noun an inflammatory disease that can develop as a complication of inadequately treated strep throat or scarlet fever, characterized by fever, joint pain, and inflammation, especially of the heart
Rheumatic fever is a serious inflammatory condition that can affect the heart, joints, skin, and brain. It is caused by untreated strep throat infections.
Rheumatic fever mainly affects children between the ages of 5 and 15 years old.
Rheumatic fever can lead to rheumatic heart disease, which is a common cause of heart valve damage.
Rheumatic fever is characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints, known as migratory polyarthritis.
Rheumatic fever is a complication of untreated group A streptococcal infections.
Rheumatic fever may be mentioned in medical articles or publications discussing the impact of certain diseases on the heart.
A cardiologist may diagnose and treat patients with rheumatic fever, as it can lead to heart complications.
Pediatricians may be familiar with rheumatic fever as it primarily affects children and adolescents.
Rheumatologists specialize in treating conditions like rheumatic fever that affect the joints and connective tissues.
An infectious disease specialist may be consulted to manage the underlying infection that can trigger rheumatic fever.