Rheumatic fever

Rheumatic fever is a complication that develops after a streptococcal infection, due to the development of antibodies against the strep infection, reacting against the body’s own tissues. Long term complications of this disease are heart failure, skin disorders, anaemia, endocarditis, heart arrhythmias, arthritis and Sydenham’s chorea (dysfunction of the nervous system).

Symptoms: early – inflammation and stiffness in the knee, fever, skin rash, nodules over joints, fatigue and uncontrollable movement of the arms, legs or facial muscles.

Who to consult: Cardiologist, dietician, GP, herbalist homoeopath, massage therapist, naturopath, osteopath, physical therapist, physiotherapist, speech therapist, yoga practitioner.