Rheumatic fever history and symptoms


 * Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Varun Kumar, M.B.B.S.

History and Symptoms
Rheumatic fever as mentioned earlier, is a non-suppurative sequela that occurs 2-4weeks following streptococcal pharyngitis or skin infection. It frequently occurs among children of 5-15years of age, in temperate regions during winter or early spring. Rheumatic fever is frequently seen in developing nations and in crowded places. Symptoms of rheumatic fever include:


 * Fever
 * Chest pain
 * Abdominal pain
 * Swollen, painful, tender joints (ankles, elbows, wrists) that migrate to other joints.
 * Palpitations
 * Jumpy body movements that cannot be controlled. This is most often seen on the face, feet and hands
 * Emotional disturbances with outbursts of unusual behavior such as inappropriate laughing or crying
 * Sore throat without other cold symptoms such as a runny nose
 * Tender, swollen lymph nodes with a sore throat
 * General weakness and fatigue
 * Shortness of breath
 * Bumps or nodules that appear under the skin
 * Skin rashes
 * Difficulty in swallowing
 * Epistaxis