Difference Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Rheumatic Fever
Know the Difference: Rheumatic Fever & Arthritis
Autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis and Rheumatic Fever have become prevalent. According to the World Health Organisation, on a global scale, more than 21% of people suffer from musculoskeletal problems. Indians contribute to this statistic by around 0.31%. Although these diseases share similarities, they have different risk factors, causes and treatments.
Difference Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Rheumatic Fever
Go through the following table to know the difference between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Rheumatic fever:
| Parameters | Rheumatoid Arthritis | Rheumatic Fever |
| Meaning | Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the joints. | It is an autoimmune reaction, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues—especially the heart, joints, skin, and brain—after a strep infection |
| Symptoms | Swelling, pain and stiffness in joints, extreme fatigue and fever, symmetrical joint involvement, and extra-articular manifestations. | Swollen or tender joints, muscle aches, rash, small bumps under the skin, abnormal heartbeat or chest pain, fatigue, fever |
| Affects | Primarily, adults, mostly women, within the age range of 30 to 60, are prone to this disease. | Children within the age range of 5 to 15 are more prone to this disease. |
| Cause | The exact cause is unknown, but health experts believe hormones, genetics, and environmental factors have a role to play. | It is an overreaction of a child's immune system. If issues like strep throat or scarlet fever are left untreated, the immune system starts to fight healthy tissues. |
| Severity | In four stages, the severity can be categorised.
Stage 1: Inflammation starts in joint tissues.
Stage 2: Inflammation continues to damage joints and cartilage.
Stage 3: The Bone starts to be damaged.
Stage 4: The inflammation stops, yet the joints continue to worsen. | The severity can be categorised into two stages.
Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF): It starts with minor strep throat or scarlet fever. If these conditions are not treated properly, it might lead to Rheumatic Heart Disease.
Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD): ARF damages heart valves and can eventually cause permanent heart damage.
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| Duration | The duration varies; early signs last up to 6 months. In case it lingers, it is referred to as Established Rheumatoid Arthritis. | Rheumatic fever usually lasts 2 to 3 weeks. But it mostly depends on the severity of the disease. |
| Diagnosis | Rheumatologists conduct physical exams, blood tests and imaging to diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis. | If a child physician finds that the sore throat condition is worsening, they will conduct a throat culture or strep test. |
| Treatment | Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs, e.g., methotrexate) as first-line therapy to prevent joint damage. Medicines that are effective in reducing joint pain, inflammation and swelling also be used. | Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications usually help. In severe cases, doctors suggest heart surgery or joint treatments. Long-term antibiotics to prevent recurrence. |
Preventive Measures for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Besides having a lifestyle modification with healthy diets and an active lifestyle, it is crucial to monitor the symptoms. It is also important to check if there are any side effects from the medications.
Preventive Measures for Rheumatic Fever
Teaching children proper hygiene maintenance can reduce their chances of acquiring bacterial infections. If they get diagnosed with strep throat or scarlet fever, instant treatment is required. In addition, ensuring the antibiotic course is complete and following the instructions of the healthcare professional is of utmost importance.
Rheumatoid Arthritis has been prevalence of ~0.5–1% globally. In contrast, the number of rheumatic fever is rare. However, both these diseases cause immense pain and fatigue. Therefore, the patients need constant care and support.
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