Definition

Rheumatic fever causes inflammation or a swelling and irritation of tissue. The heart valves, skin, joints, and nerves can all be affected. Rheumatic fever can also cause permanent damage to heart valves and heart disease.

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Causes

Rheumatic fever is caused by your body's response to a type of bacteria. The bacteria causes strep throat. Your body makes antibodies to fight the infection. These antibodies also begin to attack healthy tissue in the body. It is not clear why this happens.

Risk Factors

Rheumatic fever is more common in children aged 5 to 15. Other factors that may increase your chances of rheumatic fever include:

• Having strep throat
• History of rheumatic fever

Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear 2 to 4 weeks after a strep infection. They may include:

• Pain and swelling in large joints
• Fever
• Weakness
• Muscle aches
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hacking cough
• Circular rash
• Lumps under the skin
• Abnormal, sudden movements of arms and legs

Diagnosis

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. Tests will be done to look for signs of infection. Tests may include:

• Blood tests
• Throat culture—to test for types of bacteria

Images and tests of the heart may be done to look for any damage. Tests may include:

• Echocardiogram
• Chest x-rays
• ECG—test electrical activity of heart

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to kill the strep bacteria and stop the inflammation. Other steps may be needed to help prevent future infections.

Other treatment may be needed to treat any heart problems.

Prevention

Contact the doctor if you or your child has a sore throat and a fever that lasts more than 24 hours. This is often the first sign of strep throat.

It is important to take all antibiotics if you have strep throat. Finish antibiotics even if you feel better. This will help to prevent rheumatic fever.