Rheumatic Fever is caused by a bacterial infection, resulting from having strep throat or scarlet fever. Most commonly found in 5 to 15 year old children, it can occur in people who are younger or older, and affects women more frequently than men. It usually results from a strep throat infection that wasn\u2019t treated appropriately with antibiotics.\u00a0 Rheumatic fever affects the body\u2019s connective tissue in the brain, joints, and especially the ones found in the heart valves. It causes scarring of these heart valves which doesn\u2019t allow them to open and close properly. This is called rheumatic heart disease and is permanent unless surgically corrected.<\/p>\n
Symptoms of rheumatic fever usually begin anywhere from a week to six weeks after a strep infection. They include:<\/p>\n
\u2022\u00a0Fever
\u2022\u00a0Joint stiffness \u2013 ankles, knees, hands and elbows
\u2022\u00a0Joint swelling
\u2022\u00a0Chest pain
\u2022\u00a0Shortness of breath
\u2022\u00a0Stomach pain
\u2022\u00a0Loss of appetite
\u2022\u00a0Skin rash<\/p>\n
To diagnose rheumatic fever a physician will perform a throat culture, blood tests, listen to the heart for signs of a murmur, take an x-ray and an electrocardiogram. Anyone who has a sore throat should see a physician to rule out strep throat.\u00a0 If a diagnosis of strep is made, antibiotics can be prescribed which should prevent the bacterial infection from spreading. In cases where the heart valves have been affected,\u00a0\u00a0 a patient may need to be placed on a long term antibiotic, and also anti-inflammatory medication. In severe cases, surgery may be required to replace the affected heart valves.<\/p>\n
Anyone who has a sore throat that is mild to severe should seek medical attention right away. You may schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital\u2019s Ambulatory Care Center by calling 718-206-7001.<\/p>
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Rheumatic Fever is caused by a bacterial infection, resulting from having strep throat or scarlet fever. Most commonly found in 5 to 15 year old children, it can occur in people who are younger or older, and affects women more … Continue reading