Rheumatic Fever

There are many types of autoimmune diseases. An autoimmune disease happens when the body attacks itself. In the case of rheumatic fever, it occurs due to an infection from Streptococcus pyogenes. Streptococcus pyogenes causes strep throat and can also cause scarlet fever. Strep throat happens when bacteria colonize in the throat making it painful to swallow and causes it to feel scratchy. Many times Strep throat occurs without any complications. Scarlet fever is also caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and is distinguished by a rash all over the body along with fever, sore throat, and a red “strawberry” tongue (Wikipedia contributors , 2015) . These diseases are often found in children. When Streptococcus pyogenes affects other areas of the body,

“Damage to the mitral valve… can [also] cause problems with the heart later in life… [causing]… atrial fibrillation [and] heart failure” (Rheumatic fever, 2015). It is very important to be seen by your doctor about heart complications from rheumatic fever because it can impair your hearts ability to pump blood. In order to see if the heart was affected by rheumatic fever an electrocardiogram would be given by your doctor. Typically the heart can recover if only the muscle has been affected. The problem lies in the valves. However, recurrent rheumatic fever can cause permanent damage (Rheumatic Fever and the Heart, 2015).

After getting rheumatic fever the child is more likely to have another recurrence but can be treated with antibiotics. Rheumatic fever can last between 6 weeks to more than 6 months. Because of this antibiotics can be given even after the disease has passed. It is also important to always finish all prescribed medications to avoid the bacteria from becoming resistant. Some people who were treated for strep throat might not have taken the full course of antibiotics. Making them more susceptible to