This abbreviation at least once in a life is heard by every person. Most often, a literal combination is heard by the parents of young children. SARS - what is it? The mysterious name is deciphered as follows: acute respiratory infection of viral etiology. This definition includes many groups of diseases caused by various types of viruses.
Army of flying microorganisms
About 200 viral agents hourly threaten entry into the human body. It is the oral cavity in this case that becomes the gateway to infection, since microorganisms penetrate the larynx with a stream of contaminated air. SARS in children is many times more common. There is a physiological reason: insufficiently formed immunity. A sudden, acute course characterizes the ailment. The main infections in the group:
- flu;
- adenovirus;
- parainfluenza;
- enterovirus;
- coronary viral infection;
- PC virus
- rhino and reoviruses.
Such viral infections, once having occupied the body, begin to lead a parasitic lifestyle: they exist at the expense of the main organism, penetrate into the cells, destroying them, disrupt the normal functioning of organs and systems.
Stages of colds
Influenza and SARS are often of an epidemic nature, as people are quite susceptible to airborne infections, especially if they spend a long time in a collective environment. Of course, the disease in children manifests itself more often than an adult SARS, so kindergartens in the winter are very often quarantined.
A classic virus, developing, goes through several mandatory stages:
- Unexpected penetration. A flare-up virus not only settles in the cell, but also multiplies in it. Next, the destruction of the cell structure occurs. At this time, catarrhal disorders develop: runny nose, redness of the sclera, sneezing, hyperemia of the mucous membranes, a painful cough.
- Circulation of an aggressive agent. Otherwise, the phenomenon is called viremia. The process is the movement of the virus through the bloodstream. There is a pronounced intoxication of the body: nausea, diarrhea, hyperthermia, lethargy.
- Organ damage. Depending on which body systems the attack was directed at, the corresponding symptoms develop. If the respiratory system is occupied, then breathing difficulties, wheezing, and sore throat appear. In case of enteric penetration, dyspeptic disorders are observed. Lesions of the nervous system are manifested by headaches, insomnia, delusional conditions.
- Bacteria: tactics of waiting. Due to the damage caused by the virus, the body loses its protective shell, and the protective mechanisms are weakened. Therefore, the body becomes an excellent target for bacterial infection. Taking advantage of defenselessness, pathogenic microorganisms actively develop in the affected tissues. When observing acute respiratory viral infections in children, this phenomenon is especially noticeable: discharge from the nasal cavity thickens, acquires a greenish color and an unpleasant odor. This is the result of bacterial activity.
- Complications Again, it all depends on the location of bacteria entering the tissue. They can cause post-viral diseases of the genitourinary and nervous systems, heart and gastrointestinal tract diseases, and endocrine disruptions.
- Catharsis. The body is cleansed relatively quickly, but for some time after recovery, the virus is still in the body. The adenovirus “stays” longer than others.
Despite the difference in infectious agents, symptoms such as fever with SARS, weakness, and catarrhal phenomena are observed in almost all cases. Interestingly, seemingly identical terms differ. In particular, acute respiratory infections and SARS. What is ARI? The doctor makes a similar diagnosis in case of uncertainty about the nature of the disease. For example, if the disease is caused by a non-viral etiology, since a large group of acute respiratory infections can provoke fungal or bacterial infections. But the symptoms of these disease groups are very similar.
What is the reason?
SARS and influenza in children, as in adults, owe their occurrence to one dangerous guest - the virus. An infectious agent is transmitted from an infected person during a period of particular contagiousness. Some viruses, for example, the pathogen of the adeno group, are released to patients within 25 days, while the rest - about 10 days.
Most viruses enter the body through the nasopharynx, but enteroviruses are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract.
It’s easy to catch an infection: emotional conversation, energetic sneezing, kisses, use of common household items. Viruses, settling on doorknobs, dishes, toys and towels, patiently wait for their master. Therefore, in children's and working groups, unventilated, cramped rooms, at crowded events, it is quite likely to get influenza and SARS in the appendage.
Immunity to the transmitted virus is very short-lived, therefore, a recently ill child against the background of a weakening by a previous illness can get sick again.
Debilitating factors
Cold viral diseases flare up during the cold season, with the exception of adeno- and enterovirus - these pathogens hunt year-round. PC viruses prefer December, parainfluenza has chosen off-season, but most importantly, viruses are waiting for the moment when the body will be most weakened. What is meant by this?
- a small amount of vitamins;
- lack of sunlight;
- hypothermia;
- low temperature conditions;
- stresses associated with school problems or work and family misunderstandings.
These aspects significantly undermine immune defense and make the body vulnerable to aggressive infection.
Symptoms
Symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections in adults practically do not differ from those that overtake in childhood. But there is a difference. The temperature during acute respiratory viral infections is tolerated by some people much easier. Signs of the disease are divided into two groups: catarrhal and intoxication.
Catarrhal group:
- sneezing
- acute rhinitis;
- lacrimation
- obsessive cough;
- swelling of the mucous membranes, hyperemia;
- a sore throat.
These symptoms indicate that the body is actively trying to expel the "intruder."
Intoxication syndrome :
- asthenic manifestations (lethargy, fatigue);
- hyperthermia, sometimes rising to significant levels;
- muscle pain, aches;
- intense headaches;
- chills, increased dehydration;
- the impossibility of eye movement.
Due to the travel of the virus through the bloodstream, massive damage to the body occurs, so the condition worsens.
If enterovirus invaded the cells, then the symptoms will be different, since the main blow will not be on the nervous, but on the digestive system:
- lack of appetite;
- nausea;
- diarrhea of varying degrees;
- the urge to vomit.
The last symptom is a sign of serious disruption caused by the virus. Among other things, lymph nodes are sure to increase, giving a signal to the immune system about an infectious attack. Additional symptoms may be added to the main list.
Flu is a familiar stranger
There is a disease slightly different from SARS. What it is? The answer is simple - the flu. Not everyone knows that this ailment is famous for unpleasant, and sometimes grave consequences. First of all, influenza causes intoxication symptoms without catarrhal inclusions. The virus penetrates through the trachea and acts against the nervous system, simultaneously affecting the respiratory and vascular.
There are three main types of influenza viruses: A (A1, A2), B (B1) and C. But the trouble is that the virus, in an effort to survive and adapt, is constantly in a state of mutation.
At the initial stage, he manifests himself quite aggressively: the temperature goes off scale, excruciating aches in the whole body, weakness, severe headache, sometimes the patient hallucinates. Hemorrhagic syndrome is noted : bleeding from the nasal cavity, encephalitic phenomena (fainting, convulsions, vomiting reflex).
After a few days, the signs of intoxication abruptly disappear and a phase of complete apathy sets in. Catarrhal symptoms, in contrast, are exacerbated.
Influenza gives serious complications, such as pneumonia, neuritis, myocardial changes, sciatica, neuralgia, worsening of the course of chronic ailments.
The many faces of parainfluenza
This virus is presented in 4 variants and is not as formidable as its closest neighbor. The onset of the disease can be acute to the same extent as moderate. Symptoms of SARS in adults and children are the same:
- not too high but prolonged temperature;
- weak rhinitis;
- bark-like cough;
- pain behind the sternum;
- hoarse voice.
Despite its external harmlessness, parainfluenza can have a complicated course with consequences such as false croup, asthmatic bronchitis, pharyngitis.
Enterovirus - attention to stool
This type of virus is manifested by copious nasal discharge, shortness of breath and other catarrhal manifestations, but its main difference is in the addition of the following symptoms: severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea. The complications caused by the virus are diverse - from meningitis to sore throat.
Adenovirus attack
Now there are about fifty strains of this virus. Its difference from others is that the infection is not limited to airborne droplets, it is possible to get the infection through infected food. This is due to the fact that the virus multiplies both in the nasopharynx and in the digestive tract.
The disease is characterized by a long incubation period and a protracted course. The following symptoms are observed:
- significant hyperthermia;
- conjunctivitis;
- pharyngitis.
A generalization of the process is possible with the involvement of the liver, spleen, and lymphatic system. Relapses are often noted. Complications are caused by the addition of bacteria and are represented by rhinitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, otitis media.
Rhinovirus and reovirus infections - cousins
Rhinovirus simply adores the nose, and reovirus feed the intestines and nasopharynx. They are found in more than a hundred species. The malaise caused by these viruses lasts about 7 days: headache, low-grade fever, weakness are noted. The main blow falls on the nose and throat: severe rhinitis, herpes, burning sensation in the larynx, redness of the eye membranes, cough. Sometimes the condition is complicated by bronchitis, sinusitis or inflammation of the middle ear.
Respiratory syncytial virus - attack on the bronchi
The disease is almost always manifested by coughing, as the target of infection is the bronchi. Against this background, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma develop. Symptoms come down to fever, shortness of breath, severe coughing, and pain in the larynx. The duration of the disease is on average about two weeks, but such an ailment tends to recur.
Other types of viruses, such as coronary, are a mixture of parainfluenza and rhinovirus infections. The consequences of the penetration of viruses into the human body are very diverse and can be supplemented by diseases such as pancreatitis, stomatitis, cystitis, meningoencephalitis and so on. It depends on which organs were affected by the joined bacterial infection.
Therapeutic tactics
Initial examination, history taking - the basis of diagnosis. Sometimes an additional examination is required: laboratory tests, a smear from the mucous membrane, an x-ray and an examination by the otolaryngologist.
If the disease affects the child, then there is an important point that parents should consider when ARVI occurs. What is it? This condition is caused by viruses, so in no case is it treated with antibiotics.
In addition, there is a standard medical regimen for the treatment of all types of viral aggression, suitable for both children and adults. Symptomatic actions are expressed in the following list.
- Restriction of motor activity.
- Airing the room.
- Drink plenty.
- Nutritional diet offered in fractional servings.
- With hyperthermia, antipyretic drugs.
- Rinses, compresses, inhalations, rubbing, used in the absence of temperature.
- The use of antiviral agents, and it is necessary to start in the first two days of the disease.
- Antihistamines to reduce swelling of the mucous membranes.
- General strengthening measures: vitamin complexes, immunostimulants.
- The appointment of mucolytics for a more effective discharge of bronchial secretions.
- If dyspeptic disorders occur, then it is recommended to take absorbents and water-salt solutions.
- To eliminate rhinitis, vasodilator drops, salt washings are prescribed.
- Severe cases, especially in young children, require immediate hospitalization.
Preventative measures
ARVI prevention is slightly different in different age groups. Adults, of course, get sick less often than schoolchildren. And those, in turn, are not as common as preschool children. Therefore, the prevention of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections in preschool children includes:
- gradual hardening;
- intake of vitamins;
- routine vaccination;
- rinsing the nose with saline after visiting crowded places or kindergarten;
- before the release of the application with oxolinic ointment;
- positive attitude.
The prevention of influenza and SARS in schoolchildren, in addition to the above, consists of the following activities:
- regular intake of vitamin herbal drinks;
- homemade juices, honey solutions that perfectly strengthen the immune system;
- if there has been hypothermia, then a hot bath will be a way out;
- Prevent wet feet, but if this happens, then a bath with salt and mustard will help not to get sick later.
What is the prevention of ARVI for all age groups? It is worth thinking about the regime of work and rest, avoiding stressful situations, crowded rooms during the period of seasonal epidemics, washing your hands more often and monitoring the correct diet.
So, ARVI - what is it? This disease, which significantly reduces immunity, exacerbates chronic ailments and causes severe complications. Therefore, observing preventive measures, a person will bring himself and his child health and good mood.