Definition of Fever, rheumatic

1. 10 Common Allergy Triggers Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Quiz on Allergies
3. Nasal Allergy Relief Slideshow: Products That Work

Fever, rheumatic: An illness that occurs following a streptococcus infection (such as a "strep throat") or scarlet fever and predominantly affects children. Symptoms include fever, pain in the joints, nausea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. Rheumatic fever can cause long-lasting effects in the skin, joints, heart, and brain.

Rheumatic fever may be followed by Sydenham's chorea and by symptoms characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder or a tic disorder.

The diagnosis of rheumatic fever is made by history and observation. An ASO or anti-DNAse B lab test can help make the diagnosis.

Treatment is usually by prophylactic antibiotics, as recurrence is common and can cause further damage to body tissues.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.