Acute rheumatic fever is popularly known as “heart rheumatism” or simply “rheumatism”. Rheumatism is caused by group A beta hemolytic streptococci (beta for short)which cause pharyngitis and tonsillitis in children. If a child with a throat infection does not receive antibiotics in the appropriate dose and duration, there is a risk of contracting rheumatism. The risk is very low in treated patients. It is most common in children between the ages of 5-15. Symptoms appear approximately 2-3 weeks after a throat infection. It shows its main effects in the heart, joints, skin and brain. Usually the first noticeable symptom is swelling, pain, increased temperature and slight redness in the joints (knee, foot and wrist). It shows its most important effect on the heart. It causes damage and dysfunction of the heart valves. In some children, involuntary, abnormal movements in the face, hands, arms and legs (Korea), behavioral disorders and mood changes may be observed due to brain involvement. Skin findings are rare. Patients should be monitored by starting treatment as soon as they are diagnosed.
- Can rheumatic heart disease improve?
Mild heart valve diseases are in the early stages. It may improve over time, but most of the time the damage is permanent.
- Does every throat infection lead to rheumatism?
Only group A beta hemolytic Throat infections caused by streptococci cause rheumatism. Rheumatism does not develop after other viral and bacterial throat infections. For differentiation, a throat culture should be taken or other differential tests should be performed. Throat diseases caused by streptococci are typically characterized by sore throat, fever and painful swelling in the neck. Sometimes the findings may be milder, in which case it becomes difficult for the patient to be diagnosed.
- What Should a Child with Rheumatic Fever Pay Attention to?
A If a child who has had rheumatic fever once has a beta infection again, the risk of the disease recurring is very high. For this reason, it is necessary for children who have rheumatic fever to be protected to prevent them from getting the same infection again. This protection is provided by regular antibiotics. It is based on the principle of long-term protection of the patient. The child is protected from recurrence of the disease by giving penicillin as an injection every 3 weeks or oral antibiotics every day. The protection period is lifelong if there is heart involvement, and until the age of 21 if there is no heart involvement.
As in congenital heart diseases, there is a risk of infection of the damaged valve in the heart in rheumatic heart diseases. For this reason, patients should pay attention to their oral hygiene, dental cleaning and health (see Infective Endocarditis).
Exercise restrictions and diet may be necessary depending on the severity of heart valve disease.
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