Symptoms
The symptoms of rheumatic fever can vary, but they usually appear 1 to 5 weeks after a strep throat or scarlet fever infection. The most common symptoms include:
- Joint pain and swelling: This is the most common symptom of rheumatic fever and can affect any joint in the body, but it most often affects the knees, ankles, and wrists.
- Fever: Children with rheumatic fever may have a fever that comes and goes.
- Fatigue: Children may feel tired and weak.
- Rashes: A rash may appear on the trunk of the body, and the skin may be sensitive to touch.
- Heart problems: Rheumatic fever can cause inflammation of the heart, which can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and a rapid heartbeat.
- Nodules: Hard lumps may form under the skin, usually on the elbows, knees, or scalp.
- Abdominal pain: Some children may experience abdominal pain.
Causes
Rheumatic fever is caused by an infection with group A streptococcus bacteria. This type of bacteria can cause strep throat and scarlet fever. When the body fights the infection, it produces antibodies that can mistakenly attack the heart, joints, and other organs. This mistaken attack is what causes the inflammation and damage associated with rheumatic fever.