sore throat along with any of the following symptoms, see your doctor for an evaluation: • tender and • • • • temperature of 101°F (38.3°C) or above • • tonsils with • small, red spots on the roof of the mouth • • • A wide variety of symptoms are associated with rheumatic fever. A person with the illness could experience a few, some, or most of the following symptoms. Symptoms usually appear two to four weeks after your child has a strep infection. Common symptoms of rheumatic fever include: • small, painless • • • • nosebleeds • • • pain in one joint that moves to another joint • red, • • • • vomiting • a flat, slightly raised, ragged rash • jerky, • • outbursts of crying or inappropriate laughter If your child has a fever, they might require • For newborns to 6-wee...