Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune disease triggered by streptococcal infection. Inflammation can affect different parts such as heart, joints, skin and central nervous system. Possible symptoms include fever, joint pain, swelling, and migratory joint pain. Rheumatic fever can also appear as heart muscle inflammation, subcutaneous nodules, annular erythema and chorea. Symptoms of chorea include inappropriate excessive cry or laugh along with dance-like movements. Penicillin or other antibiotics are used for treatment. If the dance-like movements are severe, anticonvulsants such as valproic acid and carbamazepine should be given.
How is Rheumatic fever treated in practice?