Treatment of acute rheumatic fever

Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
Updated on September 29, 2024
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The treatment of rheumatic fever includes general treatment, where patients are advised to rest in bed. The second is the use of antibiotics, aimed at eliminating streptococcal infections to prevent recurrent attacks of rheumatic fever. The third is anti-rheumatic treatment, with the preferred choice being non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablets. If the patient's rheumatic fever affects the heart, corticosteroid treatment is also required. In addition, to assist in the reduction of corticosteroids, some immunosuppressants need to be added, such as methotrexate and leflunomide, which help control the condition. For the treatment of complications of rheumatic disease, such as concurrent lung infection, antibiotic treatment should also be considered. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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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 Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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Does rheumatic fever cause night sweats?

Rheumatic fever can cause night sweats, but this symptom is not specific, as many patients with tuberculosis also experience night sweats. Rheumatic fever is a systemic inflammatory disease caused by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection. Clinically, it commonly presents with symptoms like fever, joint pain, erythema marginatum, subcutaneous nodules, chorea, and carditis. During the acute phase of rheumatic fever, if there is joint pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used for treatment. If there is carditis, corticosteroids may be administered. For patients with rheumatic fever, long-term treatment with penicillin is also recommended, typically suggested for three to five years to control the disease.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Symptoms of recurrent rheumatic fever

Symptoms of recurrent rheumatic fever in the early stages may include fever and sore throat, similar to streptococcal infections. Later, patients may experience joint pain, some may develop ring-shaped erythema on the skin, and others may develop subcutaneous nodules. Severe cases may even exhibit symptoms such as carditis and chorea. If a previous rheumatic fever patient shows these symptoms, the possibility of recurrence should be considered. Treatment involves using antibiotics to eliminate streptococcal infections. Additionally, anti-inflammatory pain relievers should be used to manage joint pain. In severe cases, such as those with cardiac inflammation, corticosteroids may also be considered. (Please use medication under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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Rheumatic fever anti-O titer generally how much?

Rheumatic fever anti-streptolysin O is generally above the upper limit of the normal range. Since each hospital uses different testing methods, there are differences. You need to determine based on the reference range of your local hospital laboratory what is normal and what exceeds the normal range. Anti-streptolysin O, also known as anti-O, is typically abnormal in cases of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is a systemic inflammatory disease caused by an infection with Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Clinically, it is primarily characterized by fever, erythema marginatum, joint pain, subcutaneous nodules, and it can also include carditis. Some patients may exhibit symptoms of chorea.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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What foods should not be eaten with rheumatic fever?

Patients with rheumatoid fever should avoid the following three major categories of foods: The first category is vegetables, such as celery, coriander, leeks, seaweed, and mushrooms, which should be consumed in moderation. The second category includes meats like lamb, beef, and dog meat, which are very warming and nourishing and should be reduced in consumption. The third category includes seafood such as shrimp, crab, and sea cucumber, which are high in protein and should also be avoided. For patients with rheumatism, the general dietary principle is to follow a light diet, avoid spicy and dry-heat foods, and reduce greasy foods. For patients with rheumatic fever, it is particularly important during the acute phase to rest and avoid catching colds and infections.