Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic fever is an illness that occurs as a complication of a streptococcus infection, such as strep throat or scarlet fever. It most commonly occurs in children between the ages of four and eighteen. Although the strep infections that precede this illness are contagious, the rheumatic fever itself is not. Rather, its occurrence seems to be a matter of individual susceptibility, which may run in families.

Symptoms of rheumatic fever include fever; arthritic joint pain in two or more joints (most commonly the ankles, knees, elbows, or wrists), with redness, heat, and swelling; emotional instability; a flat, painless rash on the trunk and extremities that may come and go; uncontrollable twitching of the arms or legs; and bumps or nodules in the joints, scalp, or spine. The primary danger of rheumatic fever is the possibility of carditis, an inflammation of the heart tissue, which can result in permanent damage to the heart valves. Carditis may produce symptoms including coughing, shortness of breath, or an uncomfortable feeling in the chest. However, in many cases it is detectable only by a doctor's examination and medical tests. In fact, many people do not find out that they have had the condition until years later, when damage to the heart valves is discovered.

The symptoms of rheumatic fever can appear singly or in any combination, so the illness follows many different patterns and variations. It usually develops between seven and twenty-eight days after a strep throat, and can take anywhere from two weeks to three months to resolve. The length of time required for recovery usually depends on the degree to which the heart is affected. Once a child has been diagnosed with rheumatic fever, it is important that any subsequent strep infections be treated promptly and aggressively to prevent further complications.

Supplements and herbs

See age-appropriate dosages of herbal remedies

• The Chinese herbal formula yin qiao may be given at the first sign of fever. Give your child one dose, three times a day, for up to three days, starting as soon as symptoms begin.
  Note: The liquid extract is the preferred form because it contains no aspirin. The tablet form should not be given to a child under four years of age.
• Garlic has antibacterial properties that help to clear the body of infection. Give your child one capsule or clove of garlic, three times a day, until he recovers.