Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic Fever – General Information

Rheumatic Fever – Symptoms

Rheumatic Fever – Treatment

Usually, the diagnosis of Rheumatic Fever is made by applying certain physical examinations and questions concerning the patient’s specific signs and symptoms. The physical examination can include tests such as checking the joints to see if they are tender or inflamed, examining the patient’s skin for rashes or lumps, listening to the patient’s heart for any unusual rhythms and murmurs or applying a neurological test to check for abnormal movements. There are cases in which the doctor can recommend an electrocardiogram to check for any unusual heart rhythms. This kind of procedure involves the placing of an electrode patch to the patient’s skin to measure the electrical impulses that come from his heart. Usually, to be sure upon the diagnose of Rheumatic Fever, doctors base on two major criteria such as joint pain and swellings that move from joint to joint, and an inflammation of the patient’s heart. There are cases in which the condition causes signs that indicate the presence of recent strep infections. In these cases, doctors take a blood sample and test it to check for the presence of antibodies to streptococcal bacteria. Usually, the main goal in treating Rheumatic Fever is to relieve the symptoms, and depending on each individual health state, to destroy the streptococcus and prevent any future complication or infection.

The most common medicines used to treat this medical condition are antibiotics. These medications treat the streptococcal infection and prevent the recurrence of the disorder. In most cases, doctors recommend penicillin or other antibiotics which have the effect of eliminating any remaining strep bacteria in the patient’s body. There are also some particular cases in which doctors can recommend the use of several additional antibiotics, which have to be taken for at least two to three years to prevent any further attacks of the disease. If the treatment trial is halted, the condition can easily recur, commonly during the first two to four years after the initial infection. In some cases, doctors recommend over the counter medicines to treat this kind of medical disorder. These medicines have the effect of reducing the heart and joint inflammation. The most common medicines applied to achieve these effects can include nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs. There are cases in which the patient can suffer from severe heart inflammation, and the first option is to take corticosteroid medications, which can include prednisone, that acts by effectively reducing the inflammation. If Rheumatic Fever is not treated properly, it can lead to the appearance of more severe complications such as heart damage, which can be challenging to detect. There are some severe cases in which Rheumatic Fever has progressed too fast and has caused too much damage to the patient’s heart, leading to heart failure. In order to ensure the recovery of the affected valves, doctors apply surgical measures, which can consist in repairing or replacing the damaged valve or valves. There are also some cases in which the condition can affect the patient’s brain and skin.