Rheumatism in a child: symptoms, treatment, prevention

In this article, we will examine in detail how rheumatism in a child manifests. Symptoms, varieties, treatment features, diagnosis and prevention are the main issues that we will focus on.

Immediately draw your attention to the fact that rheumatism can develop at absolutely any age. This disease is of an infectious-allergic nature. A variety of clinical manifestations is associated with the fact that rheumatism does not affect a specific organ, but the connective tissues that are present in all human organs. Consider the signs of rheumatism in children.

What it is?

We begin our article with the very concept of “rheumatism”. What is this disease? This is an inflammatory disease that affects the whole body at the same time (that is, it is a systemic one). The origin of rheumatism is infectious and allergic. It has another name: Sokolovsky-Buyo disease.

The disease is characterized by damage to the connective tissue. Mostly the connective tissues of the cardiovascular and central nervous system are affected. There is statistical information that indicates that women most often suffer from this ailment - three times more than men. However, this difference disappears at a more mature age.

What are the features of rheumatism in children? Symptoms and treatment of the disease in childhood are slightly different. This is due to the fact that childhood rheumatism has some features, such as:

• more pronounced severity of damage to the cardiovascular system;
• changes in other systems and bodies;
• the possibility of the transition of the disease into a chronic form (the percentage of probability in childhood is very high);
• relapse occurrence.

The chronic form manifests itself as follows: after treatment, there is a period of rest, but after a while the problem arises again. It is worth noting that relapses of rheumatism are observed in children very often.

Symptoms of rheumatism in children 2 years old or 10 practically do not differ from each other. Please note that children from seven to fifteen years of age are especially susceptible to the disease. Children's rheumatism threatens a number of complications, including heart failure. Often rheumatism begins to develop after infectious diseases. These include scarlet fever, tonsillitis and so on.

Especially often, the focus is found in the cardiovascular system. Rheumatism is prevalent throughout the world, especially in disadvantaged countries, where disease rates are very high.

We will examine in more detail the symptoms and diagnosis of the disease in childhood later, but now I want to pay attention to the Jones criteria. It is important to note that he distinguishes between large and small criteria. If at least one symptom from the first category is observed, then this is enough to diagnose the disease.

Symptoms

Now we will consider in detail the symptoms of rheumatism in a child. As mentioned earlier, rheumatism is able to destroy connective tissue in several organs at once. This can explain a large number of various manifestations of the disease. It all depends on the form and severity of the processes.

The causative agent of rheumatism stimulates the production of a substance called C-reactive protein. It is he who causes inflammation and damage to the connective tissue. Again, we draw your attention to the fact that rheumatism does not appear from scratch. The process of its development begins after an infectious disease. In total, three forms of the disease stand out, we will talk about them a little later. The main feature of rheumatism is an acute onset. Symptoms include:

• a sharp increase in body temperature;
• severe weakness;
• worsening of well-being.

The general initial symptoms have now been listed. In young children (2 years), the symptoms of rheumatism may be:

• irritability;
• tearfulness;
• sleep disturbances and so on.

Further, other symptoms characterizing one of the forms of rheumatism will gradually join them. Rheumatism in children, the symptoms and treatment of which we consider in the article, can manifest itself in different ways, but in about 85% of cases the disease threatens heart complications.

Classification

In total, three forms of the disease are distinguished:

• articular;
• cardiac;
• nervous.

We will describe them in detail a little later.

It is worth noting that the symptoms of streptococcal rheumatism in children do not pass without a trace. The disease always entails consequences in the form of complications, or rheumatism becomes chronic.

Symptoms of rheumatism in children 10 years of age and younger are completely no different. An experienced specialist can easily diagnose the disease at any stage.

Rheumatism has two phases:

• active;
• inactive.

What are the criteria for disease activity? These include:

• severity of manifestations;
• change in laboratory markers.

Based on this, three degrees of rheumatism are distinguished. They are presented in the table below.

Joint form

Now we will consider the symptoms of rheumatism in a child of articular form. We start the chapter with a bit of statistical information. Infants very rarely fall into this category. In almost 20% of cases, articular rheumatism occurs between the ages of one and five years; and almost 80% - from ten to fifteen years.

Symptoms of rheumatism in children can be manifested as follows:

• fever;
• weakness;
• headache;
• joint pain
• redness and swelling over the joints and so on.

Despite the fact that there are many cases of diseases, the pathogen has not yet been determined. Undoubtedly, rheumatism is infectious. This infection affects in most cases the lymph nodes located in the nasopharynx. Diseases are associated with previous sore throat, caries, and inflammatory processes.

It is worth noting that there are several theories of the onset of the disease. Joint rheumatism in children, the symptoms and treatment of which we consider in this article, according to the majority, has an infectious-allergic nature. This is the most common theory. If you adhere to this opinion, then rheumatism is the consequence of an allergic reaction in the human body. Due to the ingestion of bacteria waste products into the cells in the incubation period, the organism is reconfigured. Streptococci in this case can cause the above symptoms of rheumatism.

Earlier it was said that the cause of the development of rheumatism is often a previous infectious disease (in particular scarlet fever). However, other examples can be given:

• hypothermia;
• overvoltage.

Many symptoms indicate that the central nervous system (CNS) is involved in this process. These symptoms include:

• chorea;
• motor impairment;
• mental illness;
• nervous diseases and so on.

It is important to note that all of the above diseases are very often accompanied by rheumatism. Studies show that the reactivity of the cerebral cortex is significantly reduced. This can easily be determined by an experienced specialist. Why is this happening? This, as a rule, is associated with an increase in the excitability of the subcortical centers, which affects the whole body.

Heart shape

Now we offer a little more talk about the heart form of rheumatism in a child, the symptoms of this ailment. Immediately draw your attention to the fact that heart problems can begin both simultaneously with the articular form of rheumatism and may manifest gradually. A severe form of rheumatism is characterized in that the symptoms of cardiac disturbance manifest very slowly, that is, the disease develops imperceptibly.

We said earlier that the hallmark of articular rheumatism is an unexpected and violent attack. Sharp pains appear, and so on. However, some children may complain of slight joint pain, fatigue. Even so, heart problems may develop. To avoid serious consequences and start treatment in a timely manner, go to a specialist consultation even with such complaints.

Rheumatism of the heart in children, the symptoms and treatment of which we will consider right now, is called rheumatic heart disease. The initial stage practically does not manifest itself. Symptoms include:

• fatigue;
• refusal of games;
• unwillingness to run;
• shortness of breath
• heart palpitations;
• pallor of the skin.

A severe form is accompanied by fever, usually not exceeding thirty-eight degrees. The general condition of the child worsens daily.

The cardiac form of rheumatism can lead to some heart disorders, presented in the table below.

All this leads to the development of heart disease, that is, the inflammatory process goes to the valves. It is very important to know that timely treatment and compliance with the prescribed regime is the key to a happy future. Many children who suffer from heart defects lead a normal lifestyle (go to school, go out with friends, attend clubs and so on). If the case is neglected, then the disease takes a severe form, which affects health as follows:

• the presence of circulatory disorders;
• swelling of the extremities;
• severe shortness of breath;
• enlarged liver.

Another distinctive feature of the severe form of the disease is a ring-shaped rash on the skin. At the first symptoms, immediately seek medical help! Timely treatment started is a chance for a normal life of a child, which should not be missed.

Nervous form

In this section of the article, we will pay attention to the nervous form of rheumatism in children. Symptoms and treatment of the disease are the main issues that we will try to cover in this article.

A distinctive feature of the nervous form of rheumatism in children is chorea, damage to certain parts of the brain. Chorea develops gradually, symptoms may include:

• mood change;
• irritability;
• tearfulness;
• muscle twitching (note that this symptom is capable of progressing; some parents think that the child is grimacing and playing pranks, not even realizing the true state of affairs);
• lack of discipline;
• negligence;
• handwriting change;
• slurred speech;
• loose walk

With regard to lack of discipline and negligence, it is also worth making some clarifications. In fact, the child is not to blame. He really can’t gently lace up his shoes, often drops forks, spoons, pens and other items. Pay attention to these symptoms. Many confuse this with fatigue or carelessness. In fact, the child needs your help. These symptoms will appear for approximately three months. Pay more attention to the behavior and condition of the child so as not to miss the right moment and start treatment on time.

The good news with this disease: heart damage with a nervous form of rheumatism is extremely rare. If the disease has given any complication to the cardiovascular system, then the disease proceeds very easily. If you notice at least some changes in the behavior of the child, consult a doctor.

Now let's pay a little attention to hyperkinesis. This is a condition that occurs in the midst of a disease. During this period, a person is always in motion (he cannot sit, stand or lie quietly). There are involuntary muscle contractions that may interfere with the child's eating habits ( muscle contractions of the tongue, lips, and so on). They extend to other muscle groups, the following symptoms may appear:

• constant flashing;
• protruding tongue;
• grimacing.

Please note that during sleep, all symptoms of hyperkinesis disappear. In addition to all of the above symptoms, during the examination you can find a decreased muscle tone. No special examinations are required for severe forms, when this is visible to the naked eye. A child with a severe form of the disease cannot hold his head or sit. Typically, all symptoms last from three weeks to three months. Then they gradually subside. Be sure to note that relapses are quite common (the time of manifestation is about a year after the last case, sometimes much earlier).

With chorea, body temperature may increase slightly (up to 37.5 degrees). Swelling and joint pain may occur.

Causes

In this section of the article we will try to analyze in detail the question of the causes of rheumatism in children. As mentioned earlier, even modern medicine cannot give an exact answer to this question. There are several theories, and starting from them, we can conclude: many factors can serve as reasons.

Diagnostics

What is rheumatism in children (symptoms, photos, causes are given in the article), now, we hope, is clear. We turn to the diagnosis of the disease. To begin with, it must be said that absolutely any person can suspect the presence of a disease in a child, starting with parents and teachers and ending with a pediatrician or rheumatologist.

The clinic of rheumatism in children (clinical manifestations) is diverse. It is important to know the main criteria:

• cardit (any kind of it);
• chorea (we paid much attention to this disease earlier);
• the presence of nodules under the skin of a child;
• erythema;
• polyarthritis;
• recent streptococcal infection;
• hereditary factor.

If a child has at least one of the listed symptoms, then it is urgent to consult a doctor. In addition to these criteria, there are others:

• arthralgia;
• fever;
• altered blood counts.

For the diagnosis, there is little inspection and questioning of the patient. For an accurate diagnosis it is necessary to conduct a series of laboratory tests, which include chest x-ray, ECG, echocardiography.

An x-ray helps determine the configuration of the heart, an ECG will show a malfunction of the heart (if any), echocardiography determines the presence of heart disease.

Treatment

We examined the diagnosis and symptoms of rheumatism in children. The treatment of the disease is the next question. An integrated approach is needed in this case. The treatment of rheumatism is aimed at:

• symptom relief;
• impact on streptococcal flora.

Rheumatism in children (symptoms, treatment and a photo of which we are considering) is treated in a hospital. Please note that therapy is carried out even if you suspect a given disease.

The child needs:

• bed rest with a gradual increase in activity;
• proper nutrition, the diet contains an increased amount of potassium;
• proper organization of leisure activities.

Drug therapy is based on:

• antibacterial drugs;
• hormonal;
• anti-inflammatory;
• vitamin complexes;
• potassium preparations;
• immunostimulants.

All these drugs help fight pathogenic microflora. As a result, the inflammatory process is removed and the symptoms of the disease are markedly reduced. , :

• ;
• gastric bleeding;
• disturbances in the endocrine glands.

Prevention

This section is dedicated to the prevention of rheumatism in children. Allocate primary and secondary prevention. In the first case, attention is paid to the correct development of the child:

• hardening;
• proper nutrition;
• sport;
• group A streptococcus infection control

Secondary aimed at preventing relapse:

• “Bitsilin 5” - 1.5 million units once every four weeks to schoolchildren;
• "Bitsilin 5" with a dosage of 0.75 million units once every two weeks to preschool children.

Please note that it is recommended to prevent exacerbations year-round, monthly. Recommended duration is five years.

Forecast

Many mothers were able to cope with this disease by contacting the hospital for medical help on time. If rheumatism is prevented, then relapse will not pose a threat to life. We examined in detail the issue of rheumatism in children, symptoms, reviews. What are the forecasts?

Note that rheumatic carditis in approximately 25 percent of cases is accompanied by the development of heart disease. Repeated development leaves no chance of avoiding valve disruption. As a result, cardiac surgery is necessary. Fatal outcome from heart failure is approximately 0.4%. It is worth noting that the outcome of the disease depends on the correctness and timeliness of treatment.