Home Health Guide

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 208, 2 September 1944, Page 8

Home Health Guide

RHEUMATIC FEVER (By the Department of Health.) For many years now, doctors have been trying to find a way of preventing recurrences of the dread rheumatic fever. This disease, which is so common in children, is often heralded by growing pains. Then fever and swollen joints follow, and serious damage to the heart sometimes results. Adults, too, are numbered among the sufferers from this disease. The danger of heart damage does not lie in the first attack, but it is in the second or subsequent attack that the danger may bo encountered. After much experimenting a way has at last been found of preventing recurrences. From controlled experiments, it has, been found that the sulphonamide drugs are effective in preventing recurrences of rheumatic fever. In a certain convalescent home children suffering from rheumatic fever were divided into two groups. One group was given sulphanilamide, and the others used as a control. While the disease recurred in 14 of the 54 untreated children, none of the group who had been treated had a rheumatic recurrence. The sulphonamide drugs are, however, considered to be harmful if administered in acute rheumatic fever. It is only when given after the first attack is over that they are effective in preventing recurrences. If given sulphonamide drugs in small doses for k/ long period after their first attack, rheumatic children will be unlikely to get further attacks. The discovery that sulphonamide drugs—though they will not stop or cure the original attacks of rheumatic fever—will prevent recurrences, is an important medical advance. It means that in countries with damp, bleak climates, such as England, large numbers of rheumatic fever children will be relieved of much pain and suffering. If you have a recurrence of rheumatic fever, do not delay. Consult your doctor immediately.