Definition
Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease of infectious origin, which affects various organs and systems of the body. More precisely, rheumatic fever is a complication that can occur following a bacterial infection.
The central nervous system, the heart, the joints and the skin are the parts of the body most affected by the aforementioned inflammation.
Rheumatic fever mainly affects pediatric patients, especially children aged between 5 and 15 years.
Causes
As doggedly, rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can occur following a "bacterial infection, sustained by group A streptococcus.
The infection itself, however, is not the only one responsible for the onset of rheumatic fever. In fact, it seems that the inflammation is caused by a malfunction in the immune system which - previously activated to fight streptococcus - at a certain point begins to attack the organism itself. The cause of this, however, has not yet been fully clarified.
Furthermore, among the risk factors that can favor the onset of rheumatic fever - in addition to the poor sanitation conditions that favor the contraction of streptococcal infections - we also find genetic factors. In fact, some people have a certain genetic predisposition for it. development of this disease.
Symptoms
Since the central neural system, the heart, the skin and the joints are the parts of the body most affected by inflammation, episodes of migratory polyarthritis, inflammation of the endocardium, myocardium and pericardium may arise in patients suffering from rheumatic fever. valvular dysfunction, arrhythmias, cardiomegaly, heart palpitations, atrial fibrillation, joint, muscle and bone pain, joint swelling, Sydenham's chorea, headache, mood changes, drowsiness, asthenia, erythema, skin rash, subcutaneous nodules and edema.
Often, the disorders described above can occur in association with abdominal pain, chest pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, cough, fluid retention, paleness, anorexia, weight loss, increased ESR, liver congestion.
The information on Rheumatic Fever - Medicines to Treat Rheumatic Fever is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Rheumatic Fever - Medicines to Treat Rheumatic Fever.
Medicines
In some cases, rheumatic fever can resolve on its own without resorting to the use of drugs. However, if not properly treated, this inflammatory disease can cause permanent damage.
Although, in reality, there are no real drugs to treat rheumatic fever, drug treatments can be undertaken to reduce its symptoms. In fact, doctors generally prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
In severe cases and / or in the presence of severe carditis, however, corticosteroids may also be prescribed.
Obviously, if the group A streptococcal infection is still present, it is necessary to intervene with adequate antibiotic therapies to eradicate the infectious agent in question.
The following are the classes of drugs most used in the therapy against rheumatic fever and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the active ingredient and dosage most suitable for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment.
NSAIDs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used in the treatment of rheumatic fever by virtue of their anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties.
Therefore, they are useful for reducing inflammation and for controlling acute symptoms induced by it.
Among the most used active ingredients, we remember:
- Ibuprofen (Brufen ®, Moment ®, Nurofen ®, Arfen ®, Actigrip fever and pain ®, Vicks fever and pain ®): is a drug available in different pharmaceutical formulations suitable for different routes of administration. In children, ibuprofen is usually given orally or rectally.
When used orally, the dose of drug used should not exceed 1,200 mg of active ingredient per day. In any case, the exact dosage of the medicinal product must be established by the physician on an individual basis, according to the severity of the disease and according to the age and body weight of each patient.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that can, however, cause serious side effects. For this reason, their use is reserved for the most severe cases of rheumatic fever and for cases in which severe carditis is also present. However, their use must be under the strict supervision of the doctor.
Among the various active ingredients that can be used, we remember prednisone (Deltacortene ®). The dose of active ingredient usually administered orally varies from 5 mg to 15 mg per day.
The exact amount of drug to be taken must always be determined by the physician on an individual basis for each patient.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are used to completely eradicate group A streptococcal infection.
Among the most commonly used antibiotics, we mention:
- Amoxicillin (Augmentin ®, Zimox ®, Amox ®, Clavulin ®, Velamox ®): amoxicillin is an antibiotic belonging to the penicillin class.
The drug dose usually used in children is 20-30 mg / kg of body weight per day. Generally, the treatment lasts for 10 days. In any case, the exact dosage of the medicine must be determined by the doctor. - Erythromycin (Erythrocin ®): Erythromycin is an antibiotic belonging to the macrolide class. It is usually used in patients who have experienced allergies to penicillins.
The dose of erythromycin used in children varies according to their age and body weight and must be established by the doctor, therefore, it is essential to follow the instructions provided by him.
