Medical Services

A bacterial infection by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) causes untreated or recurrent rheumatic fever, leading to the severe illness known as rheumatic heart disease (RHD). The condition mostly affects the heart valves, which can finally lead to heart failure or other consequences by scarring, stenosis, or leaking (regurgitation).
Usually developing in children and young adults, RHD disproportionately affects areas with little healthcare access. Among the symptoms could include dyspnoea, chest discomfort, tiredness, and irregular heartbeats. Untreated, it might cause heart infections, stroke, or even early death.
The most important things that can be done to stop streptococcal throat infections are to find them early and treat them with penicillin or another appropriate antibiotic. Long-term antibiotic prophylactic agents help stop disease progression for people already afflicted. Advanced cases could call for surgically performed valve replacement or repair.
Public health campaigns supporting hygienic living, better living conditions, and broad medical access can greatly reduce the frequency of RHD. We should raise awareness of early signs and seek timely medical care to save lives. Since RHD is avoidable, worldwide initiatives seek to eradicate it by means of enhanced healthcare access in high-risk areas.