Rheumatic fever is a a complication of strep throat which are caused by by bacteria Streptococcus. Fever this including serious illness because can have a fatal impact on health, such as permanent damage to the heart and stroke, even death.
Rheumatic fever occurs because the body is infected Streptococcus group A. These bacteria initially cause strep throat. If not treated properly, there is a possibility that the body will develop rheumatic fever due to the influence of an abnormal immune response or immune system. In rheumatic fever, the immune system attacks normal body tissues and eventually causes inflammation in other parts of the body.
The Danger of Rheumatic Fever
Maybe many people don't think that strep throat can have such a serious impact, let alone that it can be life threatening. Rheumatic fever is a rare disease. The disease can occur at any age, but is more common in children aged 5-15 years.
You should be alert if you have a sore throat accompanied by fever, painful and swollen joints in the wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles, muscle aches, and rashes on the body. Because, these symptoms can mark the occurrence of rheumatic fever. These symptoms usually appear 2 weeks to 1 month after strep throat.
One of the greatest risks that lurk people with rheumatic fever is heart damage. Rheumatic fever is at risk of causing abnormalities in the heart valves, so the heart is forced to work harder to pump blood. Heart conditions can get worse if these symptoms are not treated for months. Over time, this condition can also cause heart failure.
Other disorders that can be caused by rheumatic fever are: Sydney chorea. This condition is usually characterized by the occurrence of spontaneous movements in several parts of the body. In more severe cases, these spontaneous movements become increasingly difficult to control. This condition can occur in the face or the muscles of the legs and arms. Sufferer Sydney chorea generally have difficulty with activities, such as writing.
Rheumatic Fever Treatment
If you suspect that you have rheumatic fever, consult a doctor immediately. For initial treatment, usually the doctor will give drugs in the form of:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or maproxen, work to relieve pain, fever, and inflammatory reactions. If the inflammation that occurs does not subside, the doctor can give corticosteroid drugs.
- anticonvulsant
This drug works to relieve uncontrolled movements caused by nervous system disorders Sydney chorea. These drugs can be valproic acid or carbamazepine.
- medicine aantibiotics
Antibiotics work to eradicate the remnants of bacteria Streptococcus. Doctors can give other types of antibiotics to prevent rheumatic fever from recurring. Giving antibiotics as a preventive measure requires a long and scheduled process for maximum effect.
In contrast to the treatment of rheumatic fever in the early stages, rheumatic fever already causes inflammation of the heart, requiring more intense treatment. Doctors may give antibiotics to prevent the disease for longer, maybe even for life.
Prevention is better than cure, including rheumatic fever. One of the effective ways to prevent rheumatic fever is to immediately treat a sore throat and take the medicines prescribed by the doctor. That way, the risk of complications of rheumatic fever will be smaller.
