Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease are a type of disease characterized by rheumatism (inflammation of the connective tissue), which mainly affects the heart valves, joints, and other organs. Patients with frequent angina are more likely to develop rheumatic heart disease. Colds are an important factor in the development of this disease. Therefore, rheumatic heart disease is more common in the cold seasons (autumn, winter).
In most cases, if the patient does not completely recover from b-hemolytic (rheumatoid) streptococcal angina, the temperature rises again, there is pain in the knees, elbows, wrists, ankles, redness and swelling of the joints, rheumatoid arthritis. As one of the main symptoms of rheumatic heart disease, it is said to "bite the heart and lick the joints."
Rheumatoid arthritis is treated with aspirin and other anti-rheumatic drugs, pain is reduced, and swelling disappears. In this case, the damage to the joints is not permanent, usually after 10-2 days, all the symptoms of polyarthritis disappear. At the same time the heart valves, muscle layer, outer membrane are also damaged. Rheumatic damage to the valves can lead to deformities and heart defects. Rheumatic heart disease (Rheumatoid Arthritis) can occur without polyarthritis.
Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease can also affect other organs, especially the nervous system (chorea). In this case, the patient's limbs fly involuntarily, he becomes very restless and quickly becomes tired. Lung damage is one of the clinical signs of rheumatic heart disease. In rheumatic pneumonia, in particular, the patient has shortness of breath, fever, and wheezing. X-rays show a thickening and deformity of the lung tissue. In rheumatic pulmonary vasculitis, the patient coughs and in some cases sputum mixed with blood. In rheumatic heart disease, damage to the lining of the lungs (rheumatic pleurisy) is similar to inflammation of the internal organs. In rheumatic pleurisy, there is pain in the chest when breathing, and exudate accumulates in the pleura.
At the onset of rheumatic heart disease, the patient's condition dries up, the heart beats, sighs, and the body temperature may rise slightly. However, patients should keep in mind that any pain associated with redness and swelling of the joints is not a rheumatic heart disease. Also, a fast heartbeat, not all unpleasant sensations in the heart area are rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatic heart disease can only be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. If the above symptoms are observed, it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor and receive appropriate treatment, so that it will recover.
To avoid serious complications
Here are some tips to help prevent and treat rheumatic heart disease:
If the patient has chronic diseases such as tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis, it is necessary to treat in time, otherwise these diseases gradually lead to rheumatic heart disease;
year-round prophylactic treatment of bacterial diseases is important in the prevention of rheumatic heart disease;
the patient's diet should be low in salt and carbohydrates, so it is important for a patient with rheumatic heart disease to have enough protein and vitamins, especially vitamin C, in their diet;
Massage of the joints is very useful in the treatment of rheumatic heart disease, because after the massage, the effect on the muscles improves blood flow, swelling of the joints is absorbed, blood circulation in the massaged areas improves and the heart rate returns to normal;
Therapeutic baths also help well in rheumatic heart disease. It relaxes muscles, reduces pain, calms nerves and improves metabolism;
In the early stages of the disease it is necessary to conduct therapeutic physical exercises. Exercise regularly in consultation with a doctor can prevent the onset of pain and seizures.
Exercise is a preventive measure
Children between the ages of 7 and 15 have a cold, a sore throat, and rheumatic heart disease, so it is important to dress for the season and protect young children from acute respiratory illnesses.
Inpatient treatment of influenza, angina, and colds without passing on the feet is of great benefit, and it protects them from rheumatic heart disease and rheumatic fever;
At least once, a patient with angina should be registered at the medical institution where he / she lives and be under constant medical supervision;
the role of family sports exercise in the prevention of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease is great. Especially if you get used to running in the morning, your body will become stronger and stronger, and teenagers will be less likely to get sick;
As soon as the first symptoms of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease (especially after angina) are felt, it is necessary to immediately go to a rheumatologist and start treatment on his advice.
Keep in mind that timely preventive measures can dramatically reduce the risk of heart disease caused by rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, and allow the patient to recover faster.
Mashhura RIZAMUHAMEDOVA,
doctor of medical sciences, professor.
