An allergic reaction to streptococcal infections, causing acute inflammation of the joints, rheumatic heart disease (inflammation of and damage to heart muscles, heart valves, and tissues surrounding heart), and in some cases chorea or St. Vitus' dance (inflammation of the brain). Acute stage occurs in childhood but effects are long-term. Condition has a hereditary component and is associated with cold, damp weather. Usually onsets 7-28 days after streptococcal Sore Throat.
Symptoms are Fever, intermittent pain and swelling in joints, and a pink, blotchy rash. If child shows these symptoms, consult your doctor if there is no improvement in 12 hours. Orthodox treatment is bed rest and penicillin, with some authorities recommending antibiotics to prevent recurrence. Author's view is that expert constitutional homeopathic treatment should be tried after a first attack, with long-term antibiotics as an option if a second attack occurs.
Specific remedies to be given hourly for up to 10 doses while waiting for help
- Painful joints, child restless and frightened Aconite 30c
- Child sweats profusely especially at night, sweat smells unpleasant, copious saliva Mercurius 30c
- Slightest movement makes joint pains worse, child irritable, wants to be left alone, very thirsty at long intervals Bryonia 30c
- Moderately severe attack, especially if child catches chill after exertion in cold, damp weather Dulcamara 30c
- Pains shift from one joint to another, child feels better out of doors but worse after fatty food, tearful Pulsatilla 30c
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