What is Acute Rheumatic Fever?

Rheumatic Fever & Insurance Support: Your Safety Net

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an inflammatory disease that can develop when strep throat or scarlet fever isn't properly treated. It is caused by a group A Streptococcus bacterial infection. Although younger children and adults can also contract ARF, children between the ages of 5 and 15 are the most commonly affected.

ARF can cause lasting damage to the heart, including damaged heart valves and heart failure. It can also cause joint pain and swelling, skin rashes, and involuntary muscle movements. The symptoms usually appear two to four weeks after a strep throat infection.

Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of acute rheumatic fever, along with other crucial aspects!

What are the causes of acute rheumatic fever?

Acute rheumatic fever is caused by the following factors:

1. Untreated Streptococcal Infections: ARF often follows infections like strep throat or scarlet fever caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria.
2. Immune System Reaction: Instead of only targeting the bacteria, the immune system may mistakenly attack the body's tissues, leading to inflammation in the heart, joints, skin, or brain.
3. Delayed Onset: Symptoms of ARF typically appear 1 to 5 weeks after the initial streptococcal infection.
4. Genetic Factors: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition that increases their risk of developing ARF after a streptococcal infection.
5. Environmental Factors : Living in crowded conditions can facilitate the spread of streptococcal infections, thereby increasing the risk of ARF.

Understanding these causes is crucial for prevention and early treatment. Prompt medical attention for streptococcal infections can significantly reduce the risk of developing acute rheumatic fever.

What are the symptoms of acute rheumatic fever?

The symptoms usually appear 1 to 5 weeks after the initial infection and can vary depending on the affected organs. Recognising these symptoms early is crucial for prompt treatment and prevention of long-term complications, such as rheumatic heart disease.

Common symptoms of acute rheumatic fever are:

1. Fever: Elevated body temperature is often one of the first signs.
2. Painful and Tender Joints (arthritis): Commonly affects knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists.
3. Uncontrolled Body Movements (chorea):Involuntary, jerky movements, especially in the face, hands, and feet.
4. Fatigue: A general feeling of tiredness and lack of energy.
5. Heart Involvement (carditis):Inflammation of the heart, which may present as chest pain, shortness of breath, or a new heart murmur.
6. Skin Rash (erythema marginatum): A painless rash with pink rings and a clear centre, usually on the trunk or limbs.
7. Painless Lumps (subcutaneous nodules):Small, firm nodules typically found near joints.

How to Diagnose Acute Rheumatic Fever?

Diagnosing acute rheumatic fever (ARF) involves a comprehensive clinical assessment, as there is no single definitive test. Here is a detailed overview:

• The Jones Criteria, revised in 2015, serves as the primary guideline for diagnosis.
• These criteria consider major and minor clinical manifestations, along with evidence of a recent group A streptococcal infection.
• Supplementary tests, such as echocardiography, are recommended to detect cardiac involvement, even in the absence of audible murmurs.
• Healthcare providers must also differentiate ARF from other conditions with similar symptoms, including autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
• Timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial to initiate appropriate treatment and prevent long-term complications.

How to Treat Acute Rheumatic Fever?

Doctors may recommend the following common treatment procedures for acute rheumatic fever:

1. Antibiotic Therapy: Begin antibiotics like penicillin to eliminate any remaining group A streptococcal bacteria, even if a sore throat isn't present.
2. Anti-inflammatory Medications: Use salicylates or NSAIDs to reduce inflammation, joint pain, and fever.
3. Heart Failure Management: If heart failure symptoms occur, appropriate medications should be administered to manage them.
4. Long-term Antibiotic Prophylaxis: After initial treatment, continue antibiotics to prevent recurrence. This may involve monthly penicillin injections for several years.
5. Regular Monitoring: Schedule consistent follow-ups to monitor heart health and prevent complications.

Does Health Insurance Cover Acute Rheumatic Fever?

Acute rheumatic fever, being a serious inflammatory condition, is considered a pre-existing disease if diagnosed within 36 months before purchasing the policy.

Star Health Insurance provides coverage for pre-existing conditions, including acute rheumatic fever, after a waiting period of 12 to 36 months. Policyholders can opt for the Buy-Back Pre-Existing Disease (PED) cover to reduce this waiting period by paying an additional premium.

Additionally, they must check the terms and conditions to get a better idea of the overall scope of coverage.

Call us today for further details!