Childhood infections are the name given to a group of infectious diseases that people experience mainly in childhood. These usually include varicella (chickenpox), rubella, mumps (mumps), measles, scarlet fever, polio, whooping cough, and diphtheria. Infections are transmitted from a sick child to a healthy child.
After past illness A stable (sometimes lifelong) immunity is formed, so they rarely get sick with these infections again. Now there are vaccines for almost all childhood infections.
Varicella (chickenpox)
It is caused by the herpes virus, which is transmitted by airborne droplets from sick children to healthy ones. The incubation period is from 10 to 21 days.
The disease begins with a rise in temperature, which is accompanied by the appearance of a rash in the form of spots and general malaise. The spots eventually turn into blisters with clear liquid, which burst, dry out, and then crusts form. A typical difference between chickenpox and other diseases accompanied by rashes is the presence of a rash on the scalp. All elements of the rash are simultaneously present on the patient’s skin: spots, blisters, and crusts. New additions are possible within 5-7 days. Drying of the wound and formation of crusts is accompanied by severe itching.
A patient with chickenpox is contagious from the moment the first element of the rash appears and for another 5 days after the appearance of the last element.
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Treatment
In its normal course, chickenpox does not require treatment. The main thing is hygiene and good care, which help prevent suppuration of the rash elements.
In Russia, it is customary to lubricate bubbles with brilliant green. In fact, this is not necessary - in Western countries, for example, do not use brilliant green. In many ways, its use is really inconvenient: it stains laundry and does not wash off for a long time. But our tradition also has its advantages. If you mark new elements of the rash with brilliant green, it is easy to track the moment when the rash stopped.
If the temperature rises above 38 °C, the child should be given an antipyretic drug, preferably paracetamol-based medications. Don't forget about antihistamines and topical balms and ointments to relieve itching. The use of antiherpetic drugs is not recommended: a child does not develop immunity when taking them, and re-infection is possible.
Prevention
There is a vaccine against the chickenpox virus, it is registered in Russia, but it is not included in the National Vaccination Calendar, that is, it is not given to everyone for free. Parents can vaccinate their child for money at vaccination centers.
Diphtheria
The causative agent of the disease is diphtheria bacillus. You can become infected from a sick person or from a carrier of the infection. Once on the mucous membranes (or skin), it releases a toxin that causes necrosis of the epithelium. The nervous and cardiovascular systems, adrenal glands, and kidneys may also be affected. The incubation period is 2-10 days. A characteristic sign of diphtheria is a grayish, pearlescent film covering the affected mucous membranes.The disease begins with an increase in body temperature (usually no higher than 38 °C), slight soreness and moderate redness of the mucous membranes appear. In severe cases, the temperature immediately rises to 40 °C, the child complains of a headache and sore throat, sometimes in the stomach. The tonsils may become so swollen that they make breathing difficult.
Treatment
The child is hospitalized and given anti-diphtheria serum. After hospitalization, the room in which the patient was located is disinfected. All persons who were in contact with him are subject to bacteriological examination and medical observation for 7 days. Children who have been in contact with the patient are prohibited from visiting child care facilities for this period.
Prevention
All children receive diphtheria vaccination combined vaccine DPT. IN in rare cases A vaccinated child can also get sick, but the disease will be mild.
Whooping cough
An infection that is transmitted by airborne droplets and causes painful cough. The source of infection is a sick person. The incubation period is from 3 to 14 days (usually 7-9). There are three periods during the course of the disease.
The catarrhal period is characterized by the appearance of a persistent dry cough, which gradually intensifies. A runny nose and an increase in temperature to low-grade fever may also occur (but more often it remains normal). This period can last from three days to two weeks.
The spasmodic, or convulsive, period is characterized by coughing attacks. They consist of cough impulses - short exhalations, following one after another. From time to time the tremors are interrupted by a reprise - an inhalation, which is accompanied by a whistling sound. The attack ends with the release of thick mucus, and there may be vomiting. The severity of the attacks increases over 1-3 weeks, then stabilizes, then the attacks become more rare and disappear. The duration of the convulsive period can be from 2 to 8 weeks, but often lasts longer.
After this, the resolution period begins. At this time, the cough, which seems to have gone away, may return, but the patient is not contagious.
Treatment
Antibiotics from the macrolide group, centrally acting antitussives, and inhaled bronchodilators are prescribed. Important role play in therapy non-drug methods: stay on fresh air, gentle regimen, eating high-calorie foods, small amounts, but often.
Prevention
Vaccination against whooping cough is included in the National Calendar and is given to children free of charge. Sometimes vaccinated children also get sick, but in a mild form.
Measles
A viral infection that is spread by airborne droplets. The source of infection is a sick person. The incubation period is 8-17 days, but can be extended to 21 days.
Measles begins with an increase in temperature to 38.5-39 ° C, a runny nose, a dry cough, and the appearance of photophobia. The child may experience vomiting, abdominal pain, and loose stools. At this time, on the mucous membranes of the cheeks and lips, on the gums, grayish-white spots the size of poppy seeds, surrounded by a red corolla, can be found. This early symptom measles, allowing diagnosis before the rash appears.
Rash - small pink spots- occurs on the 4-5th day of illness. The first elements appear behind the ears, on the back of the nose. By the end of the first day, it covers the face and neck, and is localized on the chest and upper back. On the second day it spreads to the torso, and on the third day it covers the arms and legs.
Treatment
Used in the treatment of measles antiviral drugs, as well as immunomodulators. In severe cases, intravenous injections of immunoglobulin may be prescribed. The rest of the treatment is symptomatic.
Bed rest It is needed not only on days of high temperature, but also 2-3 days after it decreases.
Having measles affects the nervous system. The child becomes capricious, irritable, and gets tired quickly. Schoolchildren should be freed from overload for 2-3 weeks, and sleep and walks should be extended for preschool children.
Prevention
The first measles vaccination is given to all children a year, the second at 7 years of age.
Rubella
The rubella virus is transmitted from a sick person by airborne droplets. The incubation period is 11-23 days. A person infected with rubella begins to secrete the virus a week before the onset of clinical symptoms and ends a week or two after all signs of the disease have disappeared.A typical manifestation of rubella is swelling and mild tenderness of the posterior cervical, occipital and other lymph nodes. At the same time (or 1-2 days later), a pale pink, small-spotted rash appears on the face and entire body. After another 2-3 days it disappears without a trace. The rash may be accompanied by a slight rise in body temperature, mild impairments at work respiratory tract. But often such symptoms do not occur.
Complications are extremely rare. Rubella is dangerous only if a pregnant woman contracts it, especially in the first months. The disease can cause severe fetal malformations.
Treatment
There is currently no specific treatment for rubella. IN acute period the patient must remain in bed. When the temperature rises, antipyretic drugs are used, and for an itchy rash, antihistamines are used.
Prevention
Not long ago, the rubella vaccine was introduced into the National Calendar.
Infectious mumps (mumps)
Infection occurs by airborne droplets. The incubation period is from 11 to 21 days.
The disease begins with an increase in temperature to 38-39 °C and headache. A tumor appears behind the auricle, first on one side, and after 1-2 days on the other side. The patient becomes infectious 1-2 days before symptoms appear and sheds the virus for the first 5-7 days of illness.
Teenage boys often also develop orchitis - inflammation of the testicle: pain occurs in the scrotum, the testicle increases in size, and the scrotum swells. The swelling goes away in 5-7 days. Severe orchitis, especially bilateral, can lead to infertility in the future.Inflammation of the pancreas is also typical for mumps infection, which makes itself felt with cramping, sometimes girdling abdominal pain, nausea, and loss of appetite.
Serous meningitis is also common. This complication is manifested by a new jump in temperature on the 3-6th day of illness, headache, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to sound and visual stimuli. The child becomes lethargic, drowsy, sometimes has hallucinations, convulsive twitching, and may experience loss of consciousness. But these phenomena, with timely and rational therapy, do not last long and do not affect the subsequent development of the child.
Treatment
As prescribed by the doctor, antiviral, immunomodulatory, antipyretic, and painkillers are given, and a dry warming compress is applied to the salivary glands.
For orchitis, consultation with a surgeon or urologist is mandatory; treatment in a hospital setting is often required. At serous meningitis the child requires constant medical supervision in a hospital.
Prevention
To prevent mumps infection, all children are vaccinated in accordance with National calendar vaccinations.
Scarlet fever
The disease is caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. You can become infected not only from a patient with scarlet fever, but also from patients with streptococcal tonsillitis. The incubation period is 2-7 days. The patient becomes contagious from the moment of illness. If the disease proceeds without complications, then after 7-10 days the release of streptococcus stops. If complications develop, the infectious period is prolonged.
The disease usually begins with a sudden increase in temperature, vomiting, and sore throat. After a few hours, and sometimes the next day, a rash appears. It is small, plentiful, and somewhat harsh to the touch. The rash is especially thick on the cheeks. Other typical sites for intense rashes are the sides, lower abdomen, groin, armpits, and popliteal areas. The rash lasts 3-5 days. Mild scarlet fever occurs with short-term rashes.
A constant symptom of scarlet fever is sore throat. The tongue becomes covered in the first days gray-yellow coating, and from the 2-3rd day it begins to clear from the edges and tip, turning crimson. Lymph nodes at angles lower jaw enlarge and hurt when touched.
Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus can also affect the heart, joints, and kidneys, so timely treatment of the disease is necessary.
Treatment
In the first 5-6 days, the child should remain in bed, then he is allowed to get up, but until the 11th day the regime remains at home. You can attend kindergarten and school no earlier than 22 days after the onset of the disease.The child is prescribed antibiotics. Use combination drugs for a sore throat, like a sore throat. Antipyretics are given if necessary. A gentle diet is recommended drinking plenty of fluids.
Three weeks after the onset of the disease, it is recommended to do an electrocardiogram, take a urine test and show the child to an otolaryngologist to make sure there are no complications.
Prevention
A patient with scarlet fever should be isolated in a separate room; he should be given separate tableware and a towel. Isolation of the patient ends after recovery, but not earlier than 10 days from the onset of the disease. There is no vaccine for this disease.
Infectious diseases are quite diverse, they can be acute and chronic, harmless and dangerous, and there are those that are suffered exclusively in childhood. Pathogens - viruses or bacteria - enter the favorable environment, begin their “subversive activities.” And here it is important to promptly identify the disease and begin treatment. Having suffered from certain infections in childhood, immunity to them remains for life.
Which infectious diseases are childhood diseases?
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious disease, the virus of which, moving with air flow, spreads quickly. The incubation period can last from a week to 20 days. At first they look like colds. Fever, dry cough, runny nose, severe headache, redness of the eyes. Around the 4th day of illness, the child becomes covered with a rash, which, starting behind the ears, instantly spreads throughout the body.
There are small gray dots even in the oral cavity. The temperature will remain until the rash stops appearing. As the temperature drops, the rash loses color and the child feels better. This disease creates a “gap” in the child’s immunity, increasing the risk of other infections, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, stomatitis, and otitis media.
Rubella
Very similar to measles. The incubation period is two to three weeks. The same red rashes, temperature up to 38 degrees, cough, stuffy nose. But with rubella they become inflamed and enlarged. lymph nodes in the neck and nape area. A child tolerates rubella more easily than measles. After three days, the rash disappears without a trace. There are no complications after rubella.
Viral mumps (mumps)
The infection enters through the respiratory tract. The incubation period is from a week to 20 days. Signs: temperature 38-39 degrees and headache. The places where mumps “attacks” are the central nervous system, salivary glands, pancreas, and in boys the testicles are also affected (in severe cases it can lead to further infertility).
The child has difficulty chewing reflexes. Meningitis can be a serious complication of mumps. It is important not to refuse vaccination against viral mumps.
Scarlet fever
Scarlet fever is a streptococcal infection. Contagious from the first day of illness. The incubation period is short, up to one week. Vomiting, sore throat, fever - occur suddenly. A rash appears, localized on the cheeks, abdomen, groin area, and armpits. Complications are possible - otitis media, lymphadenitis, nephritis.
Diphtheria
The cause of the disease is infection with diphtheria bacillus, which penetrates through the tonsils. It takes up to 10 days from infection to the appearance of symptoms of the disease. It differs from tonsillitis in the appearance of tonsils: with diphtheria, they are covered with a gray film.
The initial stage of the disease is characterized by a temperature of 40 degrees. The child suffers from pain in the throat, head, and abdomen. The disease is very dangerous, threatening the child’s life! The combined DTP vaccine has placed this disease in the category of rare diseases.
Polio
A viral infection transmitted through dirt and air. The incubation period may last a whole month, but mostly 10-12 days. The symptoms are similar to any other infectious disease, but main feature– pain in the limbs. Paralysis of the legs or arms, and even the torso may occur. To prevent this serious illness children are vaccinated.
Chicken pox
The first manifestation of the disease is a rash that looks like small blisters. It's easy to get infected, as is treatment. There is practically no person who has not suffered from it. The incubation period is two to three weeks. The course of the disease is mild, without complications.
Infectious diseases also include acute intestinal infections, such as dysentery, salmonellosis, caused by pathogenic microflora. The general picture of the disease looks like this: high fever, pain in the intestines, foamy stools.
Intestinal infections
Viral intestinal infections - diseases early age. These include rotavirus, with signs of inflammation of the respiratory tract, and enterovirus (meningitis, myocarditis) infections. Treatment of intestinal infections primarily involves restoring the microflora.
Respiratory diseases
Acute respiratory viral infections (,) affect the child’s respiratory system, promoting intoxication of the body with the possible addition of complications of bacterial etiology. Children often get sick from ARVI; there is no stable immunity to such diseases. But with age, respiratory diseases become less common. Against the background of ARVI, any chronic disease present in the child is more severe.
Infectious diseases in children can occur against a background of weakened immunity. Therefore, it is recommended to support the child’s body with healthy vitamins and proper nutrition. If any of the symptoms of any disease are detected, treatment must begin.
Scarlet fever - spicy bacterial disease, which is characterized by its appearance only among people. The course of the disease is extremely severe, infectious pathology requires timely treatment. The causative agent of scarlet fever is group A β-hemolytic streptococcus, Streptococcus pyogenes....
Scarlet fever is an acute infectious disease manifested by a small cell rash. The infection is transmitted by airborne droplets; in children, this pathology is also transmitted through contact and household contact through contamination of household items. Signs of scarlet fever in children...
In fact, there is no vaccine against scarlet fever. After suffering from the disease, the victim develops immunity to the disease, however, there is a possibility of relapse. The scarlet fever vaccination is carried out in the maternity hospital, it is not specifically against this pathology, but a vaccine that...
Scarlet fever is a contagious disease that is quickly transmitted through household contact and airborne droplets. Infectious pathology strikes quickly large number people who show signs of intoxication and other symptoms characteristic of this disease. Previously...
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Pediatric infectious diseases - this is a large group of diseases of an infectious nature that arise in human childhood, characterized by the possibility of epidemic spread mainly by aerogenic means.
Children's infectious diseases are classified as a separate group, since the characteristics of the child's body also determine the characteristics of their treatment.
Pediatric infectious diseases: classification
There are several classifications of infectious diseases in children, but we chose one of the most understandable and simple ones. This group of pathologies is divided into:
1. Infectious bowel diseases in children.
Characterized by the localization of foreign agents in the child’s intestines. This type of pathology includes: polio, escherichiosis, dysentery, salmonellosis, botulism...
2. Infectious diseases of the respiratory tract in children.
They are characterized by the localization of foreign agents in the respiratory organs (bronchi, trachea, larynx, lungs...). These are diseases such as scarlet fever, tonsillitis, influenza, ARVI...
3. Infectious blood diseases in children.
These diseases are transmitted by insects (transmission) and the pathogens in this case are in the blood. These diseases include: arboviral encephalitis, rickettsiosis, tularemia...
4. Infectious diseases of the external integument in children.
These include: rabies, tetanus, trachoma...
Children's infectious diseases: causes
The main cause of infectious diseases in children is their contact with infected person. The route of infection is usually airborne. Moreover, everything is contagious: saliva, which spreads when coughing and even when talking, bronchial and nasopharyngeal mucus - all this poses a threat of infection to a child.
Here are examples of childhood infectious diseases with incubation periods:
Chickenpox has an IP of 11-24 days
Hepatitis A has PI from 7 to 45 days
Dysentery - 1-7 days
Diphtheria - 1-10 days
Whooping cough - 3-20 days
Measles - from 9 to 21 days
Rubella - 11-24 days
Scarlet fever has an IP from several hours to 12 days
Poliomyelitis - 3-35 days
2. Prodromal period.
This period can be called the beginning of the disease: it lasts from the moment the first symptom appears until the “height” of the disease itself.
3. The period of “height” of a childhood infectious disease.
In principle, this is the “culmination”. During this period, the entire symptomatic complex of childhood pathology appears. For example, whooping cough is manifested by a spastic cough in which mucous sputum is released, while the child’s face turns red, and sometimes hemorrhage occurs along the mucous membrane.
4. Convalescence.
This is the period of attenuation of the disease - recovery.
Most common infectious diseases in children
Of course, when we talk about childhood diseases, associations immediately arise with epidemiological periods that occur in the autumn-winter season and are characterized, first of all, by respiratory diseases in children. Children's infectious diseases are varied: these include gastrointestinal diseases, allergic diseases of an autoimmune nature, and skin pathologies, but respiratory diseases in children are the most common - any pediatrician will tell you this.
Respiratory diseases in children
Bronchitis of various etiologies.
Characterized by inflammatory processes in the bronchial mucosa.
Tracheitis.
Characterized by inflammatory processes in the tracheal mucosa.
Laryngitis.
Characterized by inflammatory processes in the mucous membrane vocal cords and larynx.
Sinusitis.
Characterized by inflammatory processes in the nasal sinuses.
Rhinitis of various etiologies.
These childhood infectious diseases are, simply put, a runny nose of varying intensity: from a mild form to complete nasal congestion.
This disease is characterized by inflammation of the tonsils and adjacent lymph nodes.
Pneumonia.
This is nothing more than an infectious lung disease.
Flus of various natures.
These childhood infectious diseases are perhaps one of the most common and dangerous, because the foreign agents that cause these pathologies are constantly mutating and it is necessary to constantly invent new drugs to combat them.
That's not all, of course. respiratory diseases in children, but the main ones are.
Children's infectious diseases: symptoms
Signs of a child’s pathology, of course, depend on many factors: first of all, on the type of pathogen, on the state of the child’s immune system, on his living conditions, etc. But there are still common symptoms of childhood infectious diseases:
1. The main symptom is febrile temperature (38° and above). In a child, an increase in temperature occurs in almost any pathological process, because this is his only protective mechanism - at such temperatures, most foreign bodies die.
2. Constant sleepiness and lethargy are also characteristic symptoms of childhood infectious diseases - the lack of energy affects it (it goes to fight antigens).
4. The appearance of a rash.
Diagnosis of infectious diseases in children
The use of antibiotics has a very negative consequences, especially for a child whose immune system is in the formative stage, and not a single doctor can say how thoughtless antibiotic therapy may affect the future.
Very controversial (especially in lately) is the issue of vaccination. The “average” dose of foreign agents administered (to develop immunity) affects children differently: in most cases it helps (this is a fact), but cases often arise when vaccination makes a child disabled.
So what to do, how to treat a sick child?
The first thing to understand is that the child’s body, in most cases, can cope with an infectious disease on its own, it just needs help with this, and the sooner you start doing this, the better. It is necessary to help with drugs only on a natural basis, including complex therapy immunomodulators, antiviral drugs, antibacterial agents. Do not rush to “bring down” your child’s temperature; it is better to give him tea with lemon more often.
If a child has a severe infectious disease, use antibiotics with drugs that neutralize their negative effect. The best such drug is Transfer Factor. Once in the body, it performs several functions at once:
Restores the functionality of the immune system, as a result of which the immunological reactivity (resistance to infections) of the child’s body increases;
Enhances the health-improving effects of drugs in combination with which it was taken;
Being a carrier immune memory, this immune drug, “remembers” all foreign microorganisms that caused a particular infectious disease, and when they reappear, it gives a signal to the immune system to neutralize them.
Colostrum, because it contains a huge amount of maternal antibodies - the child’s first “protection” from foreign elements;
Under no circumstances should you give up breastfeeding; as long as you have milk, feed;
Proper nutrition is of great importance for a child; his diet should contain as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible;
An active lifestyle is a guarantee of a child’s health;
To strengthen the immune system, it is necessary to engage in hardening from childhood ( contrast shower and the bathhouse are excellent means for this);
- childhood infectious diseases will not be scary if the child receives in full everything necessary for his body, useful substances: vitamins, mineral complexes, amino acids..., so be sure to regularly give your baby the appropriate medications.
In early childhood, the immune system continues to develop, so children are susceptible to frequent diseases. Mostly this infectious diseases: bacterial and viral. The child’s expanded social circle also contributes to their occurrence: on a walk with other children or in a child care facility.
In addition, not all children are taught the rules of hygiene at this age; there may still be a habit of putting various objects, toys or fingers into their mouths. Therefore, most children cannot avoid bacterial and viral diseases.
The most common childhood diseases at an early age are infections: endless colds, intestinal infections, flu, tubinfection (tubintoxication), etc.
It is advisable for parents to know their manifestations, which will help to suspect the disease in a timely manner and consult a doctor. Symptoms of intoxication at the beginning of infections may be similar, but there are still specific manifestations.
ARVI
According to statistics, ARVI is the most common disease in children, especially at an early age during the cold season. ARVI accounts for 90% of all infections in children. On average, a child can get a respiratory infection up to 6-8 times during the year.
This frequency is due to the fact that the body has not yet encountered the virus and has not developed antibodies to it. Frequent ARVIs are not a manifestation of an immunodeficiency state in a child; they only reflect the frequency of contact with the source of a viral infection.
Respiratory infections caused by parainfluenza viruses, influenza viruses, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, and rhinosyncytial viruses are more common. Over 300 varieties of pathogens are known, and there is no cross immunity between them.
Various respiratory viruses infect mucosal cells at different levels of the respiratory tract: rhinovirus - in the nasal cavity, parainfluenza - in the trachea and larynx, influenza - in the trachea and bronchi. The main cause of the disease is underdevelopment of the immune system: interferon (a substance that provides local immune protection mucous membranes of the respiratory tract) is produced in children in smaller quantities and more slowly than in adults.
Children who were born and not breastfed (that is, not protected by maternal antibodies to viruses) are more susceptible to diseases; weakened children suffering from malnutrition and allergic diseases.
A child becomes infected through airborne droplets public transport, in the store, in kindergarten. Viruses are contained in the exhaled air of a patient and are released when coughing and sneezing. The incubation period (the time from infection to the onset of manifestations of the disease) is often several hours, but not more than 3 days.
Symptoms of ARVI are:
- increased temperature - from low-grade fever to high fever (can last for several days);
- (because of her, the child becomes capricious);
- pain in joints and muscles;
- loss of appetite;
- catarrhal phenomena (nasal congestion, sore and sore throat, cough, hoarseness).
There are also distinctive features in symptoms, depending on the type of pathogen:
- At parainfluenza The child’s general condition suffers less, the onset of the disease is usually gradual, the temperature rises within 37.5 0 C. Characteristic distinguishing signs are nasal congestion, hoarseness, dry rough (“barking”) cough, and complications may be false croup or laryngeal stenosis, manifested by difficulty breathing.
- Adeno viral infection more often causes severe intoxication (headache, lethargy, weakness, lack of appetite), high temperature and prolonged (up to 2 weeks) fever. Constant symptoms this infection are: runny nose (due to inflammation of the mucous membrane in the nose), sore throat (inflamed tonsils, tonsillitis develops), lacrimation (), multiple enlargement of lymph nodes.
Upon examination, redness and enlargement of the tonsils, purulent discharge from the lacunae of the tonsils are revealed. Swelling of the eyelids and redness of the conjunctiva may appear first in one eye and then in the other, and persist for a week or more.
At an early age, adenoviral infection may also cause side effects. digestive tract: watery stool with mucus for 3-4 days, in rare cases, vomiting.
- For respiratory syncytial infection (RSV infection) Damage to both the lower and upper respiratory tract is typical: a runny nose appears against the background of an increase in temperature; at first dry, and from 3-4 days with sputum, cough; shortness of breath with difficulty breathing.
Everyone has fourth child pneumonia develops (). The appearance of cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle and shortness of breath indicates the severity of the infection and is an indication for hospitalization of the child. A complication may also be croup. The course depends on age: than smaller child, the greater the risk of severe course. The immune system may not be stable recurrent disease RSV infection after some time.
- Flu : Of the three main types of virus, viruses B and C most often cause illness in children. Distinctive signs are the predominance of intoxication symptoms: high fever with chills, pain in the eyeballs (children complain of “eyes hurting”), headache, lack of appetite, weakness. Among the catarrhal phenomena, a dry cough is noted (with damage to the trachea). On day 4-5 it becomes wet.
Children with ARVI should be treated by a pediatrician. Correctly prescribed treatment reduces the risk of complications. Hospitalization is required in case of severe illness. The child is recommended to rest in bed, drink plenty of warm fluids (juices, decoctions of dried fruits and rose hips, tea with lemon). This does not mean that the baby needs to be forcibly kept in bed. When he feels bad, he himself will try to lie down. As you feel better, let him move, but active games and gymnastics should be excluded.
Children under 3 years old need drug treatment. All drugs for the treatment of ARVI are divided into 2 groups: and symptomatic drugs.
At an early age, the following antiviral drugs are used (but only as prescribed by a pediatrician):
- Grippferon (nasal drops) – has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory effects;
- Viferon ( rectal suppositories, nasal ointment);
- Anaferon for children is a homeopathic remedy in the form of lozenges (for children, the tablet should be dissolved in 1 tablespoon of water);
- Remantadine and Relenza for the treatment of influenza;
- Groprinosin - activates the immune system and prevents the spread of infection.
Antiviral drugs have the greatest effect when prescribed from the first day of illness.
Antibiotics have no effect on the virus. They are appointed when severe course illness, weakened children with the threat of accumulation bacterial infection, since in 10% of cases a viral infection is complicated by the development of a bacterial disease.
Symptomatic treatment consists of eliminating the manifestations of a respiratory disease. The temperature should not be lowered below 38 0 C: during fever, interferon, which suppresses the reproduction of the virus, is produced faster in the body. By lowering the temperature, the protective reactions of the body itself are inhibited. Only if there is a predisposition to febrile (that is, with an increase in temperature) convulsions, lower temperatures (above 37.5 0 C) are also reduced.
Drugs containing Ibuprofen and Paracetamol (Nurofen, Efferalgan-baby, Panadol-baby) are used as antipyretics. Aspirin is contraindicated for children. For nasal congestion, Otrivin-baby, Nazol-baby, etc. are prescribed, but for no more than 5 days. For inflammation of the throat, it is better not to use sprays before 2 years of age due to the risk of developing bronchospasm. If you can teach a child to gargle, then gargle with a solution of furatsilin or chlorophyllipt, as well as chamomile infusion.
To get rid of a dry cough, it is important to provide your baby with enough fluids and humidify the air. To facilitate the discharge of sputum during wet cough mucolytics are used. At an early age (from 2 years old), you can use Ambroxol (Lazolvan, Ambrobene), Bromhexine in syrup, ACC.
Inhalations are effective in combating cough. They are convenient to carry out using (a device for inhalation, convenient for use at home; read how to use a nebulizer). At normal temperature You can use hot foot baths, after which you need to dry your feet thoroughly and pour mustard powder into your socks (you can leave it overnight).
Laryngitis
Laryngitis in young children can manifest itself not only as a cough, but also as difficulty breathing. Inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis) is a fairly common disease at an early age. Its variety is croup or stenosing laryngitis, which can develop against the background respiratory infection or have an allergic nature.
The incidence of croup is explained anatomical features: swelling of the mucous membrane easily occurs in the area of the vocal cords, therefore, with inflammation, accumulation of mucus, and reflex muscle spasm, the passage of air when inhaling becomes difficult.
Most often, croup occurs in children aged 2-3 years with parainfluenza, but it can also be caused by adenoviruses and rhinosyncytial viruses. Predisposing factors are excess body weight and allergic problems in the child.
Signs of croup (which can develop at night) are hoarseness or complete loss of voice, a “barking” cough, difficulty breathing, and restlessness in the child. If symptoms of croup appear, you should immediately call an ambulance.
Tactics of parents before the doctor arrives:
- the baby should be calmed, access to moist air and plenty of fluids should be provided;
- give an antipyretic (if there is a high temperature);
- restore breathing through the nose using drops.
The development of croup is an indication for hospitalization of a child in a hospital, where they can use: inhalations with bronchial dilators, mucolytics; administer corticosteroids depending on the severity of the croup.
Enterovirus infection
A common disease in children in the first 3 years of life also includes infection caused by enteroviruses. The virus is very resistant to external environment, is released from the body of the patient and the virus carrier when coughing and talking, as well as with feces.
Infection is possible through airborne droplets, household contact (through toys and other objects), and fecal-oral route (through food and water) if hygiene rules are not followed. The incubation period is 2-10 days.
The onset of infection is acute. The fever is high and may be wavy. The infection is characterized by symptoms of damage to the respiratory and digestive organs against the background of intoxication. Since the virus multiplies in the lymph nodes, there is an increase in them in the neck and submandibular region.
One of the signs of the disease is a rash on the skin of the upper half of the torso and arms in the form of red spots or blisters. The rash disappears after 4-5 days, leaving light pigmentation.
Characteristic is damage to various internal organs with the development of the following forms of infection:
- sore throat with damage to the oropharynx (with a rash of bubbles with liquid contents on the mucous membrane, which open to form ulcers covered with a white coating);
- conjunctivitis with eye damage (redness of the mucous membrane, lacrimation, photophobia, swelling of the eyelids);
- myositis with damage to the muscles of the trunk or limbs (pain in the area of these muscles);
- Enteritis with damage to the intestinal mucosa is manifested by loose stools of normal color without mucus and blood, with or without fever;
- in the heart, damage to different parts is possible: the heart muscle (with development), the inner membrane and valves (endocarditis), or all membranes (pancarditis); manifestation will be increased heart rate, heart pain, drop in blood pressure, rhythm disturbance;
- defeat nervous system leads to the development (inflammation of the lining of the brain) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain substance), the signs of which are intense headache, repeated vomiting, convulsions, paralysis and loss of consciousness are also possible;
- damage to liver cells causes the development of hepatitis, the symptoms of which will be pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea, fever, weakness.
There are no specific drugs for the treatment of enterovirus infection; symptomatic treatment, diet therapy is prescribed. Measures are taken to prevent dehydration and detoxification therapy is prescribed. The duration of the disease is up to 2 weeks.
Whooping cough
DTP vaccine will save you from whooping cough This bacterial infection is caused by whooping cough. Infection by airborne droplets occurs through close contact with a patient, which can also be an adult, since immunity after vaccination is observed only for 5-10 years. Whooping cough is especially dangerous for children under 2 years of age. The prevalence of the disease has decreased due to planned vaccination, but it is still often recorded due to the refusal of some parents to vaccinate their child.
The incubation period is on average 5 days. The onset of the disease is acute. The symptoms are reminiscent of acute respiratory viral infections: low temperature, dry cough, and the state of health suffers little. Diagnosing whooping cough at this stage is difficult.
But gradually the baby’s condition worsens, the cough becomes paroxysmal and spasmodic. During an attack, the child's face becomes red and bluish in color. The intensity of the attacks increases; during an attack, temporary cessation of breathing (apnea) may occur.
Frequent coughing attacks lead to circulatory problems, including cerebral circulation. At the end of the attack there may be vomiting or the release of a lump of glassy mucus.
In severe cases, the child is hospitalized. Treatment includes antibiotic therapy (Augmentin, Azithromycin, Erythromycin, Rulid), oxygen therapy, sedatives, anticonvulsants, antiallergic drugs, mucolytics (thinning sputum), immunomodulators. In severe cases, corticosteroids are used.
Treatment of whooping cough is a very long process. Coughing attacks continue even after the destructive effect of an antibiotic on the whooping cough bacterium, which is associated with damage to the cough center by the toxins of the pathogen.
An attack can be triggered by any irritant. Therefore, you should provide the baby with a calm environment (avoid stress), and give crushed food in small portions. Early morning walks near a pond are very important, and in the apartment - ensuring an influx of fresh, moist air.
Scarlet fever
Scarlet fever is an acute bacterial infection caused by streptococcus, characterized by sore throat, rash, symptoms of intoxication, fever and possible development allergic and purulent-septic complications. The incidence is higher in the autumn-winter season. After illness, a strong immunity develops.
Children usually get sick after 2 years of age; they become infected more often in kindergarten, where outbreaks and epidemics can occur. The disease is usually transmitted by contact and airborne droplets, but foodborne infection is also possible. A sick child is dangerous to others from 1 to 21 days inclusive. The infection can be transmitted through a third party (when it is not the child himself who comes into contact with the sick person, but, for example, a parent who then transmits the infection to his child).
The incubation period is 3-7 days. The onset of the disease is acute, the baby becomes lethargic, a headache appears, fever with chills quickly increases (temperature reaches 39-40 0 C), and vomiting may occur. On the very first day of the disease, a pinpoint bright pink rash appears against the background of redness of the skin.
The predominant localization of rashes is on the lateral surfaces of the body, in natural skin folds(axillary, groin, buttock), on the face. Scarlet fever is characterized by puffiness of the face and a pale nasolabial triangle, where there is no rash; feverish shine of the eyes; bright red lips.
A mandatory manifestation of scarlet fever is: enlarged tonsils and soft palate are bright red, there is pus on the surface and in the lacunae of the tonsils. Submandibular lymph nodes enlarged and painful. Typical changes are noted in the tongue. At first it is coated, from 2-3 days it begins to clear, acquiring by the 4th day characteristic appearance: bright red, with prominent papillae (“crimson tongue”).
In severe cases of the disease, the child may become agitated, delirium, or convulsions, which indicates damage to the central nervous system. The rash lasts about a week and disappears (without pigmentation). At 2-3 weeks from the onset of the disease, peeling of the skin is observed. A characteristic symptom of scarlet fever is lamellar peeling on the palmar surface of the hands and feet.
Infectious-allergic complications of the kidneys and heart rarely occur in young children. Pneumonia may develop. Bacterial carriage can persist for up to a month after past illness or longer (if available) chronic inflammation in the nasopharynx).
Children with scarlet fever are usually treated at home, providing the child with isolation (in a separate room for 10 days) and separate dishes. Bed rest is prescribed for up to 10 days to prevent complications. A mechanically and thermally gentle diet (mashed warm food) and drinking plenty of fluids are recommended. Children with severe forms of the disease are hospitalized.
Drug treatment includes:
- antibiotic therapy (the basis of treatment): penicillin antibiotics are used (orally or intramuscularly), and if they are intolerant, macrolides (Erythromycin, Sumamed, etc.) are used - the duration of the course and dose is determined by the doctor;
- antiallergic drugs (Cetrin, Suprastin, Tavegil, etc.);
- vitamin therapy;
- local treatment: gargling with infusions of chamomile, sage, calendula, furatsilin solution.
The child is admitted to the nursery after 22 days from the moment of illness. After scarlet fever, lifelong immunity is noted.
Rubella
A viral, non-severe infectious disease with airborne transmission. Children older than one year old get sick, since they were previously protected by antibodies received from their mother. The virus is not highly contagious, so infection occurs only through close contact with a patient.
The incubation period is 2-3 weeks. Already at the end of this period, mild malaise and enlargement of the occipital, posterior cervical and parotid lymph nodes are noted ( hallmark rubella).
The onset of infection is acute with a moderate increase in temperature. On the mucous membrane oral cavity pink spots appear. Then a rash appears on the face. Very quickly, during the first day of illness, it spreads over the entire surface of the body and may be accompanied by mild.
The rash is abundant, most of its elements are on the child’s back and buttocks, but there are none on the palms and soles. The rashes look like spots, slightly raised above the surface of the skin. On the face, the rash tends to merge.
On the 3rd or 4th day, the rash turns pale and disappears without a trace. Minor peeling may remain. Enlarged lymph nodes persist for about 2 weeks. Atypical forms the disease proceeds without rashes, but the contagious period does not shorten.
For rubella, symptomatic treatment is carried out (antipyretics, antiallergic drugs, drinking plenty of fluids). The prognosis is usually favorable, complications occur extremely rarely. The contagious period is 2 weeks (one week before the rash and one week after).
Chicken pox
A characteristic feature Chickenpox is a blistering rash all over the body. The infection spreads through the fecal-oral route through water, food, household items, toys, dirty hands (some children at this age continue to put everything in their mouths). There is a seasonal increase in incidence in the summer-autumn period.
Clinical manifestations of acute intestinal infections in young children have much in common, regardless of the type of pathogen:
- acute onset of illness;
- symptoms of intoxication (fever, malaise, weakness, lack of appetite);
- intestinal dysfunction (nausea, vomiting, loose stools);
- stomach ache.
The nature of the stool may differ:
- abundant, watery – with acute intestinal infections caused by viruses and opportunistic microflora;
- scanty, with an admixture of mucus and streaks of blood - with dysentery;
- abundant, such as swamp mud - with salmonellosis, etc.
With rotavirus infection, catarrhal manifestations in the form of a runny nose and cough are often observed. A characteristic symptom of dysentery is a false urge to defecate.
Almost 70% of AEI cases in younger age have mild to moderate severity. In severe cases due to frequent vomiting and large stools, dehydration may develop.
The doctor makes a diagnosis based on clinical manifestations and research results (bacteriological culture of feces and vomit, serological and immunological analysis blood).
Mild forms of OCI can be treated at home. Medium-heavy and severe forms require medical supervision, intravenous administration solutions for the purpose of detoxification and replenishment of fluid and mineral losses, so children are treated in a hospital.
Treatment of OCI includes:
- bed or semi-bed rest;
- diet: exclude fresh fruits and vegetables, broths, fresh baked goods and juices; feeding is introduced in small portions (but often), it is recommended to consume fermented milk products, slimy soups and cereals;
- rehydration (restoration of water-salt balance to normal): administration of solutions in the form of drinks (Regidron, Glyukosol, Oralit, carrot-raisin decoction, chamomile infusion) or drip administration special solutions into a vein (in severe cases). Volume required liquid determined by the doctor depending on the degree of dehydration and the age of the child.
- antibacterial and antiviral drugs, their dosage and duration treatment course a doctor should also choose (Nifuroxazide, Ersefuril, Viferon are most often used);
- enterosorbents (promoting the removal of toxins from the body) – Smecta, Polyphepam, Enterosgel (after 2 years);
- restoration of normal intestinal microflora: probiotics are used (Bifiform, Bifidumbacterin, Enterol);
- symptomatic treatment (antipyretics, enzyme preparations, etc.).
Affective respiratory attacks (ARS)
They talk about ARP when the baby literally “starts crying”, freezes while inhaling, his lips turn blue, and breathing stops briefly (for 30-60 seconds) (apnea). A spasm of the laryngeal muscles occurs, and such attacks resemble laryngospasm. In addition to “blue” attacks, there are also “white” ones, which develop in response to pain and are similar to fainting: the baby turns pale, the pulse slows down sharply or disappears for a short time.
Single ARPs as a manifestation of strong negative emotions, at an early age are observed in every fourth completely healthy child, and in 5% of children they are repeated many times.
The appearance of ARP is promoted by a lack of calcium in the body, which leads to spasm of the larynx. With the syndrome of increased nervous excitability, the likelihood of seizures increases. A hereditary predisposition to their occurrence cannot be ruled out.
Typically, ARP occurs at 2-3 years of age. The frequency of attacks varies, from several per day to one per year. They arise reflexively and then can disappear without a trace, becoming age-related feature. But such a child must also be shown to a psychologist.
Research has proven that ARP occurs equally often in capricious children with a tendency to hysteria and in children with normal behavior. Observation pediatric neurologist necessary to exclude neurological and cardiac pathology. There has also been evidence of a connection between ARP and blood diseases.
Tactics of parents in case of ARP in a child:
- during an attack, take the child in your arms, do not panic;
- to restore breathing, you need to pat the child on the cheeks, massage the ears, wipe the face with cold water;
- some children calm down faster if you leave them and move away;
- try to distract the child with some action, without focusing on his behavior;
- Do not indulge the baby’s whims and do not protect him from negative emotions; you should teach him to manage his emotions.
Drug treatment is usually not required. For repeated ARPs, you should seek the help of a psychologist.
Helminthic infestations (helminthiasis)
Subject to availability pinworms Children are bothered by severe itching in the anal area, especially strong at night. In their sleep, children scratch the skin in the perineal area, pinworm eggs get under the baby's nails, which causes repeated self-infection.
There are general signs helminthiasis:
- decreased appetite;
- increased salivation;
- body weight deficiency with proper nutrition;
- frequent nausea, vomiting;
- abdominal pain (usually paroxysmal, in the navel area);
- bloating;
- unstable stool (diarrhea and constipation);
- pale skin;
- increased fatigue;
- allergic manifestations on the skin;
- restless sleep;
- causeless increase in temperature 37.1-37.5 0 C;
- imbalance and whims.
At ascariasis Due to migration in the body, worms can cause foci of inflammation of the lung tissue, which is manifested by paroxysmal dry cough, shortness of breath, bronchospasm and even hemoptysis. Skin allergic manifestations such as urticaria are also characteristic.
Abdominal pain can be so severe that it mimics acute surgical pathology (« acute stomach"). A massive infestation of roundworms can cause either blockage of the bile ducts and jaundice.
In case of invasion whipworm One of the symptoms of the disease is anemia or swelling of different localizations.
Complications of enterobiasis often include recurrent vulvovaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) in girls, urinary incontinence, eczema of the anal area, and appendicitis.
Children with helminthiasis are included in the group of frequently ill patients (acute respiratory infections, stomatitis, pyoderma, etc.). Neurological manifestations often develop: headache, dizziness, obsessive tics (sniffing, blinking, grimacing).
The diagnosis can be confirmed by analyzing stool for worm eggs and scrapings from the folds of the perianal area (for pinworms). Sometimes the study has to be repeated several times.
Chemotherapy drugs are used in the treatment of helminthiasis, homeopathic remedies, herbal medicines. Onions, pomegranates, and pumpkin seeds, walnuts.
From medications Vermox (Mebendazole) is more often used. Effective drugs are also Difezil, Quantrel. But you should not self-medicate. Each drug has both indications and contraindications. Treatment should be prescribed by a pediatrician or infectious disease specialist.
Summary for parents
The main diseases in children from one to three years of age are viral or bacterial infections. A child at this age begins to walk kindergarten, the number of contacts increases, so protecting a child from diseases is not so easy.
The baby's immune system is still developing. Breastfeeding and the transfer of maternal antibodies to the child are of no small importance. Strengthen children's body can be hardened.
It is important that parents strictly observe the rules of hygiene and instill hygiene skills in their children from the very beginning. early childhood. Parents should know the signs of the most common childhood illnesses in order to promptly seek help from a doctor. Self-medication is dangerous!
Which doctor should I contact?
If your baby is sick, you should contact your pediatrician, and if in serious condition(uncontrollable fever, repeated vomiting, child drowsiness and impaired consciousness, rapidly spreading skin rash and other severe symptoms) must be called " Ambulance" The child will likely need treatment in the infectious diseases department.
Additional consultation may be required specialized specialists depending on the affected organs. So, in case of myocarditis, the patient is examined by a cardiologist, in case of meningitis, encephalitis - by a cardiologist, laryngospasm, otitis - by an ENT doctor. A gastroenterologist and pulmonologist advise the patient if hepatitis and pneumonia develop, respectively.
If the child is sick colds more than 6 times a year, he may need to consult an immunologist.
1, average: 5,00
out of 5)
It was not by chance that childhood infections were identified in special group– firstly, these infectious diseases usually affect children of early and preschool age, secondly, they are all extremely contagious, so almost everyone who comes into contact with a sick child gets sick, and thirdly, almost always after a childhood infection a persistent infection develops lifelong immunity.
There is an opinion that all children need to get sick from these diseases in order not to get sick at an older age. Is this true? The group of childhood infections includes diseases such as measles, rubella, chickenpox, mumps, and scarlet fever. As a rule, children in the first year of life do not suffer from childhood infections. This happens for the reason that during pregnancy the mother (if she has suffered these infections during her life) transmits antibodies to pathogens through the placenta. These antibodies carry information about the microorganism that caused the infection in the mother.
After birth, the child begins to receive maternal colostrum, which also contains immunoglobulins (antibodies) to all infections that the mother “acquainted” with before pregnancy. Thus, the child receives a kind of vaccination against many infectious diseases. And if breastfeeding continues throughout the first year of a child’s life, immunity to childhood infections lasts longer. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Unfortunately, there are cases (very rare) when a breast-fed child is susceptible to microorganisms that cause chickenpox, rubella, mumps or measles, even when his mother is immune to them. When the period of breastfeeding ends, the child enters the period of early childhood. Following this, his circle of contacts expands. It is quite natural that at the same time the risk of any infectious diseases, including childhood infections, increases sharply.
Symptoms and treatment of measles in children
Measles is a viral infection characterized by very high susceptibility. If a person has not had measles or has not been vaccinated against this infection, then after contact with a sick person, infection occurs in almost 100% of cases. The measles virus is very volatile. The virus can spread through ventilation pipes and elevator shafts - children living on different floors of the house become ill at the same time. After contact with a person with measles and the appearance of the first signs of the disease, 7 to 14 days pass.
The disease begins with severe headache, weakness, fever up to 40 degrees C. A little later, these symptoms are joined by a runny nose, cough and almost complete absence appetite. Very characteristic of measles is the appearance of conjunctivitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes, which is manifested by photophobia, lacrimation, sharp redness eyes, subsequently – the appearance of purulent discharge. These symptoms last for 2 to 4 days.
On the 4th day of the disease, a rash appears, which looks like small red spots of various sizes (from 1 to 3 mm in diameter), with a tendency to merge. The rash appears on the face and head (it is especially typical behind the ears) and spreads throughout the body over 3 to 4 days. What is very characteristic of measles is that the rash leaves behind pigmentation (dark spots that last for several days), which disappears in the same sequence as the rash appears. Measles, despite its rather bright clinical picture, is quite easily tolerated by children, but under unfavorable conditions it is fraught with serious complications. These include inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia), inflammation of the middle ear (otitis media). Such a terrible complication as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), fortunately, occurs quite rarely. Treatment of measles is aimed at relieving the main symptoms of measles and maintaining immunity. It must be remembered that after suffering from measles for a fairly long period of time (up to 2 months), there is suppression of the immune system, so the child may get sick with some kind of cold or viral disease, so you need to protect him from excessive stress, and, if possible, from contact with sick children. After measles, lasting lifelong immunity develops. All those who have had measles become immune to this infection.
Signs of rubella in a child
Rubella is also a viral infection spread by airborne droplets. Rubella is less contagious than measles and chickenpox. As a rule, children who stay in the same room for a long time with a child who is a source of infection become ill. Rubella is very similar in its manifestations to measles, but it is much easier. The incubation period (the period from contact until the first signs of the disease appear) lasts from 14 to 21 days. Rubella begins with an enlargement of the occipital lymph nodes and () an increase in body temperature to 38 degrees C. A little later a runny nose appears, and sometimes a cough. A rash appears 2–3 days after the onset of the disease.
Rubella is characterized by a pinpoint pink rash that begins as a rash on the face and spreads throughout the body. The rash with rubella, unlike measles, never merges, and slight itching may occur. The period of rash can be from several hours, during which not a trace remains of the rash, to 2 days. In this regard, diagnosis can be difficult - if the rash occurs at night and goes unnoticed by parents, rubella can be regarded as a common viral infection. Treatment of rubella consists of alleviating the main symptoms - fighting fever, if present, treating a runny nose, expectorants. Complications from measles are rare. After suffering from rubella, immunity also develops; re-infection occurs extremely rarely.
What is mumps in children
Mumps (mumps) is a childhood viral infection characterized by acute inflammation in the salivary glands. Infection occurs by airborne droplets. Susceptibility to this disease is about 50-60% (that is, 50-60% of those who were in contact and were not sick and not vaccinated get sick). Mumps begins with an increase in body temperature up to 39 degrees C and severe pain in the ear area or under it, aggravated by swallowing or chewing. At the same time, salivation increases. Swelling in the upper neck and cheek area increases quite quickly; touching this area causes severe pain in the child.
This disease in itself is not dangerous. Unpleasant symptoms disappear within three to four days: body temperature decreases, swelling decreases, pain goes away. However, quite often mumps ends with inflammation in glandular organs, such as the pancreas (pancreatitis) and gonads. Pancreatitis in some cases leads to diabetes mellitus. Inflammation of the gonads (testicles) occurs more often in boys. This significantly complicates the course of the disease, and in some cases can result in infertility.
In particularly severe cases, mumps may become more complicated viral meningitis(inflammation of the meninges), which is severe but not fatal. After an illness, a strong immunity is formed. Re-infection is practically excluded.
Treatment and symptoms of chickenpox in children
Varicella (chickenpox) is a typical childhood infection. Mostly young children or preschoolers are affected. Susceptibility to the chickenpox pathogen (the virus that causes chickenpox is a herpes virus) is also quite high, although not as high as to the measles virus. About 80% of contacts who have not previously been ill develop chickenpox.
This virus also has a high degree of volatility; a child can become infected if he was not in close proximity to the patient. The incubation period ranges from 14 to 21 days. The disease begins with the appearance of a rash. Usually it is one or two reddish spots that look like a mosquito bite. These rash elements can be located on any part of the body, but most often they first appear on the stomach or face. Usually the rash spreads very quickly - new elements appear every few minutes or hours. Reddish spots that initially look like mosquito bites, the next day they take on the appearance of bubbles filled with transparent contents. These blisters are very itchy. The rash spreads throughout the body, to the limbs, to scalp heads. In severe cases, elements of the rash are also present on the mucous membranes - in the mouth, nose, scleral conjunctiva, genitals, and intestines. By the end of the first day of the disease, general health worsens, body temperature rises (up to 40 degrees C and above). The severity of the condition depends on the number of rashes: with scant rashes, the disease proceeds easily, the more rashes, the more severe the child’s condition.
Chickenpox is not characterized by a runny nose and cough, but if elements of the rash are present on the mucous membranes of the pharynx, nose and on the conjunctiva of the sclera, then pharyngitis, rhinitis and conjunctivitis develop due to the addition of a bacterial infection. The blisters break open after a day or two, forming ulcers that become crusty. Headache, poor health, and fever persist until new rashes appear. This usually occurs from 3 to 5 days (depending on the severity of the disease). Within 5-7 days after the last rash, the rash goes away. Treatment of chickenpox consists of reducing itching, intoxication and prevention bacterial complications. Elements of the rash must be lubricated antiseptic solutions(usually this is an aqueous solution of greenery or manganese). Treatment with coloring antiseptics prevents bacterial infection of rashes and allows you to track the dynamics of the appearance of rashes.
It is necessary to monitor the hygiene of the oral cavity and nose, eyes - you can rinse your mouth with a solution of calendula, the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth also need to be treated with antiseptic solutions.
To avoid secondary inflammation, you need to rinse your mouth after every meal. A child with chickenpox should be fed warm, semi-liquid food and given plenty of water (however, this applies to all childhood infections). It is important to ensure that your baby's fingernails are cut short (so that he cannot scratch his skin - scratching predisposes him to bacterial infection). To prevent infection of the rash, the sick child's bed linen and clothing should be changed daily. The room in which the child is located must be regularly ventilated, making sure that the room is not too hot. These are general rules. Complications of chickenpox include myocarditis - inflammation of the heart muscle, meningitis and meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the heart muscle). meninges, brain substances, kidney inflammation (nephritis). Fortunately, these complications are quite rare. After chickenpox, as well as after all childhood infections, immunity develops. Re-infection does occur, but is very rare.
What is scarlet fever in children and how to treat it
Scarlet fever is the only childhood infection caused not by viruses, but by bacteria (group A streptococcus). This acute illness transmitted by airborne droplets. Infection through household items (toys, dishes) is also possible. Children of early and preschool age are sick. Patients are most at risk for infection in the first two to three days of the disease.
Scarlet fever begins very acutely with an increase in body temperature to 39 degrees C and vomiting. Severe intoxication and headache are immediately noted. The most characteristic symptom of scarlet fever is tonsillitis, in which the mucous membrane of the pharynx is bright red and swelling is pronounced. The patient notes sharp pain when swallowing. There may be a whitish coating on the tongue and tonsils. The tongue subsequently takes on a very characteristic appearance (“crimson”) - bright pink and coarsely grained.
By the end of the first or beginning of the second day of illness, a second characteristic symptom Scarlet fever - rash. It appears on several parts of the body at once, most densely localized in the folds (elbow, inguinal). Its distinctive feature is that the bright red pinpoint scarlet rash is located on a red background, which creates the impression of a general confluent redness. When you press on the skin, a white stripe remains. The rash can be spread all over the body, but the area of skin between the upper lip and nose and the chin always remains clear (white). The itching is much less pronounced than with chickenpox. The rash lasts up to 2 to 5 days. Manifestations of sore throat persist somewhat longer (up to 7–9 days).
Scarlet fever is usually treated with antibiotics, since the causative agent of scarlet fever is a microbe that can be removed with antibiotics. Local treatment of sore throat and detoxification (removal of toxins from the body that are formed during the life of microorganisms - for this purpose, give plenty of fluids) are also very important. Vitamins and antipyretics are indicated. Scarlet fever also has quite serious complications. Before the use of antibiotics, scarlet fever often resulted in the development of rheumatism (an infectious-allergic disease based on damage to the connective tissue system). with the formation of acquired heart defects. Currently, provided that the treatment is properly prescribed and the recommendations are carefully followed, such complications practically do not occur. Scarlet fever affects almost exclusively children because with age a person acquires resistance to streptococci. Those who have recovered also acquire lasting immunity.
Erythema infectiosum in a child
This infectious disease, which is also caused by viruses, is transmitted by airborne droplets. Children from 2 to 12 years old get sick during epidemics in nurseries or at school. The incubation period varies (4-14 days). The disease progresses easily. There is a slight general malaise, nasal discharge, sometimes a headache, and possibly a slight increase in temperature. The rash begins on the cheekbones in the form of small red, slightly raised dots, which merge as they grow, forming red shiny and symmetrical spots on the cheeks. Then, within two days, the rash covers the entire body, forming slightly swollen red spots that are pale in the center. Coming together, they form a rash in the form of garlands or a geographical map. The rash disappears after about a week, but transient rashes may appear over the following weeks, especially with excitement, physical activity, exposure to the sun, swimming, changes in ambient temperature.
This disease is not dangerous in all cases. The diagnosis is based on the clinical picture. Differential diagnosis is often made with rubella and measles. Treatment is symptomatic. The prognosis is favorable.
Prevention of infectious diseases in children
Of course, it is better to get sick from childhood infections at an early age, because teenagers and older people get sick much more severely with much more frequent complications. However, complications are also observed in young children. And all these complications are quite serious. Before the introduction of vaccination, the mortality rate (mortality) for these infections was about 5-10%. A common feature of all childhood infections is that strong immunity develops after the disease. Their prevention is based on this property - vaccines have been developed that allow the formation of immunological memory, which causes immunity to the causative agents of these infections. Vaccination is carried out once at the age of 12 months. Vaccines against measles, rubella and mumps. In the Russian version, all these vaccines are administered separately (measles-rubella and mumps). As an alternative, vaccination with an imported vaccine containing all three components is possible. This vaccination is tolerated quite well, complications and undesirable consequences are extremely rare. Comparative characteristics childhood infections
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