What's the treatment for rheumatic fever?
Rheumatic fever is typically treated with antibiotics, which may need to be taken continuously to protect against a recurrence. Aspirin, and sometimes corticosteroid drugs are given to control joint pain and inflammation. When strep throat is treated promptly and adequately, rheumatic fever can almost always be prevented. For more information about rheumatic fever,
contact your doctor.
Penicillin is the first line of treatment for rheumatic fever, and patients will often need to remain on some regular dose of penicillin to prevent recurrence. Arthritis as a result of rheumatic fever can be treated with aspirin or ibuprofen. Mild carditis will also improve with such anti-inflammatory agents, although more severe cases of carditis will require steroid medications. A number of medications are available to treat the involuntary movements of chorea, including diazepam for mild cases, and haloperidol for more severe cases.
A person with strep throat will be given antibiotics such as penicillin and erythromycin. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, may be used as needed for pain and fever. However, aspirin should not be used by children because of the risk for developing Reye syndrome. A person who has rheumatic fever will be given antibiotics as well as NSAIDs. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may be used to modify the immune response. Bed rest is recommended for a person who has rheumatic fever. Some healthcare providers prescribe digoxin, a medicine that strengthens the contractions of the heart.After the initial treatment, a slow increase in physical activity is allowed. Any complications are treated on a case-by-case basis. |
