Scarlet Fever Related Complications

There are several complications that can arise from scarlet fever. One of the known complications is acute and chronic otitis media. Otitis media is a build-up liquid that is usually present in the middle ear-the space between the eardrum and the inner ear. This place is usually filled with air but at times, the air is replaced with mucus or fluid. Scarlet fever infection can lead to this and hence infecting the mucus with the bacteria and as a result, an ear infection is experienced. Acute otitis is usually a temporary infection but chronic otitis is usually a long term infection that is recurrent or lasts longer than necessary. This is usually common in young children, over 75% of the cases are reported in children under the age of ten and especially those with scarlet fever infection are at a higher risk of getting infected.

Another complication that may arise as a result of scarlet fever rash is the appearance of abscesses which is usually a painful mass of pus that occurs as a result of a bacterial infection. The most prevalent one is the skin abscess that can occur in any body part. Internal abscesses often develop as a result of complications from existing conditions like tonsil abscesses which often develop after acute tonsillitis. They can develop and disappear without treatment but larger ones can be treated with antibiotics or through surgery to drain away the pus.

The swelling of lining of the sinuses, a condition called sinusitis inflammation is another complication that also arises as a result of the scarlet fever rash causing bacteria. Sinusitis is normally caused by high temperatures, blocked and runny nose as well as pain and tenderness in the face. The sinuses open up into the cavity of the nose and help regulate temperatures and water content of the aid reaching the lungs. Scarlet fever can lead to the blockage of the channels that drain mucus into the noses.

Pneumonia is characterized by the swelling of the tissue in one or both of the lungs usually caused by infections. People with pneumonia usually find it hard to breathe because of the inflammation and as a result tend to cough a lot. Pneumonia also has some complications that are attached to it like respiratory failure.

The most grave of all the scarlet fever related complications is rheumatic fever which is a condition that leads to widespread inflammation throughout the body. Just like scarlet fever, rheumatic fever develops as a result of a complication of a bacterial throat attack referred to as streptococcal infection (also called strep throat). Rheumatic fever can cause permanently destroy the valves of the heart, a disease called rheumatic heart disease. There is no known treatment for rheumatic fever but constant use of antibiotics can help lessen its intensity.

All these complications can be evaded if scarlet fever is detected in its window period and treated accordingly there. Parents should keep their eyes open for any of the signs of scarlet fever and seek medical attention as soon as they notice any of the signs in their children. Scarlet fever can lead to death and should be taken seriously.