It would be sad, but every year our children are exposed to various ailments. Some of them can even be fatal. How to treat measles in a child? What are the signs of an infection immediately? The disease is characterized by high temperature, a specific rash on the skin, symptoms of intoxication, inflammation of the mucous membranes and respiratory tract. It is believed that the disease is transmitted from person to person. Moreover, the carrier of the infection itself may not experience its symptoms.
The danger of the disease lies in the high probability of complications. Therefore, it is extremely important to know what measles looks like in children. Also in this review we will consider the main causes of the disease, methods of prevention and treatment.
Description
So, what you need to know about this ailment? Measles is an acute viral disease that is infectious. As a rule, it is transmitted by airborne droplets. They usually get measles once in a lifetime. After that, the body develops immunity. The danger lies not in the disease itself, but in the consequences it causes. The risk of infection of others is observed until the seventh day after the development of the disease. This period is characterized by the appearance of a pronounced rash. Four days after the formation of specific spots on the skin, a person ceases to be infectious, and the virus no longer enters the environment.
Is measles dangerous for children? The main problem is that the disease depletes the immune system. The body's defense remains weakened for several months after the illness. At this time, the child can often get sick. Therefore, for some period after the infection, doctors recommend that you refrain from visiting crowded places. Also, a weakened body requires high-quality nutritious food and fresh air.
Causes of the disease
Let's dwell on them in more detail. The main cause of the disease is contact with an infected person. The virus enters the body by airborne droplets in contact with the diseased. First, he is in the respiratory tract. Within two days after the incubation period, the patient is contagious. You can contact with him only after four days as characteristic rashes on the skin appear.
Most often, measles disease occurs in children under 5 years of age. More often people who have not passed the mandatory vaccination procedure become infected. However, if an adult is still infected with measles, his illness is much more severe than that of a child. The peak incidence occurs in spring and winter. Between August and September there is a decline. After recovery, the patient has a stable immunity. Anti-measles antibodies are retained in the blood. As for infants under the age of one year, they practically do not have measles. The fact is that in their blood there are still antibodies acquired from the mother. Gradually, their number will decrease. Along with this, the risk of contracting measles increases if the vaccine is not delivered on time. There are also cases of measles in pregnant women. The virus can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta, and the child develops congenital measles.
Incubation period
How long does it last? The beginning of the incubation period is counted from the moment of infection of the patient until the first signs of measles. It is believed that the duration of this time is from 7 to 14 days. The virus at this stage is slowly developing in the body. Symptoms of measles as such may not yet be observed. The child behaves as usual, nothing bothers him. For others, it can only be infected during the last 5 days of the incubation period. Therefore, in children’s educational institutions, children with measles symptoms are usually isolated after a rash on the skin.
How to recognize a disease?
A measles rash has a characteristic appearance. You can determine the disease by other signs. The patient rises high fever up to 39 degrees. Often with measles, inflammation and tearing of the eyes is observed. In children at the initial stage of the disease, spots may appear on the mucous membrane of the cheeks. They are also called Velsky-Filatov spots.
Symptoms
This issue should be given special attention. Even the most observant parent may not recognize that the child has started measles. This is a very insidious disease that develops in stages. The initial period can last about a week. During this time, the disease will not manifest itself at all. The child can stay active and feel good. In the meantime, the infection will gradually weaken the body.
The first signs of the disease are similar to a cold or SARS:
The first stage of the disease is called incubation. One of the characteristic signs of the disease in children is the appearance of spots at the base of the teeth. They are formed as a result of the destruction of the mucous membranes. The spots are usually white in color with a slightly swollen reddish edging. It is on this basis that measles is usually determined.
Stages of the disease
How is measles in children? The clinical recommendations of the attending physician will depend on the stage of the disease.
There are three main stages:
- catarrhal;
- the appearance of rashes on the skin;
- convalescence.
Each of these periods is distinguished by its time range and symptoms. The duration of the catarrhal period is usually from 3 to 5 days. During this time, the child may appear symptoms resembling a simple cold. This is due to the fact that the virus circulates in the blood. Body temperature at this stage can rise to 39 degrees. Symptoms such as dry cough and runny nose also appear. Another sign of the disease is redness of the eyelids. In rare cases, convulsions, loss of consciousness, and vomiting are noted. The child in this period becomes less active, lethargic, moody. Sleep and appetite are getting worse.
The next stage is characterized by the appearance of a rash on the skin. This usually occurs 3-4 days after the onset of the disease. Rashes persist for 4-5 days. Usually the appearance of red spots is accompanied by a sharp increase in temperature. Stains can appear not only on the skin, but also on the mucous membranes. On the first day, they are usually visible only on the head, neck and face of the child. On the second day, spots on the arms, chest and back are covered with spots. After this, the rashes spread to the legs and feet. On the third day, the rash on the head and face can already slowly go away.
The pigmentation stage lasts for 7-10 days. At this time, the state of rashes gradually improves, and the child ceases to be infectious. The spots become lighter and then completely disappear. After the rash, there are no traces and scars on the body.
Any of the symptoms described above is in itself a reason for going to the doctor. The therapist can give direction to narrow specialists who can accurately diagnose the disease.
Complications
You should familiarize yourself with them first. What to do if a child has measles? First of all, you need to see a doctor. Indeed, in the treatment of this disease complications can occur. For example, due to weak immunity, a viral infection may be accompanied by a bacterial infection . Often, measles patients are also diagnosed with pneumonia. In rare cases, stomatitis is also observed.
The following diseases can also be attributed to complications after measles:
- laryngitis;
- otitis;
- bronchopneumonia;
- glossitis;
- encephalitis;
- blindness;
- inflammation of the lymph nodes;
- polyneuritis;
- tracheobronchitis;
- damage to the central nervous system.
Measles in children under one year of age can also lead to serious complications. Therefore, it is necessary to treat the child under the strict supervision of a qualified doctor. Recommended inspection frequency is once every three days.
Diagnostics
What is she like? In order to correctly diagnose, the doctor must prescribe the following types of examinations:
- General analysis of urine and blood.
- Serological examination.
- Isolation of the virus from the blood.
- X-ray of the chest (prescribed in rare cases).
- Electroencephalography (prescribed only in case of complications associated with damage to the central nervous system).
Despite the fact that the disease is quite serious, doctors usually give a favorable prognosis.
Therapy process
How to treat measles in a child? The first and most important rule is that the doctor must monitor the condition of the baby. This will help to avoid unpleasant consequences.
In most cases, the disease is treated on an outpatient basis. Only in severe complications may hospitalization be required. Treatment of measles in children at home provides for bed rest during the fever. Also, the child should not go outside a couple of days after the temperature returns to normal.
The measles treatment protocol in children usually prescribes antipyretic and antitussive drugs. In acute rhinitis and conjunctivitis, drugs such as Albucid and vasoconstrictor drops may also be prescribed. The doctor may still prescribe antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs. To relieve symptoms of tonsillitis, rinses with antiseptic formulations are usually prescribed.
Measles treatment guidelines do not include antibiotic therapy. This is due to the fact that the disease has a viral nature, and not a bacterial one. The most severe illness is suffered by children suffering from a lack of vitamin A. The World Health Organization recommends taking this vitamin during treatment for a speedy recovery. Procedures such as rinsing the mouth with soda solution, rinsing the eyes with boiled water, cleansing the nose, and treating the skin of the lips with moisturizers are also of great benefit.
Mode
How to treat measles in children? Clinical recommendations require strict adherence. This will help increase the effectiveness of therapy prescribed by your doctor and speed up the healing process.
While the child has a high temperature, he should be in a supine position. If possible, it is recommended that the patient is allocated a separate room. Fresh air is extremely important for the patient, so try to ventilate the room as often as possible. Too much light can cause discomfort, so it’s better to close the curtains. Instead of overhead lighting, it is better to use a table lamp and other lamps. So that the mucous membranes of the lips do not crack, they must be periodically lubricated with baby cream or petroleum jelly. The child should regularly gargle with a solution of soda or decoctions of useful herbs. With measles, the patient should give a lot of warm drink. Fruit drinks, compotes, tea, infusions and decoctions of herbs, vegetable and fruit juices are well suited for this purpose. Food is best served warm. During illness, the child should be given semi-liquid and grated dishes. Such food does not irritate the throat.
One of the most important procedures in the treatment of the disease is a daily change of linen. And we are talking about both underwear and bed. This is because measles rash can occur repeatedly. Doctors also recommend daily wet cleaning in the room where the child is. Make sure that the baby goes to bed on time. During illness, this is especially difficult, as symptoms of insomnia often occur.
Preventative measures
What do they include? In order not to look for the answer to the question of how to treat measles in a child, it is worth taking care of preventive measures in advance. The main role here is given to vaccination. This procedure helps to artificially create a child's immunity to infection. The protein components of viruses and bacteria are introduced into the body, which can cause the development of the disease.
If, nevertheless, the child is infected with measles, parents must isolate him from healthy children. If a child attended school or kindergarten, management should be warned of infection. After that, the patient’s group should be quarantined for three weeks. Children in contact with the infected are advised to administer immunoglobulin within 3-5 days.
In order to prevent cases of the disease, it is necessary to strictly follow the vaccination calendar and get vaccinated on time. In rare cases, repeated measles is observed. Usually, after suffering an illness, a person develops lifelong immunity. Vaccination gives a lasting effect for 15 years.
Conclusion
How to treat measles in a child? What are the signs of a disease? At the first stage, accurately diagnosing measles is quite difficult. By symptoms, it is similar to a common cold or SARS. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the state of the baby.
What does measles look like in children? The main distinguishing feature of this disease is a characteristic rash. First, spots can appear only on the mucous membranes in the mouth, and then gradually spread to the whole body. Within 4-5 days after the appearance of rashes, the child is considered especially contagious. At the first sign of measles, you should consult a doctor. The virus itself is not dangerous, but the complications that may appear after a past illness are very serious. For the entire course of the disease, it is necessary to provide the child with thorough care. Regularly ventilate and wet the patient's room. Also, treatment of the disease requires taking medication prescribed by your doctor.
Any ailment can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, always try to pay attention to your own health.