Rheumatism prevention can be divided into two main categories: primary prevention and secondary prevention.
Primary prevention focuses on reducing the risk of streptococcal infections and ensuring prompt, appropriate treatment if an infection occurs.
Primary Prevention of Rheumatism
The foundation of primary prevention includes:
Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle
Regular outdoor activities and fresh air
Proper ventilation of living and working spaces
Gradual body conditioning and hardening
A balanced and nutritious diet
Early isolation of individuals with streptococcal infections is particularly important, as well as monitoring people who have been in close contact with them.
Elimination of Chronic Infection Sources
An important aspect of prevention is the treatment of chronic infection sites, particularly those affecting the upper respiratory tract, including:
Sinusitis
Pharyngitis
Chronic sinus infections
Chronic tonsillitis
This is especially important for children, adolescents, and young adults who frequently experience upper respiratory tract infections.
The need for treatment and the appropriate methods should always be determined by a healthcare professional.
The Importance of Early Treatment
Prompt treatment of streptococcal infections is essential.
Medical evidence suggests that treatment initiated within the first three days after symptom onset significantly reduces the risk of developing rheumatic disease.
Acute streptococcal infections are typically treated with:
Antibiotics
Anti-inflammatory medications
Antibiotic therapy generally lasts at least 10 days.
After recovery from the infection, patients are often advised to undergo follow-up evaluation, which may include:
Blood tests
Urine tests
Assessment of overall health status
Treatment is considered complete only when laboratory and clinical indicators have normalized.
Patient Responsibility
Successful prevention requires consistent adherence to medical recommendations.
A patient's attitude toward their own health plays a significant role in preventing complications.
Unfortunately, many individuals seek medical attention only at advanced stages of illness, when treatment becomes more complex and recovery more difficult.
Secondary Prevention of Rheumatism
Secondary prevention is intended for individuals who have already experienced a rheumatic episode.
Its primary goals are:
Preventing recurrence
Slowing disease progression
Reducing the risk of complications
Because rheumatism is prone to recurring flare-ups, preventive measures are often long-term and carried out under the supervision of a rheumatologist.
Main Components of Secondary Prevention
Secondary prevention may include:
Strengthening the immune system
Body conditioning and hardening
Therapeutic exercise
Proper nutrition
Treatment of chronic infection sources
Medication therapy
Bicillin prophylaxis
Bicillin Prophylaxis
Bicillin prophylaxis is considered one of the most important methods for preventing recurrent rheumatic disease.
Preventive Bicillin administration is commonly recommended for all patients who have experienced a rheumatic process.
The duration of prophylaxis is determined individually:
After polyarthritis or primary rheumatic carditis without heart valve involvement: at least 3 years
After rheumatic carditis with heart valve involvement: at least 5 years
If a patient develops tonsillitis or pharyngitis during the prophylactic period, additional treatment may include:
Antibiotics
Anti-inflammatory medications
Antibiotic prophylaxis is also recommended before certain surgical procedures, including:
Tooth extractions
Tonsillectomy
Other surgical interventions
Additional Preventive Measures
During the winter and spring months, preventive treatment may be combined with vitamin supplementation.
Particular importance is given to:
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Rheumatism Prevention at the Dr. Bubnovsky Center in Riga
The specialists at the Dr. Bubnovsky Center help patients strengthen their bodies, improve physical activity levels, and reduce the risk of rheumatic complications through modern physiotherapy and kinesitherapy programs.
Book your initial consultation at bubnovsky.lv or call +371 23271732.
When purchasing a package of 12 rehabilitation sessions, you will receive a free initial consultation as well as two follow-up consultations with your physician after the 6th and 11th sessions to assess progress and adjust your program if necessary.