Symptoms of rheumatic fever in children

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on September 16, 2024
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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.

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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 Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Does rheumatic fever spread?

Firstly, rheumatic fever is a group of delayed sequelae caused by an infection of Group A Streptococci, simply put, it refers to a type of reactive arthritis that appears after an upper respiratory tract infection. It is associated with this streptococcus, and mostly occurs during the cold and humid seasons of winter and spring. It can affect people of any age, but is most commonly seen in children aged 5-14 and adolescents. Therefore, it is not a contagious disease, but rather a set of symptoms, such as fever and joint pain, appearing in individuals with weakened immune systems following an upper respiratory tract infection. Some people may even experience valvular heart disease. However, if treated actively in the early stages, the disease usually does not lead to any long-term consequences, unless it goes untreated or is treated under poor medical conditions, which may then result in rheumatic arthritis and rheumatic heart disease.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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Can rheumatic fever be contagious?

Rheumatic fever generally is not contagious. Because the onset of rheumatism is somewhat related to infection by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, and it is not a contagious disease, it does not spread. Common clinical manifestations of rheumatic fever include fever, erythema marginatum, subcutaneous nodules, joint pain, chorea, and carditis. During the acute phase of rheumatism, it is recommended to rest in bed and avoid overexertion. In terms of medical treatment, because it is related to streptococcal infection, penicillin antibiotics are generally recommended. If there is concurrent carditis, corticosteroids should be used in combination to improve the condition.

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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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
49sec home-news-image

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.