Question 1

if rheumatic fever was very very mild, what's the likelihood of relapse if i don't continue long term antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Hard to comment: Without a full review of your history, records, exam  &amp; understanding of how the diagnosis was made it is hard to comment. RF is an immune mediated disease and in theory any new strep A infection could trigger a relapse &amp; more damage. However, there are also proponents of discontinuing long term treatment in adulthood. It is best to discuss your options with your docs.

Question 2

do a lot of people get rheumatic fever?

Accepted Answer

Depends: In the USA this has become very uncommon, but since it is no longer a reportable disease the statistics are not available, but prior to the 1970's when there were large outbreaks, the frequency was one per 100,000 population.  Many doctors in the USA have never seen a case of rheumatic fever.

Question 3

what are the odds of getting rheumatic fever? how common is it?

Accepted Answer

Varies with study: One quoted number is 1 per each 200 untreated strep A infections. However, the data is hard to verify. In the third world, where access to care is limited and sore throats ignored, rheumatic heart disease is one of the more common causes of death. In the US, it pops up occasionally.

Question 4

what causes chorea of rheumatic fever?

Accepted Answer

Chorea: Rheumatic fever is a form of auto-immune reaction of the body to substances contained in the strep which are similar to those in some of our tissues, and the body reacts against those areas, confusing them with the strep.  The central nervous system is not exempt from this and chorea is one manifestation of this type of involvement.

Question 5

what is the anatomy of rheumatic fever?

Accepted Answer

Endotoxins inflame: Acute rheumatic fever involves a host of endotoxins produced from strep bacteria that acutely affect the body (joints, skin, heart) resulting in widespread symproms. In te heart this can result in a pancarditis (endocardium, mesocardium, and epicardium), which can set in motion chronic inflammation and scarring in addition to valvular dysfunction.

Question 6

what is the progression for rheumatic fever?

Accepted Answer

Variable: Depends. Hopefully minimal repercussions if treated early and if appropriate antibiotic therapy continued for many years. If inflammation ensues in a chronic fashion then gradual thickening and potentially leakiness of one or more of the heart valves may occur. Occasionally rhythm disturbances such as atrial fibrillation can develop down the road.

Question 7

how often does strep come as rheumatic fever?

Accepted Answer

Causes ARF: Strep throat leads to acute rheumatic fever because the body mistakes chemicals in the strep as if they were components of some of our normal tissues, and then reacts against those tissues thinking they are foreign invaders.  This will happen with some frequency unless the strep throat is treated appropriately, but this has become increasingly rare in usa since most cases are treated appropriately.

Question 8

can doctors tell me what does rheumatic fever feel like?

Accepted Answer

Fever, fatigue,: Fever, fatigue, rashes, skin lumps, arthritis are all signs, but occur in many other diseases.

Question 9

how long does it take for strep to turn into rheumatic fever?

Accepted Answer

It doesn't with: Appropriate antibiotics...Incidence of rheumatic fever has decreased significantly with era of antibiotics.

Question 10

is there evidence or relation between toothach and rheumatic fever ?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: There is no documented direct link, however many patients have underlying dental problems worsen or become very painful while being sick.  The immune system becomes pushed to the limit and the scale tips in favor of a chronic infection, rash, etc.  In some cases an upper tooth ache can actually cause a sinus infection, or present as a tooth ache.  See your dentist asap.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Rheumatic fever long term effects

A member asked:

If rheumatic fever was very very mild, what's the likelihood of relapse if i don't continue long term antibiotics?

A member asked:

Do a lot of people get rheumatic fever?

A member asked:

What are the odds of getting rheumatic fever? how common is it?

A member asked:

What causes chorea of rheumatic fever?

A member asked:

What is the anatomy of rheumatic fever?

A member asked:

What is the progression for rheumatic fever?

A member asked:

How often does strep come as rheumatic fever?

A member asked:

Can doctors tell me what does rheumatic fever feel like?

A member asked:

How long does it take for strep to turn into rheumatic fever?

A member asked:

Is there evidence or relation between toothach and rheumatic fever ?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?