Rheumatic fever

Rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease impacting the brain, skin, joints, and heart, is a rare complication of untreated group A streptococci bacterial infections. This autoimmune response triggers the immune system to mistakenly target its tissues, causing inflammation in organs like the heart, joints, skin, and central nervous system. 

Symptoms include high fever, sore joints, chest pain, and fatigue. While these symptoms often resolve spontaneously, there's a risk of lasting damage to the heart, leading to rheumatic heart disease. 

Rheumatic fever risk factors include a recent untreated or poorly treated strep throat infection, especially in children aged 5-15, and living in crowded or low-income conditions where such infections are more common. Repeated strep infections increase the likelihood of developing rheumatic fever.

The primary treatment for rheumatic fever involves antibiotics. Additionally, anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.