The gastrointestinal tract of the child has some differences from the gastrointestinal tract of an adult. He is more susceptible to new constituents 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 encounter two variations of diseases of an infectious nature that affect the intestines and gastrointestinal tract. These are rotavirus and enterovirus infections. The latter in children is much more common, and without proper treatment can cause irreparable harm to a fragile body. The peak incidence usually occurs in the spring-autumn period. What is the difference between enterovirus in children? Symptoms, photos of young patients, as well as a detailed treatment regimen are presented in the materials of this article.
What is 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, Coxsackie viruses , polioviruses and enteroviruses.
A child can get one of the serotypes only once in a lifetime. After treatment, he develops stable immunity. On the other hand, it can become infected with another enterovirus. Such a variety of pathogens does not allow scientists to create the only effective vaccine.
What is dangerous entovirus in children? The whole 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 enter the human body through contaminated products.
In early 2008, a large-scale epidemic among children was recorded in China. Her appearance provoked the EV71 virus. It penetrates the human body through the respiratory tract, as well as the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. After spreading throughout the body by the circulatory system, affecting the lungs and brain. The infection was detected in 15 thousand children, and 20 of them died. This once again indicates 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 certain symptoms. All of them differ in a number of common characteristics. Each virus is based on a nucleus represented by a nucleic acid molecule. In some cases, DNA acts in its role, in others - RNA. Outside, the internal structure is surrounded by a capsule, which has some features. Depending on the configuration of the shell elements, viruses are divided into different subtypes.
Enterovirus enters the body by inhalation of air or through the mouth with food. 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, depends on several factors:
- virus virulence (ability to withstand the body's immunity);
- tropism (the ability of the pathogen to infect internal organs);
- the state of the immune system itself.
How long does the incubation period last? Enterovirus in children may not be manifested by external symptoms from 1 to 12 days. Typically, 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. At other times of the year, the incidence is much lower.
Transmission routes
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 primarily through raw water or toys. The causative agents of the disease for a long time can be in a viable state in the feces, soil, and also water. Even the freezing process is not fatal to them. The pathogen dies under the influence of disinfectants only if the treatment time is clearly observed.
Enterovirus in children under one year of age has similar causes. However, babies who are breastfed have innate immunity to most serotypes. On the other hand, a child can catch an infection immediately after consuming breast milk.
Clinical picture
Stage incubation period is usually not manifested by any symptoms. At this time, viruses settle on the mucous membranes and enter the lymphatic system, where they begin to multiply actively.
Then follows the stage of the disease itself. Signs of enterovirus in children begin to appear with a sharp increase in temperature, which reaches a critical point and lasts for five days. The child does not move much and sleeps a lot. The first days after infection may also be accompanied by severe vomiting and headaches. As soon as the temperature returns to normal, all concomitant symptoms disappear.
Sometimes in children there is an increase in lymph nodes, mainly 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 after a few days.
The intensity of the clinical picture directly depends on the state of immunity of the child, the received "portion" of the virus and some features of its type.
Common forms of enterovirus infection
Knowledge of the full classification is usually not required. Parents should be able to recognize the most common forms of enterovirus infection in order to timely determine the pathology and consult a doctor.
- Herpetic tonsillitis. This is a catarrhal manifestation of enterovirus. Herpetic sore throat is usually found in children from three to ten years. Its main manifestations are fever, sore throat and vesicles on the back of the throat. Bubbles burst and form ulcers. The main pathogens are considered to be Coxsackie A and B.
- Exanthema. This is one of the most common examples of how enterovirus can manifest itself. In children, the rash has two distinct types: red-eared and rose-like. Exanthema may appear on the first or second day after infection. Rashes occur on the face, body and look like small red spots. Sometimes they merge together. Against the background of red rashes, hemorrhagic elements can also appear. Enterovirus exanthema is more susceptible to children under six years of age.
- Flu-like syndrome. This form of enterovirus infection is characterized by symptoms of a typical flu or SARS. In children, catarrhal phenomena (runny nose, swelling, nasal congestion), fever, weakness, muscle pain are observed. Of the symptoms typical of the syndrome that distinguish it from normal flu, stool disorder and vomiting can be distinguished.
- Intestinal form. This is one of the most dangerous enterovirus infections. It is accompanied by a moderate rise in temperature, watery diarrhea, bloating and flatulence. The main danger of the intestinal form is the 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 in a typical / atypical clinical picture. Depending on the type of pathology, the doctor chooses how 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.
- 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. Retinal hemorrhages are sometimes observed.
- Myocarditis / pericarditis. With this pathology, first of all, certain structures of the heart suffer. Against the background of myocardial damage, the contractile function of the main muscle of the body is disturbed. Involvement in the pathological process of the pericardium is characterized by a change in the blood supply process.
- Meningitis and encephalitis. These are the most severe and at the same time dangerous forms of enterovirus infection. They begin by raising the temperature to around 40 degrees. The next day, an intolerable headache appears, severe vomiting, which is not associated with food intake. Common symptoms are abdominal pain, cramps, hemorrhagic rash.
Atypical variants of infection are characterized by an asymptomatic and latent course. Clinical diagnosis becomes possible only if there are visible complications.
Enterovirus infection in children has a diverse course. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor on time in order to undergo a diagnostic examination. It allows you to differentiate the infection from ordinary respiratory diseases, poisoning and dermatological problems.
Medical examination
Signs of enterovirus infection in young patients are usually manifested by serous meningitis and herpetic sore throat. Group outbreaks of the epidemic are often recorded in preschool in the warm season. The main mechanism of transmission of infection is fecal-oral.
We have already described the symptoms of enterovirus. Photos (in children) of various forms of its manifestation can be viewed in specialized sources. They help to notice ailment and consult a doctor. Currently, there are four main methods for identifying an infectious agent:
- Serological (detection of the virus in the blood serum). Early pathology markers include IgA and IgM. Also significant for diagnosis is the increase in the titer of 4 times the value.
- Virological (determination of the causative agent of infection in the cerebrospinal fluid, feces, blood). Feces are examined for two weeks.
- Immunohistochemical (detection of antigens for enteroviruses in the blood).
- Molecular biological methods (study of RNA fragments of enteroviruses).
Doctors pay special attention to differential diagnosis. Enterovirus in children in its various manifestations is important to distinguish from herpes, SARS, allergic reactions. In addition, it is necessary to check the sensitivity to the action of antibacterial drugs. Thanks to the achievements of modern microbiology, high-quality diagnosis does not carry difficulties. With the timely identification of the source of the disease, a child of any age can be cured relatively quickly.
Drug therapy
How to treat enterovirus in children? This is the question many parents ask when they hear the diagnosis. With a mild course of the disease, a small patient can stay at home. The following conditions are considered indications for immediate hospitalization: damage to the central nervous system, heart, severe fever.
Modern medicine cannot provide the only universal remedy for infection. In the acute period, young patients are advised to maintain bed rest, a fortified diet, and plenty of water. How to treat enterovirus in children?
If the disease is accompanied by fever, headaches and muscle pains, it is considered appropriate to take analgesics and antipyretic drugs (Nurofen, Paracetamol). For diarrhea, drugs are prescribed to normalize the water-salt balance (Regidron). Antibiotics are used only when bacterial infections are attached.
To help the body cope with enterovirus, children are prescribed interferons (Viferon, Cycloferon, Neovir). They belong to the category of non-specific antiviral agents that inhibit the reproduction of viruses and activate the immune system.
Treatment should be prescribed by a doctor after a comprehensive examination of a small patient. Only a specialist can correctly recognize the symptoms and suspect enterovirus. Infection in children is often accompanied by damage to the central nervous system, eyes and kidneys. In this case, the child, in addition to drug therapy, is shown observation by a doctor for several months. Sometimes it may take several years.
Nutrition recommendations
The diet with enterovirus in children plays an important role, since the digestive tract is disrupted. First of all, it implies a plentiful drink. The use of ordinary non-carbonated water in large quantities helps to eliminate toxins from the body, is a prevention of dehydration.
From the diet, pediatricians recommend excluding fried and smoked dishes, all sweets and pastries. It is important to limit the consumption of whole milk products, butter, eggs. Meat broth, nuts, legumes and bread also fall under the ban. Food should be steamed or baked in the oven.
What can I eat? The diet should consist of fresh vegetables and fruits that have undergone heat treatment. Sour-milk products are allowed (biokefir, low-fat cottage cheese). You can eat lean meat, fish. They are best served to the child in powdered or even mashed form. In general, nutrition should be fractional. It is recommended to eat often, but in small portions. If a child refuses food, one should not force him and force feed him.
What to do when acute diarrhea is accompanied by enterovirus? Treatment in school-age children in this case involves observing a so-called hungry pause. It is helpful 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 cereals on the water and baked apples. As the general condition of the child improves, fermented milk products and vegetable soups should be introduced into the diet. Last but not least, 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 a large number of its manifestations. In most cases, the child manages to survive the disease without serious health complications. Due to weakened immunity or the presence of concomitant diseases, negative consequences can still occur. 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. Cases of secondary infection are also known, which requires additional therapy. Lethal outcomes are usually caused by acute heart or pulmonary failure. If a comprehensive examination confirms enterovirus, pediatrician should prescribe treatment in children. Trying to overcome the disease yourself is strictly prohibited. Parents can cause irreparable harm to the baby's health.
Prevention methods
Specific prevention of enterovirus in children is not developed. However, vaccines against meningococcemia and poliomyelitis show good results. Many European countries now use vaccines against the most common enterovirus infections. However, such prevention does not give an absolute guarantee due to the variety of viruses. Research and clinical trials on this subject are ongoing.
To prevent infection of the family of the infected child, it should be isolated. It is necessary to ventilate the premises more often, to carry out wet cleaning daily with disinfectants. Nonspecific prophylaxis implies the observance of basic 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 caused by this pathogen require a competent approach from specialists. If you do not postpone the visit to the doctor, you can prevent the occurrence of life-threatening complications. Be healthy!