How to treat rheumatic fever?

Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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Patients with rheumatic fever who develop a fever can first use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablets for symptomatic fever reduction. At the same time, it is also necessary to actively treat the primary disease of rheumatic fever. If the rheumatic fever is induced by a streptococcal infection, additional anti-infection treatment is also needed. Furthermore, as rheumatic fever is also an autoimmune disease, while using NSAIDs to reduce fever, it is also necessary to add some immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate or leflunomide, to control the condition. Only on the basis of controlling the condition can rheumatic fever potentially be completely cured. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Rheumatic fever clinical symptoms

The clinical manifestations of rheumatic fever primarily include: Some patients may experience low fever and rashes, and about half of the patients may exhibit symptoms such as morning stiffness. The joint pain associated with rheumatic fever often occurs more frequently in the large joints of the lower limbs and is asymmetrical, but it can also affect small joints and central axis joints. It commonly presents as non-migratory arthritis. Secondly, patients with rheumatic fever may experience cardiac involvement, with the most common being heart valve disease, particularly mitral valve stenosis. Additionally, patients with rheumatic fever may also suffer from kidney involvement, often presenting with symptoms such as hematuria and proteinuria, which are typical clinical symptoms of rheumatism.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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How long will it take for rheumatic fever rash to heal?

Rheumatic fever rash generally improves after seven to ten days of treatment, but this is contingent upon completing a full course of antibiotics. This is because the rash is induced by a streptococcal infection. Therefore, to control the infection by streptococcus, the rash will begin to improve. Moreover, if the rash does not subside over time, it may also be considered to strengthen anti-inflammatory treatment with glucocorticoids and anti-allergy treatments to reduce the rash. Additionally, medications like loratadine dispersible tablets and compound glycyrrhizin can be added to help reduce the occurrence of rheumatic fever rash and accelerate its resolution.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Can you soak your feet if you have rheumatic fever?

Patients with rheumatic fever can relieve some joint pain by soaking their feet, but this does not fundamentally solve the problem. Rheumatic fever is often caused by streptococcal infection, which leads to diseases such as arthritis. Therefore, antibiotics should be used at the source to eliminate streptococcal infection and hence prevent the recurrence of rheumatism. Additionally, we can use anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs to control joint pain. Commonly used anti-inflammatory analgesics include non-steroidal pain relievers, such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets. If there is inflammation in the heart due to rheumatic fever, corticosteroid treatment should be considered. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
53sec home-news-image

How to treat rheumatic fever?

Patients with rheumatic fever who develop a fever can first use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablets for symptomatic fever reduction. At the same time, it is also necessary to actively treat the primary disease of rheumatic fever. If the rheumatic fever is induced by a streptococcal infection, additional anti-infection treatment is also needed. Furthermore, as rheumatic fever is also an autoimmune disease, while using NSAIDs to reduce fever, it is also necessary to add some immunosuppressants, such as methotrexate or leflunomide, to control the condition. Only on the basis of controlling the condition can rheumatic fever potentially be completely cured. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Symptoms of rheumatic fever in children

Children often show symptoms of rheumatic fever, which commonly leads to myocarditis, arrhythmias, palpitations, and asthma. Additionally, there can be changes in the skin, such as subcutaneous erythema nodosum, as well as joint swelling and pain. There are also general symptoms like fever, fatigue, cough, nosebleeds, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, along with swelling of the lymph nodes throughout the body. During examinations, there is often a significant increase in C-reactive protein and elevated levels of anti-streptococcal antibodies and anti-O. Abnormalities can also be seen on the electrocardiogram. Once symptoms of pediatric rheumatic fever appear, it is crucial to promptly visit a hospital for diagnosis and timely treatment.