Tuberculosis in children is not a common disease, but, nevertheless, it is diagnosed from time to time. This disease proceeds much harder precisely in childhood, since the growing organism is not yet able to localize and limit the foci of infection. That is why every parent should know the signs of this disease, as well as methods of infection, preventive and therapeutic methods.
Tuberculosis in children: causes . The cause of the development of such a disease is tubercle bacillus. The infection penetrates into the children's body, usually from another sick person with an open form of the disease - most often it is an adult. The causative agents of tuberculosis are most often localized in the lungs, but can also spread to all organs of the body. Of great importance is the susceptibility of the child to infection - the stronger the immunity, the less likely it will be infection.
Tuberculosis in children: the first signs . If we talk about pulmonary tuberculosis in an adult, the main symptom is cough, discharge of uncharacteristic sputum and even blood. But everything flows in a child in a completely different way. The disease begins to appear approximately 1 to 2 months after infection.
Such children become lethargic and irritable, begin to lag behind their peers in school, constantly get tired. From time to time, there is an increase in temperature to 37 - 37.5 degrees, but this malaise passes quickly enough, not having time to cause concern among parents. As the disease progresses, the lymph nodes begin to increase, the level of perspiration increases, and loss of appetite is observed. A sick child is more prone to constant colds.
Diagnosis of tuberculosis in children. In some cases, it is almost impossible to notice such symptoms on your own, especially if the parents are constantly busy. That is why it is necessary to regularly undergo medical examinations and not miss medical examinations.
Mantoux reactions are regularly carried out for children , during which tuberculin is injected under the skin, a substance that reacts to the presence of antibodies to tubercle bacillus in the body. If within a few days redness has formed around the injection site, then it is best to immediately see a doctor. Tuberculosis in children is treated much easier in the initial stages of the development of the disease.
In addition, the infected child must pass the necessary tests and undergo X-ray examinations of the lungs.
Treatment of tuberculosis in children . The method of treatment depends on the individual characteristics of the child. The doctor takes into account the phase of the disease, the age and weight of the child, the presence of complications or chronic diseases, allergic sensitivity, etc. With this treatment, antibiotics are not used, but their special mixtures with other substances. As a rule, for children, a drug called "Isoniazid" - it is softer to the body and causes fewer side effects.
The first stage of treatment lasts approximately four months. This is an intensive therapy aimed at the destruction of infectious foci. After this comes the headlamp of maintenance therapy, during which the child is given medications designed to protect the body from secondary infection.
Tuberculosis in children: prevention. The first thing you should pay attention to is the lifestyle of the child. Healthy nutrition, sports, a sufficient amount of fresh air, water and light, hygiene standards - all this must be observed throughout the development of the child's body, starting from the period of birth. After all, this is the only way to strengthen the immune system, preventing not only tuberculosis, but also many other diseases.
It is necessary to minimize the period of communication of children with children with tuberculosis. The Mantoux test, and at an older age and fluorography, must be done regularly - this will make it possible to kill the disease in its very embryo.