Rheumatic fever

Continue to be used before antibiotics, rheumatic fever was the primary cause of the condition of the valve. Rheumatic fever is a condition which is a complication of untreated sore throat. Sore throat by group A streptococcus infection in the throat causes found. Rheumatic fever can damage body tissues, causing them to swell, but its greatest danger is the damage it can do for your heart. More than half of the time, leads rheumatic fever to scarring of the heart valves. These scars can reduce the valve and make it harder for the valve to open properly or close completely. In turn, your heart has to work harder to pump blood through the body. This valve damage can lead to a condition called rheumatic heart disease, which in turn can lead to heart failure can. Rheumatic fever is not an infection itself, but rather the result of an untreated strep infection. When the body senses the strep infection antibodies to fight it sends. Sometimes, these antibodies attack joint tissue or heart instead. When antibodies attack the heart can become inflamed to heart valves, which can cause "doors" of the valve to the scarring. (The doors are called leaflets.) Leaflets scars make it harder for the valve to open or close properly, or both. The symptoms of rheumatic fever usually begin 1-6 weeks after streptococcal infection. Symptoms include fever, pain or swelling in the wrists, elbows, knees, ankles and joints. Small bumps under the skin on the elbows or knees (called nodes). Perhaps a small red rash in relief on the chest, back or stomach, experience stomach pain or feels less hungry. Weakness, shortness of breath, or feeling very tired Please remember that rheumatic fever requires immediate medical attention!