تعريف
Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory condition. It involves the connective tissue in the body. The most severe complication is rheumatic heart disease. This condition may permanently damage the heart valves. Valves control the flow of blood to and from the heart.
أسباب
Rheumatic fever is caused by group A Streptococcus pharyngitis, also known as strep throat. In this case, the body uses antibodies to fight the infection, but the antibodies also attack the heart.
عوامل الخطر
Factors that may increase your risk of rheumatic fever include:
- Having strep throat
- Prior case of rheumatic fever
- Age: 5 to 15 years old
الأعراض
Symptoms usually appear 2 to 4 weeks after a strep infection. They may include:
- Pain and swelling in large joints
- حمى
- ضعف
- وآلام في العضلات
- ضيق في التنفس
- ألم في الصدر
- استفراغ و غثيان
- Hacking cough
- Circular rash
- Lumps under the skin
- Abnormal, sudden movements of arms and legs
التشخيص
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. This will include a careful exam of your heart.
قد تشمل الاختبارات الأخرى ما يلي:
- Samples may be taken of your bodily fluids and tissues. This can be done with:
- تحاليل الدم
- ثقافة الحلق
- You may need to have pictures taken of your heart. This can be done with:
- مخطط صدى القلب
- Chest x-rays
- You may need to have your heart activity measured. This can be done with an electrocardiogram.
العلاج
أهداف العلاج هي:
- Kill the strep bacteria
- Treat the inflammation caused by the rheumatic fever
- Treat any cardiac problems
- Prevent future cases of rheumatic fever
قد يشمل العلاج ما يلي:
الدواء
To treat the strep infection:
- Penicillin or other antibiotics such as erythromycin and azithromycin
- May be given by mouth or injection
To help with joint pain and swelling:
- Aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—only if advised by your doctor
- Corticosteroids may be used if NSAIDs are not effective or if there is inflammation of the heart
استراحة
In some cases, the inflammation can be severe. You may have to rest for a period of time.
الوقاية
It is important to treat strep throat with antibiotics right away. This will help prevent rheumatic fever. If you or your child has a sore throat and a fever that lasts more than 24 hours, contact your doctor.