Blood rheumatism: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Blood rheumatism, as rheumatic fever is popularly known, is a disease that causes inflammation of the joints and, in some cases, the heart and nervous system, and which is usually a consequence of infection with streptococcus bacteria that has not been properly treated.

Due to inflammation and infection, it is possible to notice symptoms such as pain and inflammation in the joints, as well as fever and tiredness. Furthermore, rheumatism in the blood can also affect the nervous system and even the heart valves, impairing the functioning of the heart.

It is important that rheumatism in the blood is identified and treated according to the guidance of the infectious disease specialist or general practitioner to ensure the elimination of the bacteria, which can be done with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories or corticosteroids.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of blood rheumatism are:

• Pain and swelling in the joint;
• Muscle weakness;
• Fever above 38º C;
• Small nodules under the skin, most common on wrists, elbows or knees;
• Chest pain;
• Red spots on the trunk or arms, which worsen when exposed to the sun.

If there is cardiac involvement, there may also be tiredness and an increase in heart rate. In the case of brain involvement, there may also be motor changes and seizures. Check out other symptoms of rheumatism in the blood.

Possible causes

The most common cause of blood rheumatism is throat infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes that was not properly identified and treated. Initially, the body fights the infection, however, at the same time, antibodies begin to attack the healthy joints of the body, but the exact cause for this is still unknown.

Some studies indicate that rheumatism in the blood may be favored by genetic factors, so that the toxins produced by the bacteria could activate the genes and trigger rheumatic fever.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of rheumatism in the blood must be made by an infectious disease specialist or general practitioner by evaluating the signs and symptoms presented by the person, in addition to the results of laboratory and imaging tests.

Therefore, to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor must recommend an electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and blood tests, such as blood count, ESR and ASLO, for example. Find out what the ASLO exam is for and how it is done.

How the treatment is carried out

Treatment for rheumatism in the blood must be guided by a doctor and aims to eliminate the bacteria responsible for rheumatism and alleviate symptoms. Therefore, the doctor may recommend:

• Antibioticssuch as Benzathine Penicillin: help eliminate remaining bacteria;
• Anti-inflammatoriessuch as Naproxen: relieve joint inflammation and pain and can also relieve fever;
• Anticonvulsantssuch as Carbamazepine or Valproic Acid: reduce the emergence of involuntary movements;
• Acetylsalicylic acid (AAS): reduces joint inflammation and heart disease;
• Corticosteroidssuch as Prednisone: improve cardiac impairment.

Furthermore, it is important to rest when joint pain is severe and drink plenty of water to help the immune system function. Understand better how the treatment is carried out.