What condition follows an upper respiratory infection with Group A Beta haemolytic streptococci?

Prepare for the New Zealand State Nursing Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Get prepared to excel in your test!

Following an upper respiratory infection caused by Group A Beta-hemolytic streptococci, rheumatic fever is a potential complication that can develop. This condition arises as an autoimmune response, where the body's immune system reacts to the streptococcal infection, potentially leading to inflammation in various parts of the body, particularly the heart, joints, skin, and nervous system.

The connection between streptococcal throat infections, commonly referred to as strep throat, and rheumatic fever is well-documented; not every strep infection will lead to rheumatic fever, but if it occurs, it typically happens approximately two to three weeks after the initial infection. The importance of recognizing and treating strep throat promptly is underscored by the potential for this serious complication.

In contrast, conditions like asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis either do not directly result from Group A Beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections or typically do not have the same causal link. While upper respiratory infections can contribute to the exacerbation of asthma or may coexist with pneumonia or bronchitis, they are not directly caused by the specific streptococcal infection in the context of this question. Thus, rheumatic fever is specifically linked to the

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