HealthDiseases and Conditions

Enterovirus in children: symptoms and treatment

The gastrointestinal tract of the child has some differences from the Gastrointestinal System of an adult. He is more susceptible to new components of food. In children, intestinal immunity is not yet fully formed, so the body is extremely sensitive to various viruses.

At a tender age, you can come across two variations of infectious diseases that affect the intestines and GIT system. This is rotavirus and enterovirus infections. The latter in children is much more common, and without proper treatment can cause irreparable harm to the fragile body. The peak incidence is usually in the spring-autumn period. What is the difference between enterovirus in children? Symptoms, photos of small patients, as well as a detailed treatment scheme are presented in the materials of this article.

What is an enterovirus infection?

This concept combines several diseases, the sources of which are enteroviruses. Otherwise they are called intestinal. Currently, more than 60 species of these pathogens have been studied. Depending on the serotype, they are all divided into 4 groups: ECHO viruses , Coxsacks, polioviruses and enteroviruses.

You can get sick with one of the serotypes only once in your life. After treatment, he develops a strong immunity. On the other hand, he can get infected with another enterovirus. Such a diversity of pathogens does not allow scientists to create a single effective vaccine.

What is the danger of enterovirus in children? The seriousness of the infection lies in the fact that its pathogens are highly resistant to aggressive factors from the outside. They can exist for a long time in moist soil and water, then penetrate into the human body through contaminated foods.

In early 2008, a large-scale epidemic among children was recorded on the territory of China. Her appearance was triggered by the EV71 virus. It penetrates the human body through the respiratory tract, as well as the mucosa of the digestive tract. After it spreads throughout the body with the circulatory system, hitting the lungs and the brain. Infection was detected in 15,000 children, 20 of them died. This once again shows that enterovirus in children and adults requires timely and comprehensive treatment.

Causes of infection

The infection develops against the background of activation of groups of intestinal viruses, which are the cause of the appearance of a certain symptomatology. All of them differ in a number of general characteristics. At the heart of each virus is the nucleus, represented by a nucleic acid molecule. In some cases DNA acts in its role, in others - RNA. Outside, the inner structure is surrounded by a capsule, which has some features. Depending on the configuration of the elements of the shell, the viruses are subdivided into different subtypes.

Enterovirus enters the body by inhaling air or through the mouth during meals. After this, the pathogen migrates to the lymph nodes, where it settles and begins to multiply. Its further development, as well as the severity of the infectious process, depend on several factors:

  • Virulence of the virus (ability to withstand the body's immunity);
  • Tropism (the possibility of an infectious agent to affect internal organs);
  • The state of the immune system itself.

How long is the incubation period? Enterovirus in children may not show external symptoms from 1 to 12 days. As a rule, the incubation period is five days. The clinical picture of a particular disease depends directly on the serotype of the pathogen. Enterovirus is usually activated in spring and autumn. In other seasons, the incidence is much lower.

Ways of transmission of infection

Enterovirus can be transmitted from a sick person to a healthy one in several ways: airborne, fecal-oral, contact. The mechanism of the spread of diseases is characterized by great diversity. Enterovirus in children is transmitted mainly through raw water or toys. The causative agents of the disease can be in a viable condition for a long time in feces, soil, and water. Even the freezing process is not disastrous for them. The pathogen dies under the influence of disinfectants only if the processing time is clearly observed.

Enterovirus in children under one year has similar causes. However, in infants who are breastfed, most of the serotypes have innate immunity. On the other hand, the child can catch the infection immediately after the end of the use of mother's milk.

Clinical picture

The stage of the incubation period is usually not manifested by any symptoms. At this time, the viruses settle on the mucous membranes and enter the lymphatic system, where they begin to multiply actively.

Then the stage of the disease itself follows. Signs of enterovirus in children begin to manifest themselves with a sharp rise in temperature, which reaches a critical level and persists for five days. The child moves little and sleeps a lot. The first days after infection can also be accompanied by severe vomiting and headaches. As soon as the temperature is normal, all the accompanying symptoms go away.

Sometimes children have an increase in lymph nodes, mostly submandibular and cervical. Another symptom of the disease is exanthema. Rashes appear simultaneously on the head, chest and arms. They look like red spots. After their disappearance, small pigment marks remain on the body, which independently pass in a few days.

The intensity of the clinical picture directly depends on the state of the child's immunity, the "portion" of the virus obtained and certain features of its kind.

Frequent forms of enterovirus infection

Knowledge of the complete classification is usually not required. Parents should be able to recognize the most common forms of enterovirus infection, in time to determine the pathology and seek medical attention.

  1. Herpetic tonsillitis. This is a catarrhal manifestation of enterovirus. Herpetic angina usually occurs in children from three to ten years. Its main manifestations are high fever, soreness in the throat and vesicles on the back wall of the pharynx. The vesicles burst and form sores. The main pathogens are Coxsackie A and B viruses.
  2. Exanthema. This is one of the most common examples of how an enterovirus can manifest itself. In children, the rash has two distinct types: red-eye and rose-leafy. Exanthema may appear on the first or second day after infection. Eruptions appear on the face, body and have the appearance of small red spots. Sometimes they merge together. Against the background of red rashes, hemorrhagic elements may also appear. Enteroviral exantheme is more susceptible to children under six years old.
  3. Grippopodobny syndrome. This form of enterovirus infection is characterized by symptoms of a typical flu or ARVI. Children have catarrhal manifestations (runny nose, puffiness, nasal congestion), fever, weakness, pain in the muscles. Of the typical symptoms for the syndrome, which distinguish him from the usual flu, you can distinguish stool disorder and vomiting.
  4. Intestinal form. This is one of the most dangerous variants of enterovirus infection. It is accompanied by a moderate rise in temperature, watery diarrhea, bloating and flatulence. The main danger of intestinal form is considered to be a high probability of dehydration, which complicates the condition of a small patient. Such a disorder requires constant monitoring by doctors and emergency care.

All types of infection can occur through a typical / atypical clinical picture. Depending on the type of pathology, the doctor chooses what to treat enterovirus in children.

Rare forms of infection

In some cases, enterovirus infection is characterized by a complicated course. It is also classified as typical, but it is combined. Small patients require complex and more complex treatment.

  1. Hemorrhagic conjunctivitis. This is a fairly common form of enterovirus infection. Its manifestations begin with severe pain in the eye, partial loss of vision and increased lacrimation. Sometimes there are hemorrhages in the retina.
  2. Myocarditis / pericarditis. With this pathology, certain structures of the heart primarily suffer. Against the background of the defeat of the myocardium, the contractile function of the main muscle of the organism is disrupted. Involvement in the pathological process of the pericardium is characterized by a change in the process of blood filling.
  3. Meningitis and encephalitis. These are the most serious and at the same time dangerous forms of enterovirus infection. They start with a temperature increase of 40 degrees. The next day there is an intolerable headache, severe vomiting, which is not associated with eating. Common symptoms are abdominal pain, convulsions, hemorrhagic rash.

Atypical variants of infection are characterized by asymptomatic and latent flow. Clinical diagnosis becomes possible only in the case of visible complications.

Enterovirus infection in children is characterized by a diverse course. Therefore it is important to call the doctor in time for the purpose of passing the diagnostic examination. It allows to differentiate the infection from the usual respiratory diseases, poisonings and dermatological problems.

Medical Examination

Signs of enterovirus infection in small patients are usually manifested by serous meningitis and herpetic sore throat. Group outbreaks of the epidemic are often recorded in pre-school institutions during the warm season. The main mechanism of transmission is fecal-oral.

Above we have already told you what symptoms are characterized by enterovirus. Photos (in children) of various forms of its manifestation can be viewed in specialized sources. They help to notice the ailment and see a doctor. Currently, there are four main methods for identifying the causative agent of infection:

  • Serologic (detection of the virus in the blood serum). Early markers of pathology include IgA and IgM. Also significant for diagnosis is the increase in the titer of a 4-fold value.
  • Virological (definition of the causative agent of infection in cerebrospinal fluid, feces, blood). Exercises are examined for two weeks.
  • Immunohistochemical (detection of antigens in the blood to enteroviruses).
  • Molecular-biological methods (investigation of fragments of RNA of enteroviruses).

Special attention is paid to differential diagnostics. Enterovirus in children in its various manifestations is important to distinguish from herpes, ARVI, allergic reactions. In addition, it is necessary to test the sensitivity to the action of antibacterial drugs. Thanks to the achievements of modern microbiology, qualitative diagnosis does not carry any difficulties. With the timely identification of the source of the disease, you can relatively quickly cure a child of any age.

Medication Therapy

How to treat enterovirus in children? It is this question that many parents ask when they hear the diagnosis. With a mild illness, a small patient can stay at home. Indications for immediate hospitalization are the following conditions: the defeat of the central nervous system, the heart, a strong fever.

Modern medicine can not provide a single universal remedy for infection. In an acute period, small patients are recommended adherence to bed rest, a vitaminized diet and a plentiful drink. What to treat enterovirus in children?

If the ailment is accompanied by temperature, headaches and muscle pain, it is advisable to take analgesics and antipyretic drugs (Nurofen, Paracetamol). With diarrhea, drugs are prescribed to normalize the water-salt balance ("Regidron"). Antibiotics are used only in case of attachment of bacterial infections.

To help the body cope with enterovirus, children are prescribed interferons (Viferon, Cycloferon, Neovir). They belong to the category of nonspecific antiviral agents that inhibit the multiplication of viruses and activate the functioning of the immune system.

Treatment should appoint a doctor after a comprehensive examination of a small patient. Only an expert can correctly recognize the symptoms and suspect an enterovirus. Infection in children is often accompanied by the defeat of the central nervous system, eyes and kidneys. In this case, the child, in addition to drug therapy, is shown to have a doctor's observation for several months. Sometimes it can take several years.

Nutrition recommendations

Diet with enterovirus in children plays an important role, as the work of the digestive tract is disrupted. First of all, it means a lot of drinking. The use of ordinary non-carbonated water in large quantities helps to remove toxins from the body, is the prevention of dehydration.

From the diet, pediatricians recommend the exclusion of fried and smoked dishes, all sweets and pastries. It is important to limit the consumption of products from whole milk, butter, eggs. The ban also includes meat broth, nuts, legumes and bread. The food should be steamed or baked in the oven.

What can I eat? The diet should consist of fresh vegetables and fruits that have been thermally treated. Sour milk products are allowed (biochefe, low-fat cottage cheese). You can eat lean meat, fish. They are best served in a crushed or even grinded form. In general, the food should be fractional. It is recommended to eat often, but in small portions. If the child refuses to eat, do not force him and feed him.

What to do when acute diarrhea is accompanied by an enterovirus? Treatment in children of school age in this case implies compliance with the so-called hunger pause. It is useful to skip one or two meals. Hungry pauses in infants are unacceptable. Then, a strict diet is prescribed for small patients.

On the first day you can eat porridges on water and baked apples. As the general condition of the child improves, dairy products should be introduced into the diet, vegetable soups - purees. Lastly, meat and fish dishes are allowed.

Complications of enterovirus infection

Enterovirus in children, the symptoms and treatment of which were described earlier, can penetrate into all organs and tissues. This explains the large number of its manifestations. In most cases, the child manages to survive ailment without serious complications for health. Due to weakened immunity or the presence of concomitant diseases, negative consequences can still arise. As a rule, doctors diagnose meningitis and encephalitis.

These diseases affect the brain of a small patient, which can lead to epilepsy, paralysis or death. There are also known cases of secondary infection, which requires additional therapy. Lethal outcomes are usually due to acute cardiac or pulmonary insufficiency. If a comprehensive examination confirms enterovirus, the pediatrician should prescribe treatment for children. It is strictly forbidden to try to overcome the illness independently. Parents can cause irreparable harm to the baby's health.

Methods of prevention

Specific prophylaxis of enterovirus in children is not developed. However, good results are shown inoculations against meningococcemia and poliomyelitis. In many European countries, vaccination against the most common pathogens of enterovirus infection is now being used. However, such prevention does not provide absolute guarantee due to the variety of viruses. Studies and clinical trials on this issue are continuing.

To prevent infection of the family of the infected child, it should be isolated. It is necessary to ventilate the premises more often, daily to carry out wet cleaning with disinfectants. Nonspecific prevention implies observance of elementary rules of personal hygiene, the use of interferons (Laferon, Nazoferon, Viferon).

Now you know the difference between enterovirus in children. Symptoms and treatment of diseases, the source of which is the causative agent, require a competent approach on the part of specialists. If you do not delay the visit to the doctor, you can prevent the occurrence of life-threatening complications. Be healthy!

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