Rheumatic fever
Inflammatory disease in children
If your child is experiencing rheumatic fever our rheumatology and cardiology experts can help to treat you
About rheumatic fever
Need to know
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What are the symptoms of rheumatic fever? icon plus
Your child's consultant can diagnose rheumatic fever from the "Jones Criteria", a checklist of major and minor symptoms. If at least one major or two minor symptoms are identified a diagnosis of the condition might be made.
Major symptoms
- arthritis
- carditis (heart inflammation).
- skin rash
- Sydenham's chorea (nerve inflammation)
Minor symptoms
- joint pain
- high temperature
- irregular heart rhythm
- blood tests showing body inflammation -
Diagnosing rheumatic fever icon plus
Your child's consultant will discuss their symptoms with you. The following tests can be carried out to determine if they have rheumatic fever:
- an electrocardiogram (ECG) uses sensors (electrodes) to assess heartbeat regularity
- blood tests to identify inflammation or any antibodies associated with the condition
- an echocardiogram to see if the heart muscle or valves are affected
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Potential treatment options icon plus
Your child's consultant will discuss treatment options with you. These may include:
- anti-inflammatory medication to ease joint pain and/or heart inflammation
- antibiotics to help eliminate any remaining streptococcus bacteria (throat infection)
- bed rest
Our consultants
Our locations
From complex surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344