What does ARF mean in PHYSIOLOGY
Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) is an inflammatory disease that can develop after a person has had a streptococcal throat infection, such as strep throat or tonsillitis. It usually occurs in children between the ages of five and fifteen years old. Although it is rare in developed countries, it remains one of the most common causes of acquired heart disease in childhood. ARF can cause severe pain and swelling in the joints and tissues which can lead to long-term damage to the heart valves if left untreated.
ARF meaning in Physiology in Medical
ARF mostly used in an acronym Physiology in Category Medical that means Acute Rheumatic Fever
Shorthand: ARF,
Full Form: Acute Rheumatic Fever
For more information of "Acute Rheumatic Fever", see the section below.
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What Is ARF?
ARF is an autoimmune disorder caused by cross-reactivity between antigens on streptococcus bacteria and proteins on the human body's tissues. It often appears weeks after a person has had a streptococcal infection, with symptoms developing over several weeks or months. The most common symptom of ARF is painful joints, typically in the wrists, ankles, elbows, and knees. Swelling of the joints and tissues around them may also occur. Other symptoms include fever, patches on the skin called erythema marginatum, shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), fatigue or weakness due to valve leakage from damaged heart valves (cardiac incompetence).
What Are The Effects Of ARF?
ARF affects both children and adults but tends to be more serious in children under 15 years old. If left untreated it can lead to damage to the heart valves which could become permanent if not treated early on. Permanent damage may result in various medical problems such as chronic fatigue due to valve leakage causing decreased oxygenation levels; arrhythmias; congestive heart failure; cardiomyopathy; strokes; endocarditis - an inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves; acute rheumatic chorea – involuntary movements affecting limbs; subcutaneous nodules - subcutaneous nodules develop under pressure points such as elbow’s knees and knuckles among other venues.
How Can ARF Be Treated?
The mainstay of treatment for acute rheumatic fever is antibiotic therapy with either oral or intravenous penicillin given every six hours for ten days until all signs and symptoms have resolved. In cases where antibiotics are not indicated due to sensitivities or allergies other medications may be prescribed including anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen or indomethacin as well as corticosteroids like prednisone which help reduce inflammation in affected areas as well as improve blood flow through the vessels leading to decreased joint pain during movement activities. Additionally nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin can be used along with physical therapy aiming at preserving range of motion in affected joints while helping decrease overall pain levels.
Essential Questions and Answers on Acute Rheumatic Fever in "MEDICAL»PHYSIOLOGY"
What is Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF)?
ARF is an autoimmune disorder that occurs after a person contracts certain types of bacterial infections. It typically affects children between the ages of 5 and 15, and can lead to serious, long-term damage to the heart, joints and skin.
What are some of the signs/symptoms of ARF?
Symptoms of ARF include fever, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, weakness, fatigue, chest pain, difficulty breathing and rash. It can also cause abnormal heart rhythms and valvular defects in the heart.
How is ARF treated?
Treatment for ARF includes antibiotics to treat any underlying infection as well as anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation caused by the condition. Physical therapy is also often recommended to help improve range of motion and strength in affected joints.
Is there a cure for ARF?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for ARF; however, early diagnosis and effective treatment can reduce the risk of developing long-term complications from the condition.
Are there any preventative measures I can take against developing ARF?
The best way to prevent developing ARF is by taking measures to reduce your chances of contracting strep throat or other common bacterial infections. This includes practicing good hygiene such as washing hands regularly with soap and water; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; avoiding sharing food or drinks; and getting vaccinated for certain illnesses like influenza or meningococcal disease.
How does one contract an infection leading to ARF?
The most common infection that leads to acute rheumatic fever is group A streptococcus bacteria (GAS). GAS can be spread through direct contact with someone infected with it or through contaminated food or water. It can also be passed on through respiratory secretions when someone sneezes or coughs near you.
What happens if someone does not receive treatment for their ARF?
Delaying or not receiving treatment for acute rheumatic fever could result in more severe symptoms such as joint damage (rheumatic arthritis), permanent valvular defects in the heart (rheumatic carditis) or damage to surrounding tissue around valves in the heart (Libman-Sacks endocarditis). In some cases it may even lead to death if left untreated.
Final Words:
Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) can cause severe and even life-threatening complications if left untreated so it’s important for anyone experiencing its symptoms to seek medical attention quickly for diagnosis and treatment options available through their primary care provider. With prompt medical care symptoms should begin improving within 2-3 days however further monitoring over time will be necessary depending on severity due to potential long lasting effects from any resultant damage suffered by affected joints or cardiac structures..
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