Jakarta, goldensamoyed Indonesia
—
Sore throat is often considered trivial, especially in children.However, behind symptoms that appear mild such as pain when swallowing and fever, this condition can be triggering
heart disease
Rheumatism is life threatening if not treated properly.
Chair of the Cardiology Coordination Work Unit of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI), Rizky Adriansyah, explained that this disease can start from infection with the group A Streptococcus beta-hemolyticus (SGA) bacteria which is not treated immediately.
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“Sore throat due to SGA infection can develop into rheumatic fever, which is an immune system reaction that appears 1-5 weeks after the initial infection,” said Rizky in a written statement received by goldensamoyedIndonesia.com, Tuesday (11/11).
Rheumatic fever, he continued, can attack the joints, skin and even the heart.
“If it attacks the heart, it can cause defects in the heart valves. This is what is called rheumatic heart disease,” he added.
This condition can even trigger heart failure and stroke if not treated quickly.
Symptoms to watch out for
Sore throat due to SGA infection is usually characterized by high fever lasting more than 48 hours, painful swallowing without coughing, swollen red tonsils, and pain in the neck glands.In some cases, a red rash also appears on the skin.
Symptoms of rheumatic fever themselves can appear several weeks after the initial infection, such as:
• Pain and swelling in the moving joints.
• A circular red rash on the skin.
• Shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, or swelling in the legs.
• Uncontrolled restless movements such as dancing (known as Khorea Sydenham).
If a child has a high fever for more than two days and does not improve with fever-reducing medication, parents are advised to immediately take him to the doctor for appropriate examination and treatment.
The risk in Indonesia is still high
Indonesia is an endemic country for rheumatic heart disease.The death rate reached 4.8 per 100,000 population, higher than malaria which is 3 per 100,000 population.
Data from the IDAI Cardiology UKK in 2018 shows that only 6 out of 10 children are able to survive eight years after being diagnosed with this disease.Meanwhile, 4 out of 10 children experience progressive heart valve damage after diagnosis.
“The main challenges in handling it are complex. Starting from low early detection, non-compliance with taking medication, to limited availability of Benzathine Penicillin G (BPG), the main injectable drug for secondary prevention,” he said.
BPG is an antibiotic that must be given every 3-4 weeks to prevent recurrence of rheumatic fever and worsening of rheumatic heart disease.However, its availability in regional hospitals is often limited.
According to Rizky, prevention is the main key to reducing the risk of rheumatic heart disease in children.
Primary prevention can be done by:
• Treat throat infections caused by SGA bacteria completely with antibiotics for 10-14 days.
• Maintain personal and environmental hygiene: wash your hands frequently, do not share eating utensils, and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Ensure homes and schools have good ventilation.
Meanwhile, secondary prevention is important for children who have already experienced rheumatic fever.
“Children need to receive regular BPG injections for at least five years or until the age of 21, depending on the severity of the valve damage,” explained Rizky.
Apart from that, parents are also advised to keep eating utensils clean, ensure that children do not exchange spoons or drinking bottles, and give them rest time and a mask if their child has a sore throat so that it does not spread to their peers.
(tis/tis)
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