ATI Pathophysiology Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Untreated strep throat can lead to a significant complication known as rheumatic fever. This condition occurs when the body's immune response to the streptococcal bacteria mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the heart, joints, skin, and nervous system. Rheumatic fever can develop several weeks after the initial infection, and it is most common in children. One of the most alarming aspects of rheumatic fever is its potential to cause rheumatic heart disease, which can lead to long-term heart problems including valvular heart disease.

Early diagnosis and treatment of strep throat with antibiotics are crucial in preventing rheumatic fever. Awareness of the symptoms of strep throat—such as sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes—can help initiate prompt treatment and reduce the risk of serious complications.

In contrast, pneumonia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and asthma are not direct complications of untreated strep throat. While they can occur in other contexts or due to different underlying causes, they do not have the same association with streptococcal infections as rheumatic fever does.