Rheumatic Fever – SP Medifort Hospital

Rheumatic Fever Treatment

Rheumatic Fever Treatment In Trivandrum

Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop after a Group A Streptococcus throat infection. It primarily affects the heart, joints, skin, and brain. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications, such as rheumatic heart disease.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of Rheumatic Fever?

Rheumatic fever symptoms usually appear 2–4 weeks after a strep infection:

Fever.
Heart Involvement (Carditis).
Skin Rash.
Sydenham’s Chorea.
Joint Pain and Swelling (Arthritis).
Pain in one joint that travels to another joint.
Chest pain.
Fatigue.

What causes Rheumatic Fever?

Rheumatic fever occurs as an immune response to a streptococcal throat infection:

Strep Throat Infection: Untreated or inadequately treated infections with Streptococcus pyogenes trigger the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues.
Immune System Reaction: The body produces antibodies to fight the bacteria, which may mistakenly damage the heart, joints, skin, and nervous system.

Diagnosis of Rheumatic Fever

At our hospital, rheumatic fever is diagnosed through comprehensive evaluations:

Medical History and Physical Examination: Detailed assessment of recent strep infections, fever, joint pain, rashes, and other related symptoms.
Blood Tests: Measure inflammation markers such as ESR and CRP, and detect antibodies to streptococcal infection (ASO titer).
Electrocardiogram (ECG) & Echocardiogram: Examine heart function to identify inflammation, valve involvement, or other cardiac complications.

What are the Rheumatic Fever risk factors?

Factors that can increase the risk of developing rheumatic fever include:

Recent Streptococcal Infection: Having untreated or inadequately treated strep throat or scarlet fever is the primary risk.
Age: Most common in children between 5 and 15 years.
Family History: Genetics may make some individuals more susceptible.
Living Conditions: Overcrowded or unsanitary environments increase exposure to strep bacteria.
Socioeconomic Factors: Limited access to healthcare can delay treatment of strep infections, raising the risk.

What treatment options are available for Rheumatic Fever?

Rheumatic fever is managed primarily with medications, which include:

Antibiotics: Penicillin or other prescribed antibiotics are used to completely eliminate the underlying streptococcal infection. Long-term prophylactic antibiotics may also be recommended to prevent recurrence and protect the heart from further damage.

Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Medications such as aspirin or corticosteroids help reduce inflammation, relieve joint pain, and manage heart inflammation. These treatments control symptoms and minimize complications associated with rheumatic fever.

Antiseizure Medications: Drugs like valproic acid or carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, etc.) can be prescribed to control severe involuntary movements associated with Sydenham chorea.