Rotavirus infection, when penetrated into the human body, provokes an infectious process characterized by a short incubation period and acute course. This disease mainly develops in children. This is due to a weakened immune system.
In adults, such an infection is much less common and proceeds quite easily. Rotavirus manifests itself in the form of intoxication, respiratory and dyspeptic disorders. The main clinical manifestations continue for a week, after which recovery occurs. In severe cases, dehydration is observed.
Features of the disease
There are several types of rotaviruses that are similar in structure. That is why they are combined into one common group. Such microorganisms provoke the development of acute intestinal infections. All these viruses are the main cause of gastroenteritis. The susceptibility of children under 5 years of age to rotaviruses is due to reduced acidity of the stomach and insufficient maturity of the immune system.
It is worth noting that a child at this age often has this infection repeatedly. Moreover, the risk of getting sick increases significantly if he attends kindergarten. Since all the time there is contact with a large number of children, among which there may be a sick child.
Older children get sick much less often, as a matured immune system can fully fight infections. In addition, previously ill babies already have immunity against certain types of rotaviruses, which helps prevent infection.
Rotavirus infection in children under one year of age is quite rare, especially if they are breast-fed, since they receive all the required antibodies with breast milk.
Causes of occurrence
In order to be able to correctly diagnose and select the treatment for rotavirus infection in children, you must definitely know what exactly provokes the onset of the disease. According to experts, infection occurs when the pathogen Rotavirus penetrates into the body, which is transmitted by airborne droplets or fecal-oral routes. The main causes of infection are neglect of hygiene rules or the consumption of unwashed foods.
It should be borne in mind that poultry meat or fish, as well as dairy products, can become a source of infection. In addition, dirty toys that children always pull in their mouths can provoke the penetration of an infection into the body.
In the case of re-infection in a child, the symptoms are less pronounced, since antibodies are already being produced in the body. Rotavirus belongs to epidemic diseases, since there is a high risk of infection of others. The child becomes contagious when the first signs occur within 1 week.
Main symptoms
The incubation period with rotavirus lasts for 1-2 days. The acute stage lasts about 4 days, and then gradually the signs of infection begin to decrease. Parents need to know exactly how rotavirus infection manifests itself in children, so that the presence of violations can be recognized in a timely manner. Among the main features can be identified such as:
- prolonged vomiting
- fever;
- watery stools;
- abdominal pain and cramps;
- pallor and dryness of the skin;
- tongue coating;
- inflammation of the tonsils and sore throat;
- runny nose;
- dry cough;
- redness of the eyes;
- enlarged lymph nodes.
Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the tonsils, pharynx and nose is observed in almost every case of infection. With severe rotavirus infection in children, vomiting is repeated and very plentiful. As a result of this, signs of intoxication of the body begin to appear, which is quite dangerous for the patient's life. Features of the course of intestinal flu in children are expressed in:
- severe intoxication;
- prolonged vomiting;
- signs of respiratory disease;
- severe bowel disorders;
- dehydration of the body.
The disease is quite acute. The temperature rises sharply, there is a breakdown and loss of appetite. Initially, signs of a cold begin to appear, and then - symptoms of gastroenteritis.
With a severe course of the disease, many are interested in how much the temperature holds during rotavirus infection in children. Fever may last for several days. A distinctive feature of rotavirus is a violation of the stool, and the color of the diarrhea changes from the moment the infection enters the intestines.
Only complex treatment will help get rid of the existing problem and normalize the well-being of the child.
How to distinguish rotavirus from other diseases
To distinguish the disease from other intestinal manifestations, you must know how rotavirus infection occurs in children, since very often it can be confused with dysentery or salmonellosis. Dysentery is acute enough with an increase in temperature. After this, loose stool appears, the frequency of which is about 10 times a day, but it can be more often. During bowel movements there are strong, pulling pains, which are often quite pronounced.
With salmonellosis, the stomach and small intestine are affected. The disease begins quite acutely with an increase in temperature. After this, vomiting appears, as well as frothy stools. Among the main differences can be identified the absence of signs from the respiratory system.
Rotavirus infection can occur in children without fever, and that is why it can be confused with poisoning. That is why in the early days it is impossible to accurately diagnose. If after 2-3 days the child does not feel better, then most likely he has food poisoning.
Features of the course in infants
Newborns are mostly infected by the mother or medical staff. Often, infection occurs with seasonal outbreaks. The disease in newborns and infants affects mainly the digestive organs, and inflammation of the mucous membranes is practically not expressed.
The main signs of the course of rotavirus infection include drowsiness, weakness, sunken eyes, and a deepening fontanel. The restless behavior of the baby and rumbling in the abdomen indicate the presence of painful sensations. The child often has vomiting, which can be repeated, but often the next day it passes. Among the main signs, diarrhea can be distinguished, while the stool is yellowish-white in color, sometimes foamy. As a result of this, dehydration is observed, and the baby begins to lose weight dramatically.
If signs of dehydration are found, you should immediately consult a doctor, as urgent hospitalization is often required. This will avoid serious complications. In infants with severe diarrhea, intoxication develops in the first few days. Its main symptoms are fever, apathy, cramps, chills. The child refuses to consume food.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of rotavirus infection is based on complaints from the patients themselves, as well as existing symptoms. In addition, studies such as:
- coprogram;
- linked immunosorbent assay;
- electron microscopy;
- PCR
When an acute form occurs in the patient’s blood, leukocytosis and an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate are detected. In the urine, leukocyturia, proteinuria, and cylinders are noted. Feces in a child are quite plentiful, frothy, and also with pieces of undigested food. Signs of an inflammatory process in the feces may be completely absent.
After conducting a comprehensive study, the doctor prescribes treatment for rotavirus infection in children, which will eliminate bacteria and improve the well-being of the baby.
Treatment features
Treatment of rotavirus infection in children must be directed to:
- normalization of water balance;
- detoxification;
- elimination of signs of the disease;
- prevention of secondary infection;
- restoration of the functioning of the cardiovascular system and kidneys.
Hospitalization is required only if there are pronounced signs of dehydration, as well as in severe forms of the disease.
Drug therapy
The treatment of rotavirus infection in children is selected by a qualified pediatrician, which is why you should immediately consult a doctor if the first signs of the disease occur. There are no special drugs for the treatment of this disease, and the entire therapeutic course is aimed at eliminating the accompanying symptoms, as well as normalizing the functioning of the digestive system.
When a severe degree of rotavirus occurs, doctors recommend the use of droppers, especially with severe dehydration. In some cases, a child may have a rash all over his body. If this happened, then the use of antiallergic agents is indicated. In some cases, an antiviral for children with rotavirus infection may be required, this helps to remove pathogens much faster.
To stop the gag reflex, the child can be given Motilium or Tserukal. Against the accumulated toxic substances you need to take "Enterosgel" or activated carbon. In addition, such drugs are prescribed for rotavirus infection as Lactovit or Linex. They help provide reliable protection for the intestinal mucosa. Enterofuril will help prevent the growth of bacteria. If there is a fever, then doctors recommend taking antipyretic drugs.
Folk techniques
Alternative methods can be used to alleviate the symptoms of rotavirus. A very good result has a saline solution, which helps prevent severe dehydration of the body. To prepare it, you need to dilute 1 tsp. salt and 5 tsp sugar in 1 liter of water and take throughout the day in small sips.
St. John's wort broth helps to cope with the virus, which must be taken 3 times a day. It is worth noting that this tool is only suitable for children over 3 years old, and you need to use it strictly as directed by the doctor.
Nutrition rules
To reduce the manifestation of the disease, as well as prevent dehydration, it is important to follow the nutritional rules of a child with rotavirus infection. It must be gentle, and you must strictly follow a dairy-free diet. It is worth remembering that dairy products are a favorable environment for the propagation of pathogenic bacteria. The exception is breastfed babies. From the usual diet of the child should be excluded:
- fresh vegetables and fruits;
- sweets;
- fresh pastries;
- carbonated drinks;
- legumes.
If the baby refuses to eat, then do not force-feed him. In the diet of a child with rotavirus infection, the first place should be a plentiful drink. Dishes are best steamed or baked. In the first few days of the course of the disease, you can only consume foods such as:
- chicken bouillon;
- gruel;
- baked apples;
- lean fish and meat;
- boiled potatoes;
- jelly;
- compote.
After the baby recovers for some time, you need to follow a diet for faster recovery and normalization of digestion.
Dehydration control
The patient needs to consume as much fluid as possible during the course of the disease. This is necessary to make up for fluid loss along with vomit and loose stools. That is why the child is given water, unsweetened herbal tea, compote.
In severe cases, when the baby is not able to drink on their own, the fluid needs in the body are met by intravenous administration of special solutions. Avoid consuming milk-based drinks as well as soda. Juices with a high content of fructose, sorbitol or sucrose are categorically contraindicated in sick children. It is forbidden to eat foods that lead to fluid retention in the body.
Possible complications
If treatment is carried out incorrectly and untimely, then quite dangerous complications of rotavirus infection in children can arise, in particular, such as:
- disorders in the circulatory system;
- renal failure;
- necrotic enterocolitis;
- gastroenteritis.
In a short period of time, intoxication of the body and its rapid dehydration develops, which can lead to a more severe course of the disease.
Prophylaxis
Specific and non-specific prophylaxis of rotavirus infection in children can be distinguished. Among the specific methods is vaccination. It is carried out in accordance with the planned calendar, but only at the request of the parents. Among non-specific measures for the prevention of rotavirus infection in children, techniques such as:
- compliance with hygiene standards and rules;
- consumption of boiled water only;
- washing hands with soap;
- sterilization of children's dishes;
- strengthening immunity.
It is worth remembering that the virus is very contagious, as well as soap and disinfectants. Only iodine, alcohol, and chlorine solutions can be effective.
Hygiene rules
During the course of the disease and after rotavirus infection, you must always wash your hands regularly, avoid contact with other sick children and adults. It is recommended to use chlorine-containing disinfectants in the acute period of the course of the disease, as well as thoroughly clean and wash everything that is used to care for a sick child. This rule applies to dishes, door handles, toys, and the toilet.
The hospital also respects hygiene and safety precautions. Disposable gloves are used, and special disinfectants are also used. It is worth remembering that the mere observance of sanitary and hygienic rules does not make it possible to completely protect yourself from infection, since the causative agent of the disease is quite stable in the environment.
Vaccination
Over the past few years, experts around the world have recommended vaccination as the most effective means of preventing rotavirus. Now there are two types of vaccines, namely Rotatek and Rotariks. These drugs contain attenuated live, non-pathogenic strains of infection.
In the first week after vaccination, the condition of the child may deteriorate somewhat. It is recommended to begin preventive measures in the first months of the baby's life, when rotavirus is particularly difficult.
Rotavirus infection, even if it is mild, can pose a very serious danger, especially for infants, which is why appropriate diagnosis and treatment should be carried out.