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Overview of Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic fever is a serious inflammatory condition that can develop after an untreated or poorly treated strep throat or scarlet fever. It mainly affects children aged 5 to 15, but it can impact adults as well. The disease is caused by the body’s immune response mistakenly attacking its own tissues, especially the heart, joints, skin and brain. If not managed early, it can lead to rheumatic heart disease (RHD), a long-term condition that damages the heart valves.

Types of Rheumatic Fever

1. Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF): The first episode, typically after a strep throat, with symptoms affecting multiple organs.

2. Recurrent Rheumatic Fever: Subsequent attacks that happen due to repeated strep infections.

3. Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD): A chronic complication of rheumatic fever that affects heart valves permanently.

Symptoms of Rheumatic Fever

Fever, often following sore throat

Painful, swollen joints (knees, ankles, wrists)

Chest pain or shortness of breath (heart involvement)

Skin rash, particularly pink rings on the torso and arms

Uncontrolled body movements (Sydenham chorea)

Fatigue and weakness

Small, painless skin lumps under the skin (nodules)

Causes of Rheumatic Fever

Caused by untreated or poorly treated Group A Streptococcus (GAS) throat infection

Immune system response mistakenly attacks body tissues

Genetic predisposition may play a role in susceptibility

Complications in Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) – damage to heart valves

Heart failure in severe or prolonged cases

Atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm disorders

Increased risk of stroke due to heart complications

Recurrence with new strep infections

Risk Factors of Rheumatic Fever

Age group: Mostly children aged 5 to 15

Repeated strep throat or scarlet fever infections

Poor access to antibiotics or healthcare

Overcrowded or unsanitary living conditions

Family history of rheumatic fever or RHD

Preventions of Rheumatic Fever

Early diagnosis and complete treatment of strep throat with antibiotics

Education on hygiene and sanitation to prevent spread of strep

Long-term prophylactic antibiotics to prevent recurrence

Routine health checkups, especially in high-risk children

Public health measures in endemic regions