When a sore throat could be a danger to your child’s heart
Why August’s rheumatic fever message matters all year round
August marks Rheumatic Fever Awareness, but the warning it carries is urgent year-round – a sore throat isn’t always just a sore throat. Sometimes, it’s the first sign of strep throat, a bacterial infection that, if untreated, can lead to rheumatic fever and cause lifelong heart damage including heart valve problems and heart failure.
Rheumatic fever, most common in children aged five to 15, is an inflammatory disease that can affect the heart, joints, brain and skin. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rheumatic heart disease claims almost 360 000 lives globally each year, yet it’s entirely preventable with early detection and treatment.
Lizeth Kruger, Clinic Executive at Dis-Chem Baby City, stresses that “many cases go undetected because people don’t know the symptoms. The more parents understand the link between strep throat and rheumatic fever, the more lives we can save.”
Here are five signs parents should never ignore:
1. A sore throat that lingers or is severe
If your child’s throat pain lasts more than a few days, is very painful, or makes swallowing difficult, it could be strep throat. “This infection needs antibiotics, not just home remedies, which is why you need to seek medical assistance” says Kruger.
2. Fever and swollen neck glands
A temperature above 38°C with swollen lymph nodes is a strong indicator of bacterial infection. Unlike a cold, strep throat rarely includes a cough or runny nose.
3. Rash or flushed skin
A fine, sandpaper-like red rash, often starting on the chest or stomach could mean scarlet fever, a complication of strep that needs urgent medical treatment.
4. Symptoms appearing weeks later
Joint pain, unusual movements, shortness of breath, or chest pain could signal rheumatic fever developing after untreated strep. No child should suffer heart damage because of a sore throat especially when it is preventable.
5. Recurring sore throats
Frequent infections can raise the risk of heart complications and may require specialist care to prevent long-term damage.
“Don’t wait and see, get your child checked and treated. Acting quickly when a sore throat appears could just protect your child’s health and their heart for life,” concludes Kruger.
