Measles is an acute, extremely contagious viral disease that occurs mainly in children. Anthroponotic infection is characterized by fever, maculopapular rash throughout the body, conjunctival hyperemia, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. As the virus accumulates in the cells of the reticuloendothelial system, measles symptoms in a child increase. Soon after a natural infection or the introduction of a live vaccine, the production of antibodies begins, which will circulate in the blood plasma for many decades. Therefore, the transferred infection leaves behind a lasting immunity.
Pathogenesis
The causative agent of measles, namely large (120-250 nm in diameter) spherical RNA virus, does not contain the neuraminidase enzyme, which differs from other representatives of the paramyxovirus family. Infection occurs by airborne droplets, the source of measles infection is a sick person. When coughing, sneezing or talking, the pathogen enters the external environment, then finely dispersed suspension with a stream of air is carried over a considerable distance.
Initially, the virus multiplies in the submucous membrane and regional lymph nodes, eventually penetrating the baby’s bloodstream. The first symptoms of measles in children appear 1-2 weeks after infection (incubation period). In response to the introduction of a foreign agent, class M immunoglobulins (“anxiety antibodies”) are produced and only after 5 days does IgG synthesis begin, which protects the young organism from reinfection.
Contagiousness Index
Measles belongs to the category of “flying” childhood infections with a high degree of contagiousness (98%). The virus feels comfortable in poorly ventilated, damp rooms, easily moves from the upper floor to the lower through stairs, corridors and even ventilation shafts. Thus, all persons living not only in the same apartment with a sick child, but also neighbors on the porch get into the contact zone.
Diagnostic Features
An inexperienced doctor can easily confuse the first symptoms of measles in children with an ordinary respiratory infection. Serological studies (RSK, RTGA, RIF) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay are used to confirm or deny the presence of the virus in the body. During a physical examination of a child, the pediatrician notes swelling and swelling of the eyelids, puffiness of the face, and the mucous membrane of the oral cavity is rough with whitish spots in front of small molars.
In a general blood test for measles infection, a decrease in the level of lymphocytes, eosinophils, an increase in ESR against a background of moderate leukocytopenia, as well as plasmacytosis, is observed. If pneumonia is suspected, lung radiography cannot be dispensed with. To distinguish acute respiratory infections or allergic rashes from measles symptoms in children and to select the appropriate treatment, differential diagnostic methods are used. An allergy is usually accompanied by itching of the skin, but it is not characterized by acute intoxication of the body and the appearance of enanthema.
Measles in children: symptoms of the disease
The clinical picture of measles is characterized by a sequential change in the periods of the disease - incubation, catarrhal, rashes and pigmentation (convalescence). The latent period lasts approximately 7-14 days, in the case of the introduction of immunoglobulin on the eve of infection, the infection does not manifest itself for 3-4 weeks. The child can "share" the virus with others only in the final two days of the incubation stage and up to the 4th day of the rash.
The catarrhal or prodromal period of measles is manifested by "flu-like" symptoms:
- Pathological weakness.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Dry, barking cough.
- Redness and swelling of the eyelids, conjunctivitis.
- Increasing body temperature to 38-40 ° C.
- Nausea, upset stomach.
- Measles enanthema (spotted hyperemia of soft and hard palate).
Soon the mucous membrane of the cheeks in the region of the second lower molars is covered with whitish formations with a reddish border on the periphery. Filatov-Koplik-Belsky spots are the main pathognomonic sign of measles. Grayish-white dots the size of a poppy seed (1-2 mm in diameter) arise from the destruction and desquamation of epithelial cells. At the same time, the child becomes lethargic, complains of a headache and drowsiness, constantly squinting, his tongue is taxed. The kids are capricious, the appetite is poor or completely absent, sometimes photophobia and increased lacrimation are observed. Symptoms of measles in vaccinated children (atypical form of the disease) are rare, signs of intoxication are weakly expressed.
After 3-4 days, the catarrhal stage of the disease is replaced by a rash period. Initially, the rash is localized on the face, back of the head, under the hairline, then spreads to the trunk, upper and lower extremities of the child. Papules of a red-burgundy hue have an irregular shape and slightly rise above the surface of the skin, in places they merge with each other, forming extensive areas of redness. Starting from the 4th day of rashes, the symptoms of measles in children (rash, fever, cough, photophobia, etc.) fade, appetite increases, sleep and psycho-emotional state of the baby normalize. Pigmentation lasts another 1-1.5 weeks, the elements of the rash regress similarly to the order of appearance.
Official Medicine Methods
Since measles is an infection of viral origin, there is no specific drug for its treatment. Antibiotics are indicated only in the case of pneumonia or other bacterial complications. It will not be possible to get rid of measles symptoms in children at the initial stage of the disease, since immunoglobulins have not yet developed. Symptomatic therapy includes bed rest, heavy drinking, taking mucolytics and antipyretic drugs.
Ready-made solutions of "Regidron", "Humana Electrolyte" will help prevent dehydration of the body during fever or vomiting. Parents can prepare a similar remedy on their own: dissolve 1 tbsp in a liter of hot water. teaspoon of sugar and ½ tsp. baking soda. Signs and symptoms of measles in children are often accompanied by apathy, lack of appetite, the virus weakens the immune system, thereby provoking the growth of opportunistic microflora. The Pikovit, Alphabet multivitamin complexes, Multi-tabs, Vitrum Junior , etc. make up for the deficiency of vitamins, micro and macro elements in the child’s body.
With conjunctivitis, the eyes are washed with a 2% solution of boric acid, furacilin. "Sulfacyl sodium", "Suprastin", "Diazolin", "Clemastine", "Tavegil" and other antihistamines are prescribed for severe intoxication of the body, edema, hyperemia of the pharynx and skin. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs not only reduce the temperature, but also help to cope with a headache, sore throat. The dosage of drugs based on paracetamol or ibuprofen depends on the age and weight category of the child. Attacks of dry cough are stopped by tablets "Ambroxol", "Halixol", for the smallest syrup with berry flavor "Lazolvan" is suitable. Select a treatment regimen for measles symptoms in children entrust to a qualified specialist.
People's councils
Extracts of licorice root or marshmallow can help cope with a painful cough with measles. As an expectorant, infusions from leaves of coltsfoot, thyme, calendula flowers and chamomile are also used. Elderberry, decoction of elecampane, medunits have diaphoretic and anti-inflammatory properties, strengthen immunity.
Some useful tips to speed up the healing process:
- In order for the measles rash from the mucous membrane of the oropharynx to come down faster, the child should rinse his mouth and throat with a decoction of chamomile or sage every 2 hours (1 tablespoon of herb per glass of boiling water).
- Effectively relieves itching and eliminates peeling of the skin with measles, a warm bath with the addition of bran. Make sure that the duration of the water treatment does not exceed 10 minutes. The optimum temperature for swimming - 34-35 ° C
- Linden tea has an antipyretic and sedative effect on the child's body. To prepare it, you need 5 tbsp. l dried linden flowers, liter of water. Pour boiling water over the raw materials, close the lid tightly and wrap the teapot with a towel. After 30-40 minutes, the healing product is ready for use. 150-200 ml of the drink before bedtime softens the initial symptoms of measles in children.
Diet and Drinking Regime
Measles virus has a devastating effect on vitamin C and retinol (vitamin A), hence the problems with the eyes, mucous membrane of the gums, oral cavity, and upper respiratory tract. Ascorbic acid along with retinol promotes the production of antibodies, stimulates the phagocytic activity of leukocytes, thereby increasing the immune potential of the child.
Pay particular attention to the nutrition and drinking regimen of your child. Food should be high-calorie, but easily digestible, so that the body throws all its forces not into its digestion, but against the viral disease. At high temperatures, do not overload the gastrointestinal tract with heavy food, adhere to a sparing milk and vegetable-fruit diet. Prefer fish steaks, stewed vegetables, in-kind milk, as well as cottage cheese, kefir and homemade yogurts. Ferment "Narine" serves as an excellent detoxifier for measles infection.
Nutritionists recommend excluding from the menu:
- Fried foods and animal fats (lard, cooking oil).
- Smoked meats, marinades.
- Semi-finished and fast food.
- Spices (horseradish, mustard, hot pepper).
- Products with pronounced allergenic activity: strawberries, cantaloupe, chicken eggs, caffeinated drinks, citrus fruits and other exotic fruits, nuts (peanuts, hazelnuts).
The volume of fluid depends on the age of the child and is 1.5-2.5 liters of clean, still water per day. Non-acidic fruit drinks, sweet tea with lemon, jelly, stewed fruit, freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices are well suited. When catarrhal phenomena subside, milk porridges (rice, buckwheat, millet), vegetarian soups, baked fruits, salads from vegetables, spinach, dill or parsley are introduced into the diet. It is advisable to prepare the first dishes on lean meat broth. As soon as the measles symptoms in the child disappear, you can switch to your usual diet.
Measles vaccination
The measles vaccine contains an attenuated (artificially weakened) RNA virus that cannot cause the disease on its own, but only introduces the measles strain to the child’s body. The introduction of antigenic material contributes to the formation of immunological memory, thereby preventing the primary or re-infection of the child. A similar principle of action has a three-component vaccine against measles, rubella and mumps (CCP).
At 12 months, they are given the first vaccination; planned revaccination is carried out at the age of six. If for some reason protective immunity has not developed, it will be difficult to diagnose measles symptoms in a child. About 5-10% of children after vaccination become ill with mitigated measles, which is characterized by an extended incubation period and an erased clinical picture. A mild form of the disease is encountered by newborns and infants who have not lost measles antibodies, transplacental received from the mother, as well as those who have undergone active (vaccination) or passive (immunoglobulin) immunization.
Prevention
Outbreaks of measles are cyclical and recur every 2-4 years. Parents must necessarily know how measles symptoms manifest in children, this will help to recognize a dangerous disease in time and prevent the development of life-threatening complications. Follow the rules of individual care (separate dishes, towels, toys, etc.). The child needs to drink as much fluid as possible, it is desirable that the drink is warm. Enrich the diet with fortified foods, ready meals should not irritate the affected gastrointestinal mucosa.
With measles, the room is not disinfected. Room temperature and ultraviolet have a detrimental effect on the virus, after 2-3 hours it completely loses its pathogenic properties. If measles symptoms are detected in a child, information about the patient and those who have contact with him is transmitted to the appropriate child care facilities. Experts advise, within 5 days from the moment of contact, to introduce measles immunoglobulin.
Possible complications
There is an erroneous opinion that measles refers to harmless ailments that are better to be ill at an early age. In fact, a severe viral infection threatens with disorders of the respiratory, central and peripheral nervous system, digestive tract (colitis, enterocolitis). Children under 2 years old can get measles multicellular pneumonia; during pigmentation, fibro-necrotic or ulcerative stomatitis, laryngitis, laryngotracheitis occur. Damage to the central nervous system is fraught with inflammation of the membranes of the brain and / or spinal cord, the development of sclerosing panencephalitis and meningoencephalitis. When serious complications appear, the child needs inpatient treatment, the appointment of antibacterial drugs. In severe cases, infusion-detoxification therapy is performed.
Before the mass immunization of the population, which began in 1967, measles was called "childhood plague." In those troubled times, a viral infection claimed the life of every fourth sick child. With the invention of attenuated vaccines, the epidemic spread of the deadly virus was stopped, however, vaccinations do not reduce the risk of measles infection to zero. Follow the basic principles of a healthy diet and basic hygiene standards for caring for a baby. Proper treatment of the first symptoms of measles in children will allow you to defeat an insidious disease in the shortest possible time, return the child to an active, full life!