What happens in acute rheumatic fever?
The first symptoms are a high fever that lasts 10 to 14 days and arthritic pain and soreness that moves from one joint to another. In acute attacks of rheumatic fever, joints often swell and become red and hot. A child suffering from rheumatic fever may have shortness of breath or chest pains. These symptoms indicate the heart is affected. Other signs include tiring easily, eating poorly or paleness. A doctor examining the child may hear an abnormal heart murmur or find that the heart is enlarged. Acute inflammation of the heart is a serious condition. It requires direct and some-times lengthy medical care. What tests are used to detect heart damage? Chest X-rays and an electrocardiogram are two common tests to find out if the heart has been affected. Echocardiography sends sound waves into the chest to rebound from the heart s walls and valves. The recorded waves show the shape, texture and movement of the valves. They also show the size of the heart chambers and how well they re work
