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Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatic fever is an illness characterized by the presence of the same bacteria that causes strep throat, although scientists are still unable to completely pinpoint the cause of the infection itself. It is actually consider a rare complication of strep throat and/or scarlet fever, since it is not as common of an infection as it used to be. Usually found in children between the ages of six and fifteen, it can be a very serious illness that it is most known for damaging the heart valves of the patient found infected.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Rheumatic Fever include: sore throat, headache, abdominal pain, sore lymph nodes of the neck, fever, and rash on upper chest, arms and legs, joint pain and/or swelling, skin nodules, weakness, bleeding of the nose, shortness, and chest pain. If left unchecked, symptoms can progress to severity, and heart damage and disease may occur.
Diagnosis and Treatment
It is very hard to diagnose rheumatic fever early-on, since its basic symptoms are so alike to strep throat and scarlet fever. There is no specific test to pinpoint the diagnosis, so the only way to diagnose is through careful evaluation of the patient. Your child's doctor may examine your child's heart, lungs, skin, joints and may take blood tests and strep tests. A Electrocardiogram may also be part of the evaluation.
Rheumatic Fever when diagnosed is usually treated by penicillin and/or aspirin / acetaminophen to treat joint swelling and heart damage. These medicatiosn will probably be dispensed in a low dose to be taken continuously in order to prevent reoccurrence, sometimes for life.
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