Rheumatic fever with heart involvement Save

Rheumatic Fever with Heart Involvement

Rheumatic fever is a serious inflammatory condition caused by an untreated streptococcal infection. If left untreated, it can lead to heart involvement, causing permanent damage to the heart valves and chambers. The condition can affect anyone, but it's more common in children between the ages of 5 and 15.

When the immune system is fighting the streptococcal infection, it can mistakenly attack healthy tissues in the body, including the heart. This can cause inflammation of the heart muscle, valves, and lining, leading to rheumatic heart disease.

Some of the common symptoms of rheumatic fever with heart involvement include:

1. Chest pain or discomfort
2. Shortness of breath
3. Fatigue or weakness
4. Swollen feet or ankles
5. Irregular heartbeat

If you or your child experiences any of these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor may recommend tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or echocardiogram to check the function and structure of the heart.

Treatment for rheumatic fever with heart involvement usually involves a combination of antibiotics to treat the streptococcal infection and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation in the body. In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair or replace damaged heart valves.

Prevention is key when it comes to rheumatic fever with heart involvement. To reduce the risk of developing the condition, it's important to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. It's also important to seek medical attention promptly if you or your child has a sore throat or other symptoms of a streptococcal infection.

Rheumatic fever with heart involvement can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, but it can be prevented with proper medical care and good hygiene practices. If you or your child experiences any symptoms of rheumatic fever, seek medical attention immediately to prevent further complications.