Preventing Rheumatic Heart Disease

Its Causes And Symptoms

Strep Symptoms

Rheumatic Fever Symptoms

In The Future

Its Causes And Symptoms

Rheumatic heart disease is a condition that can result from having had rheumatic fever, a childhood illness caused by a streptococcal infection. Rheumatic fever affects the entire heart, but seems to do the most damage to the heart's valves. The valves can become infected (endocarditis) causing them to narrow and disrupt blood flow. Rheumatic fever can also cause irregular, rapid heart contractions (atrial fibrillation.) Fortunately, rheumatic heart disease can be prevented by early diagnosis and treatment of streptococcal infections.

Strep Symptoms

One of the most common streptococcal infections is a "strep throat." It's never advisable to let a child's sore throat go undiagnosed, but especially if one or more of these symptoms are present:

Difficulty swallowing

Sudden onset of pain

Swollen glands under jaw

Fever

Headache

Nausea

Vomiting

Prompt treatment with antibiotics can successfully cure strep throat.

Rheumatic Fever Symptoms

If a strep infection goes undiagnosed or untreated, rheumatic fever can develop. Unfortunately, the symptoms of rheumatic fever can mimic those of many other illnesses. If your child experiences any of these symptoms, or if you yourself are in doubt, check with your child's doctor and mention that you suspect rheumatic fever.

Joint pain

Fever

Fatigue

Lack of appetite

Arm/leg twitches or spasms

In The Future

In the future, rheumatic heart disease may well become a thing of the past. With early diagnosis and treatment of strep infections, this debilitating disease can be prevented.