Rheumatic Fever: Symptoms & Signs

Rheumatic fever is a disease that develops following a streptococcal throat infection (strep throat) in some people.

There are many different signs and symptoms associated with rheumatic fever, which affects the joints, skin, heart, and nervous system. Symptoms and signs can include

• chest pain,
• joint pain,
• joint swelling,
• fatigue,
• fever,
• inability to exercise,
• a fast heart rate,
• heart murmur,
• palpitations,
• uncontrollable movements of the arms and face (Sydenham's chorea), and
• a non-itchy rash with pink rings and snake-like lines.

Some people develop small painless nodules beneath the skin.

Cause of rheumatic fever

The cause of rheumatic fever an autoimmune disease triggered by the strep infection. It is especially common in children ages 5-15, although older teens and adults may also develop the disease.

Other rheumatic fever symptoms and signs

• Chest Pain
• Fast Heart Rate
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Heart Murmur
• Inability to Exercise
• Joint Pain
• Joint Swelling
• Non-Itchy Rash With Pink Rings and Snake-Like Lines
• Palpitations
• Uncontrollable Movements of the Arms and Face (Sydenham's Chorea)

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SLIDESHOW

Sore Throat or Strep Throat? How to Tell the Difference See Slideshow