Rheumatic Fever

Overview

Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that follows infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. It mainly affects the heart, joints, skin, and central nervous system, presenting with migratory arthritis and carditis; recurrent attacks may lead to rheumatic heart disease.

Symptoms

• Migratory joint pain
• Fever
• Carditis
• Erythema marginatum
• Subcutaneous nodules

Treatment

Treatment is based on antibiotics against streptococcal infection combined with anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent cardiac damage.

Dietary advice

A light, easily digestible diet with rest during the acute phase, and supplementation of vitamins and quality protein.