Treatment of rheumatism in a sanatorium

Rheumatism is a systemic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the connective tissue, especially in the heart lining. The main cause of rheumatism is an acute infection of the throat caused by group A hemolytic streptococcus. It can develop after illnesses such as angina, chronic pharyngitis, tonsillitis, or scarlet fever. Children aged 7 to 15 are most susceptible. Genetic predisposition plays an important role in its development.

Symptoms of Different Forms of Rheumatism

There are several forms of rheumatism, each with its own characteristic symptoms:

• Rheumatic carditis – the primary manifestation involving inflammation of all heart layers, particularly the myocardium. Symptoms include:
  • Dull and sharp pains in the chest area;
  • Mild hypotension;
  • Tachycardia;
  • Weakness, loss of appetite, excessive sweating;
  • Elevated temperature;
  • In early stages — systolic heart murmur.
• Rheumatoid polyarthritis – joint inflammation with typical rheumatic changes. Symptoms include:
  • Pain and destruction of large joints;
  • Symmetrical joint involvement;
  • Raised body temperature up to 38–39°C, nosebleeds, weakness.
• Rheumatic chorea – affects small blood vessels in the brain, more common in girls. Symptoms include:
  • Changes in mental state;
  • Muscle weakness (impaired swallowing, walking, sitting);
  • Disorders of gait and coordination, difficulty holding small objects.
• Rheumatic pleuritis – characterized by:
  • Chest pain;
  • Dry cough;
  • Shortness of breath;
  • Elevated temperature;
  • Reduced or absent breathing on the affected side.
• Rheumatic skin lesions – include:
  • Rheumatic nodules — firm and painless;
  • Pale skin;
  • Nodular erythema;
  • Ring-shaped erythema.

Besides specific symptoms, rheumatism also has different activity levels. In the inactive phase, which prevails among people who have had rheumatism, no signs of the disease appear during diagnosis. However, physical exertion may lead to fatigue, especially if heart defects have developed. The active phase occurs in three degrees — minimal, moderate, and maximal — differing by the severity and characteristics of the inflammatory process.

Diagnosis

Monitoring and preventing the development of rheumatism is possible through laboratory tests such as:

• ECG;
• Echocardiography;
• X-ray;
• Phonocardiography;
• Blood tests.

In the active phase of rheumatism, elevated ESR, moderate leukocytosis with left shift, possible anemia, and other indicators are observed.

Treatment of Rheumatism at the Berezoviy Gai Sanatorium

At the “Berezoviy Gai” sanatorium, patients diagnosed with rheumatism can undergo comprehensive treatment including:

• Radon baths;
• Dry carbonic acid baths;
• Cryotherapy;
• Magnetotherapy;
• Thermogly mud therapy;
• Diadynamic therapy;
• Bioptron light therapy.

This multi-faceted approach helps reduce inflammation, improve cardiovascular function, and restore overall health under professional supervision.