What is a potential complication of untreated streptococcal pharyngitis?

Untreated streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as strep throat, can lead to significant complications, one of which is rheumatic fever. This condition arises when the body’s immune response to the streptococcal bacteria mistakenly targets the body’s own tissues, particularly the heart, joints, skin, and brain. The immune reaction can occur several weeks after the initial throat infection.

Rheumatic fever is characterized by a wide variety of symptoms, including fever, joint pain, and, more seriously, carditis, which can result in long-term damage to the heart valves. This can lead to rheumatic heart disease, a significant health issue that can manifest years after the initial streptococcal infection. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis with appropriate antibiotics are crucial to prevent the progression to rheumatic fever and subsequently avoid these potential complications.

The other options listed do not have a direct association with untreated streptococcal pharyngitis. For example, diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease unrelated to streptococcal infections, and anemia and lung cancer have different etiologies that do not connect with the complications arising from strep throat infection. Thus, rheumatic fever stands out as