Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
Does strep throat cause a rheumatic fever?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Yes it can: Strep throat is due to infection with streptococcus pyogenes. It is easily treated with antibiotics, but if let untreated it can induce an immune reaction that can lead to Rheumatic Fever and Gloerulonephritis. It is easily diagnosed with a swab in minutes and treated with antibiotics so these diseases are rare now.
Answered 9/29/2016
3.6k views
It can: Rheumatic fever is a quirk in the immune system. Risk is often cited as occurring in 1/200 untreated strep A infections. The immune system creates antibodies to the germ that also attack human tissues, primarily in the heart, brain or kidneys. It is uncommon in the US where access to medical care is relatively easy. It is a common cause of heart disease and death in the third world.
Answered 12/20/2017
443 views
Related Questions
A member asked:
How commun is rheumatic Fever from untreated strep throat? Also, is it still possible to contract strep throat after having the tonsils removed?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Normally how long does it take for a 21 year old with strep throat to get rheumatic fever? If the rheumatic fever is very very mild, need treatment?
5 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
A member asked:
Is Ceftin or Zpack better against Strep throat? Do both protect against Rheumatic Fever?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
What if my son got sore throat and fever for two days and cleared on its own, what if it was strep,does that make him at risk of rheumatic fever?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Ulcer in back of throat. not swollen and very little pain. No fever either. I threw up about a week ago so im wondering if the acid caused it? Strep?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
People also searched for:
Are there cases where strep throat cause immune system to attack heart but it is very mild to be considered rheumatic fever?
Can Rheumatic Fever cause SVT and PVC episodes a few years later? If so, how/why? Have rhythm issues may have had RF? Repeat Strep throat as a teacher
Is it possible to have strep throat with only minor symptoms & develop rheumatic fever?
What besides strep throat causes scarlet fever?
Before strep throat reaches level of rheumatic fever, do a small number of antibodies already start to attach to body tissues?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
