Rheumatic fever :
Rheumatic fever can develop when a streptococcal throat infection or scarlet fever (illness caused by streptococcus pyogenes bacteria), are improperly treated. It is a disease that causes wide-spread inflammation throughout the body. Anyone can develop rheumatic fever. However, children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 15 years are mostly affected. Although very rare, adults too can develop rheumatic fever.
Some of the symptoms of rheumatic fever include, fever, pain and swelling in the joints, pain in the chest, fatigue, rash, and painless bumps beneath the skin. A few people with rheumatic fever may develop symptoms such as, uncontrollable, jerky movements of the hands, feet, face, and sudden outbursts of crying or laughter. Usually, the symptoms of rheumatic fever start about 2 to 4 weeks after a streptococcal throat infection.
Rheumatic fever in a few cases may cause permanent damage to the heart tissues and valves. Your doctor may diagnose rheumatic fever through history taking, clinical examination, and a variety of blood and heart tests.
Talk to a doctor to know more about the condition and it's treatment.