Research Article Open Access

Exploring the Causes, Diagnosis, Symptoms, Risk Factors,Treatments and Prevention of Rheumatic Fever

Abstract

The present article aimed at exploring the diagnosis, signs andsymptoms, risk factors treatment and preventing among patients with rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is common worldwide and responsible for many cases of damaged heart valves. Acute rheumatic fever primarily affects the heart, joints and central nervous system. This usually happens 2 to 4 weeks after the Streptococcus bacterial infection in child’s body. Rheumatic heart disease is the common acquired heart disease in children between the ages of 6 and 15, with only 20% of first time attacks occurring in adults. However, age over 19 years and a large family size appeared as the protective factors for rheumatic heart disease. The overcrowding and low level of education of mothers increased the risk of rheumatic heart disease among the rheumatic fever patients. Urban residence, peoples living in brick-built house, having three or more siblings and mothers working out of home, further appeared as the significant risk factors. Primary prevention of acute rheumatic fever is accomplished by proper identification and adequate antibiotic treatment of group A β-hemolytic streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis. Diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis is best accomplished by combining clinical judgment with diagnostic test results, and the criterion standard of which is the throat culture. Penicillin (either oral penicillin V or injectable benzathine penicillin) is the treatment of choice, because it is cost-effective, has a narrow spectrum of activity and long-standing proven efficacy, and streptococcal resistant to penicillin has not been documented. For penicillin-allergic individuals, acceptable alternatives include a narrow-spectrum oral cephalosporin, oral clindamycin, or various oral macrolides or azalides. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition oneself. A registered physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. The doctor in charge of a child’s care might be able to make more detailed recommendations to prevent the fever.

Abdul Razzaq Mughal, Muhammad Haroon Sarwar and Muhammad Sarwar*

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