In this article Komarovsky Adenovirus infection, we will tell you how to treat, symptoms, prevention and much more.

Adenovirus infection is one of the varieties of SARS. The causative agents are DNA-containing viruses. Most often, the disease is diagnosed in children and adolescents. Outbreaks of the disease are most often recorded in the cold season. The infectious agent affects the mucous membranes of organs respiratory system and intestines. Often lymphoid tissue is involved in the process. One of the rather characteristic symptoms is the defeat of the conjunctiva of the eyes, therefore this pathology is also called "pharyngoconjunctival fever". Important: the disease is characterized by seasonality, but individual cases are recorded year-round. Adenovirus is most often spread by airborne droplets. Contact and alimentary transmission of the pathogen is also possible. Clinical signs diseases are diverse, but most often there is a sore throat, runny nose and fever, i.e., symptoms characteristic of SARS. The disease can be quite severe, especially in a small child (under 3 years old) with a weak immune system.

When a child has acute symptoms you should definitely contact your pediatrician. Self-medication can only harm the patient. With adenovirus infection, quite serious complications are not excluded. Please note: do not be surprised if a child was diagnosed with SARS several times during one autumn-winter season. This does not mean that he does not develop immunity. Diseases from the ARVI group can be caused by a wide variety of pathogens, and the acquisition of immunity to one of the strains of the influenza virus does not completely exclude infection with adenovirus.

ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS OF THE DISEASE

The causative agent of adenovirus infection is characterized by a very significant degree of resistance in the external environment, which leads to a high contagiousness of the disease. In this regard, outbreaks are not uncommon in preschool institutions. At room temperature, adenoviruses can survive up to two weeks. The virus is able to withstand half an hour of heating and repeated freezing; it dies only when boiled and when the room is treated with an ultraviolet lamp. The source of the pathogen is an infected person. The virus is excreted with the secretion of the nasopharynx and feces.

The patient poses a danger to others within three to four weeks from the moment of infection. Most often, transmission occurs by airborne droplets. It is also possible alimentary infection (fecal-oral transmission with insufficient personal hygiene) and the spread of the virus through household contact. The causative agent can be present in open water bodies and enter the body through accidental ingestion of water. Duration incubation period in various cases varies from 1-2 to 12 days. An infected child may still lack characteristic symptoms, but the release of the pathogen into the environment is already taking place.

Please note: the probability of infection of the baby is relatively small, since the baby is reliably protected by antibodies present in the mother's body and obtained with breast milk. After an adenovirus infection, children develop immunity, which lasts 5-8 years. It should be noted that immunity is type-specific, and more than 50 types of adenovirus have already been identified.

In this regard, the transferred disease does not insure against infection with another type of virus of this group. The "entrance gates" for adenovirus are the mucous membranes of the organs of the respiratory and digestive systems, as well as the conjunctiva of the eyes. Having penetrated the epithelium, the virus actively multiplies, killing cells within a few hours. A characteristic feature of the disease is the high probability of damage to lymphoid tissue cells by the pathogen.

SYMPTOMS OF ADENOVIRUS INFECTION

All clinical manifestations can be combined into two syndromes:

Respiratory - characteristic of all acute respiratory viral infections, but with a particularly high probability of "overlapping" secondary bacterial infection; pharyngoconjunctival fever syndrome.

Adenovirus infection in children is manifested the following symptoms: perspiration, soreness and sore throat (increased during swallowing); severe difficulty in nasal breathing; increase in overall body temperature (from 37.5˚С to 39˚С); damage to the conjunctiva (accompanied by lacrimation, swelling of the eyelids, pain in the eyes and the presence of purulent discharge); loss of appetite; sleep disorders; general weakness; pallor; dyspnea; increased irritability; copious discharge from the nose (at the beginning of the disease, the secret is watery and transparent, and then thick green); cough (initially dry, but on day 3-4 wet with sputum discharge); pain in the abdominal region (near the navel); vomiting (not always); diarrhea (up to 5 times a day, without mucus, blood, etc.); bloating; swelling and hyperemia of the tonsils; mucus on the back of the throat; point purulent plaque on the tonsils; swollen lymph nodes.

The lymph nodes, although enlarged, are not soldered to the surrounding tissues. Their palpation during the examination does not cause pain.

For a particularly severe course of adenovirus infection, a symptom such as hepatosplenomegaly, i.e., an enlarged liver and spleen, is characteristic. Important: in children of a younger age group (especially in infants), convulsions may develop at the peak of a febrile reaction. For younger age more characteristic are stool disorders and bloating due to inflammation of the mesenteric (mesenteric) lymph nodes. The severity of conjunctivitis in adenovirus infection is different.

Its symptoms appear on different stages diseases (both at the very beginning, and for 3-5 days). First one eye is affected, and soon (usually after 1-2 days) inflammatory process affects the second. The eyelids of the child are swollen, and in the morning it is difficult for the patient to open his eyes, since the purulent discharge sticks together the eyelashes. Depending on the form of adenoviral conjunctivitis (membraneous or follicular), one of 2 standard treatment regimens can be used:

COMPLICATIONS OF ADENOVIRUS INFECTION IN CHILDREN

The average duration of the disease in children is 1 week under the condition of an uncomplicated course. With a protracted course, symptoms are noted for 2-3 weeks. Clinical manifestations of conjunctival lesions subside earlier, and inflammation in the nasopharynx and upper respiratory tract can persist for 3 weeks. In some cases, there is a "wave-like" course of the process, when, against the background of a clear improvement, some characteristic symptoms again clearly appear.

Complications that develop against the background of adenovirus infection, as a rule, are due to active reproduction pathogenic microflora due to the general weakening of the body. The bacterial infection mainly affects respiratory system, resulting in often developing bronchitis and pneumonia (pneumonia of bacterial origin).

If the virus infects located in abdominal cavity The lymph nodes peritoneum (mesentery), the development of appendicitis is not excluded, which requires urgent surgical intervention. Among others possible complications- tonsillitis, sinusitis and exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Infants are more likely to develop a complication such as inflammation of the middle ear (otitis media). In addition, in babies, the so-called. "generalization" of the pathological process. The causative agent with blood flow can enter various organs. In particular, the development of viral (hemorrhagic) pneumonia is not excluded. In this severe complication, the infectious agent infects the blood vessels of the lung alveoli (vesicles). As a result of stagnation of blood, gas exchange is disturbed, and the child rapidly develops respiratory failure.

DIAGNOSTICS

A very characteristic symptomatology in most cases allows an accurate diagnosis based on the patient's complaints and clinical manifestations. It is also important to correctly differentiate adeno viral infection from others, for example, from rhinovirus:

The atypical course of adenovirus infection may require differential diagnosis diseases such as Infectious mononucleosis. A laboratory study of the patient's blood is carried out in order to detect antibodies.

During an epidemic, a virological diagnostic method is used to accurately determine the type of adenovirus. The material for the study is a wash from the mucous membrane of the patient's nasopharynx. At laboratory research peripheral blood are common for viral diseases changes - lymphocytosis, leukopenia and a slight increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. General analyzes blood and urine in this disease are uninformative.

TREATMENT OF ADENOVIRUS INFECTION IN CHILDREN

In most cases, the treatment of adenovirus infection in children is carried out on an outpatient basis, that is, at home. Placement of the child in a hospital may be required in case of severe disease or development serious complications, in particular, when generalizing the process.

Specific methods of therapy have not been developed, and standard antiviral medicines ineffective. In this regard, only symptomatic therapy is carried out. Bed rest is necessary for the child until the fever passes. Indications for the appointment of antipyretics (antipyretic drugs) is a rise in body temperature above 38.5 ° C.

At lower values, these funds are used if there is a high probability of developing seizures against the background of a febrile reaction (for example, in young children). Pediatricians recommend giving Nurofen or Paracetamol to children, strictly observing age dosages.

In addition to pharmacological agents to lower the temperature in the treatment of adenovirus infection, physical methods can be used, such as cold rubdowns and the application of a heating pad with ice in the projection of large blood vessels. To accelerate the removal of toxins from the body, the patient is shown a plentiful warm drink.

Milk with a small amount of milk helps to alleviate dry cough drinking soda and alkaline mineral water. Antitussives should not be used!

To reduce mucosal inflammation respiratory tract the child is shown inhalations with the drug Lazolvan, as well as with physiological sodium chloride solution. Bromhexine and ACC are recommended to liquefy bronchial secretions (sputum). To improve the expectoration of sputum wet cough mucolytic and expectorant drugs are shown (Ambroxol, Mukaltin).

Remember that only the attending physician can prescribe the optimally suitable drugs. Inflammation of the conjunctiva requires regular eye washing. For the procedure, you can use a weak (pale pink) solution of potassium permanganate, or furacilin. Also effective natural remedies- a decoction of chamomile flowers and weak tea brewing. Of the drugs for the treatment of conjunctivitis with adenovirus infection, drops of Oftalmoferon are also shown (even with unilateral inflammation, it should be instilled in both eyes) and Oxolinic ointment (laid behind the lower eyelids).

With nasal congestion, you can use the vasoconstrictor drops Nazivin or Galazolin (in a "child" concentration). You can use these funds 3-4 times a day and preferably no more than 3-5 days in a row in order to avoid the development of drug dependence. For rinsing an inflamed throat, antiseptic agents are shown - a solution of furacilin and a decoction of chamomile. The presence of complications due to the addition of a bacterial infection is an indication for treatment with a course of systemic antibiotic therapy.

With an adenovirus infection, it is difficult for a child with a sore throat to eat ordinary food, so pureed and semi-liquid dishes should be included in his diet. To strengthen the immune system, vitamins are needed, which the baby should receive both with fresh vegetables and fruits (or juices), and in the form of complex preparations. In the room where the sick child is located, it is necessary to carry out wet cleaning twice a day. The room should be ventilated more often. Until the symptoms of conjunctivitis subside, it is important to provide subdued lighting. Walking in the fresh air is allowed only as the symptoms disappear with normal general well-being.

PREVENTION

A specific vaccine has not yet been developed. During the period of seasonal outbreaks, you should visit places of mass congestion of people (including public transport) as rarely as possible with your child. The baby needs a general strengthening of the body, which involves hardening and good nutrition.

In the cold season, an additional intake of multivitamin complexes can be recommended. The child must be taught to strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene. good prophylactic is leukocyte interferon(diluted with water and buried in the nasal passages).

Adenovirus infection is one of the varieties severe form ARVI, which affects lymphatic system with all associated features. "By eye" to determine the disease is beyond the power of even some medical workers Therefore, a generalizing diagnosis is often made - an acute respiratory disease.

Symptoms and treatment of adenoviral infection in children according to Komarovsky involves the use of funds to stop the signs of the disease, as well as the normalization of the baby's daily routine, careful monitoring of his condition.

Causes of the disease

This disease is a consequence of the entry into the body of an adenovirus that is highly resistant to environmental influences. Sowing the pathogen in the room assumes its presence in the air for the next 4 weeks, the first two of which are the most dangerous.

The pathology is most severe in children under the age of three, but any age group of children can be affected.

There are predisposing factors that increase the risk of getting sick. Among them are:

• general, local hypothermia;
• decreased immunity;
• second hand smoke;
• imbalance of vitamins and minerals in food;
• artificial feeding;
• other infectious diseases in acute and chronic form.

Of course, the child is most likely to catch adenovirus in a peer group, among which there is an already sick baby. At the same time, the chance that an organism that has not grown stronger on its own to cope with a penetrating infection is only 10-15%.

It is transmitted, like any respiratory infection, by airborne droplets.. Less common is the fecal-oral and contact-household route of transmission of adenovirus disease.

Clinic of the disease

The symptomatology of the disease directly depends on the stage in which it occurs. There are mild, moderate and severe form adenovirus infection. On average, the incubation period is from 1 to 7 days.. At this stage, it is still impossible to observe any signs of the disease, but the child can already infect other people.

Symptoms of adenovirus ingestion in the body:

• a significant and sharp increase in body temperature up to 39-40 degrees;
• sore throat when talking or swallowing;
• cough;
• headache;
• breathing through the mouth, runny nose;
• tearfulness, drowsiness, lethargy - as signs of general intoxication;
• indigestion, while diarrhea should not be accompanied by an admixture of pus or blood;
• in infants, a high temperature can provoke convulsions.

At home, it is almost impossible to determine an adenovirus infection in a child, since this symptomatology may indicate other pathologies in the body. To find out the root cause of poor health in a child, parents are required to contact specialists.

Diagnostics

To make the correct diagnosis in a child with similar symptoms, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician. He will conduct a survey and a thorough examination, prescribe additional diagnostic methods.

This is necessary in order to differentiate a viral infection from other pathologies.

What examinations are carried out:

• Interview

At this stage, parents should provide the doctor with complete information about the history of the disease in their child.. You should talk about where the child could catch the virus, when it happened, how the disease manifests itself and how many days the symptoms last.

• Inspection

During the examination, the doctor notes lethargy and apathy in the baby, drowsiness. The skin is pale, there may be clammy sweat from fever. The disease is accompanied by copious discharge from the nose, which is clear or whitish in color. The pharynx is hyperemic, edematous. There is a gray coating on the tonsils. The phonendoscope helps to listen to dry rales in the early stages of the disease and wet rales during the recovery period.

• Laboratory diagnostics

Analyzes of biological fluids should be studied in order to exclude complications of the disease. You will need to donate blood, urine for laboratory testing. The results will be standard for any type of SARS. The presence of viruses in the body can be diagnosed by an increase in the number of lymphocytes and monocytes, leukocytes can be slightly reduced from the norm. A wash is also performed from the nasopharyngeal region to detect secondary infections.

Treatment

The main advice of Dr. Komarovsky regarding the treatment of adenovirus infection is to provide suitable conditions for the sick baby. To facilitate well-being, you can use symptomatic medicines, but only after examination by a specialist.

Parents should pay attention to the fact that most drugs are approved for use at 2-3 years of age. Therefore, you must carefully read the instructions before using the medication.

Treatment of adenovirus infection:

• Elimination of the common cold

At this stage, rinsing or instillation can be used, depending on what the child tolerates best. From infancy, it is allowed to use drops containing sea ​​salt. For example, Aquamaris, Aqualor. Some of them have a vasoconstrictive effect and stop a runny nose in a short time, for example, Snoop (used no earlier than two years of age). This group of drugs should be used for no more than a few days, as local dysbacteriosis and addiction develop.

• Elimination of relevant symptoms

The temperature should be knocked down if it rises more than 38.5 degrees for 3 days. If there is no improvement during this period and the child continues to have a fever, it is necessary to consult a doctor again. The most commonly used for children is Paracetamol or Nurofen. These substances, in addition to antipyretic, have an analgesic effect. These drugs can be found on pharmacy shelves in the form of sweet emulsions, so taking the medicine will not be difficult.

• Additional measures

The children's room must be ventilated at least 3 times a day, it is also necessary to carry out wet cleaning. Besides, you should provide the child with a large amount of warm drink, try to observe bed rest. If the baby is sick, the mother must ensure uninterrupted access to breast milk.

Prevention

Regarding the prevention of adenovirus infection, Komarovsky also gives quite unambiguous recommendations. To avoid the penetration of the virus into the body, it is necessary to avoid visiting those institutions in which there is a large crowd of people. Especially in the off season. Other measures are secondary.

Parents should in every possible way temper the immunity of the child, balance his nutrition. A huge contribution to the health of the baby is made by the mother, providing him breastfeeding at least in the first year of life.

When all the rules are followed, the infection can also enter the body without leaving any serious health consequences.

Are you looking for what is adenovirus infection in children, symptoms and methods of treatment this disease? Then this article will be useful for you.

Adenovirus infection is a group infectious diseases, their causative agent is adenoviruses. This disease is characterized by damage to the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, lymphoid tissue, conjunctiva and sclera. With moderate symptoms of infection, fever is possible.

Sources of infection are sick carriers of any form of adenovirus infection or healthy virus carriers. The greatest risk of infection exists from patients who are on initial stage disease, that is, within the first two weeks. The virus can also be transmitted after recovery, within 4 weeks.

Adenovirus infection is transmitted mainly by airborne droplets, but also by the fecal-oral route. Isolation of the virus occurs when an infected person coughs, sneezes, takes deep breaths, and even just talks. The most susceptible to infection are children aged six months to five years. That is why many parents are so concerned about the question of what is adenovirus infection in children, its symptoms, treatment.

Epidemic outbreaks occur most often in winter, however, they are also recorded throughout the year. The cause of infection is often the close communication of children. Often, entire groups of children fall ill. The incubation period lasts from 1 day to 2 weeks. The disease begins with a fairly sharp rise in temperature.
The development of the disease, acute or gradual, depends on the immunity of the person. The initial symptoms of an infection include:

• chills,
• headache
• aching pains in bones, muscles and joints.

A little later, the temperature rises, and a clear serous fluid is released from the stuffy nose, to which mucus and pus are then mixed.

Adenovirus infection in children: symptoms, treatment, Komarovsky

Komarovsky Evgeny Olegovich is a pediatrician of the highest category and a TV presenter who hosts the popular TV show "School of Doctor Komarovsky". All mothers and fathers listen to his advice, he helped many to cope with problems related not only to health, but also to education. Many parents often ask the doctor what an adenovirus infection in children is, its symptoms and treatment. Komarovsky argues that adenoviruses are quite insidious, the difficulty of dealing with them lies in the fact that not only the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, but also the mucous membrane of the eyes is a favorable environment for their reproduction, they can also exist in the lymph nodes and in the intestines.

Adenovirus infection in children (symptoms and treatment) - Komarovsky covered this issue repeatedly. According to him, when the nasopharyngeal mucosa is affected by adenoviruses, the onset of the disease is characterized by a temperature in the range of 37.3-37.8, and breathing is also difficult.

An adenovirus infection is difficult to recognize by its signs and symptoms, so a specialist should be consulted. Signs of infection may be similar to those leading to no proper treatment child.

• appetite decreases or disappears completely;
• there is a headache, vomiting, the baby is lethargic and drowsy;
• immediately or on the 2-4th day of illness, a pronounced runny nose develops: the nose is stuffy, it is discharged from the nasal passages a large number of clear or yellowish mucus;
• during the same period, the eyelids turn red and swell, dilated vessels of the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane of the eye) become visible, grayish films appear near the edge of the eyelid;

• there is a feeling of pain, burning or "sand in the eyes";
• cervical and submandibular lymph nodes increase (they can be seen or felt under the skin - rounded elastic formations);
• there are pains when swallowing, the tonsils increase in size, when viewed from the throat red;
• the frequency of stool increases up to 3-6 times a day, the feces are liquid, plentiful, contains pieces of undigested food;
• there are pains in the abdomen without a clear localization.

How to treat adenovirus infection in children

With a mild course of the disease, eye drops are prescribed. With purulent and membranous conjunctivitis, 1% prednisolone or hydrocortisone ointment is placed behind the eyelid. Recommend symptomatic agents, antihistamines and multivitamins.

In severe cases of the disease in children, as well as in the case of the addition of serious complications, hospitalization is required. Exactly the same treatment for adenovirus infection in adults, in older people who suffer from chronic respiratory diseases, as well as in those patients who have manifestations of immunosuppression.

If there is no improvement within 2-3 days, you should contact your pediatrician for further examination and treatment.

The patient is prescribed bed rest and a vitamin diet with a restriction. meat dishes. They also prescribe expectorants and multivitamins, physiotherapy, which is of great importance in the fight against adenovirus infection. The prognosis of such treatment is mostly favorable. Many health problems can be avoided by timely diagnosis and proper treatment.

Adenovirus infection in children, symptoms, treatment, Komarovsky, a well-known pediatrician in Russia, is sure that if you regularly ventilate the room, humidify the air and spray saline into your nose before visiting public places, children can avoid infection.

Adenovirus infection is a disease in which the child's nasopharynx becomes inflamed, the temperature rises, fever may appear, the mucous membranes of the eyes and other pathologies become inflamed. It is transferred by oral, drip, air and water. The illness can last for about two weeks, causing complications such as bronchitis, laryngitis, and pneumonia.

Treatment

Mandatory observance of bed rest, fluid intake, good nutrition with a large amount of carbohydrates, inhalation. If the temperature does not rise more than 38 degrees, it is not advisable to use an antipyretic. At a higher temperature, you need to drink antipyretics prescribed by your doctor. If the disease is accompanied by a dry cough, the doctor will prescribe expectorants. In addition, care must be taken to restore the microflora of the stomach.

Treatment according to Komarovsky

Adenovirus infection in children, symptoms, treatment, Komarovsky advises creating favorable conditions that will help the body cope with the disease on its own. For this you need:

• Make sure that the temperature in the room is not higher than 20 degrees, and the humidity level varies between 50-70 percent. To do this, you can use humidifiers or wash floors more often, use a spray bottle to irrigate the room. So that the child does not freeze, you can dress him warmly.
• Drinking your baby often will help him sweat and soften the phlegm. The temperature of the liquid that the baby drinks should be equal to the temperature of his body.
• Avoid force feeding. Let the child eat small portions, the main thing during this period is drinking.
• Instill saline solution into the nose.

A doctor who did not prescribe a mountain of medicines to a child is a professional

Treatment of adenovirus infection in children, Komarovsky does not advise stuffing a child with medicines. He is sure that when favorable conditions are created, the child's body will be able to defeat the infection on its own and develop immunity to it. He is sure that doctors who do not prescribe mountains of drugs to children are real professionals who can take responsibility and tell their mother that this infection can be beaten without drugs.

Adenovirus infection is one of the varieties. The causative agents are DNA-containing viruses. Most often, the disease is diagnosed in children and adolescents. Outbreaks of the disease are most often recorded in the cold season. The infectious agent affects the mucous membranes of the respiratory system and intestines. Often lymphoid tissue is involved in the process. One of the rather characteristic symptoms is the defeat of the conjunctiva of the eyes, therefore this pathology is also called "pharyngoconjunctival fever".

Important:the disease is characterized by seasonality, but individual cases are recorded year-round.

Adenovirus is most often spread by airborne droplets. Contact and alimentary transmission of the pathogen is also possible. The clinical signs of the disease are varied, but the most common are a runny nose and fever, i.e., symptoms characteristic of SARS. The disease can be quite severe, especially in a small child (under 3 years old) with a weak immune system.

If a child has acute symptoms, it is necessary to contact the pediatrician. Self-medication can only harm the patient. With adenovirus infection, quite serious complications are not excluded.

Note:do not be surprised if a child was diagnosed with SARS several times during one autumn-winter season. This does not mean that he does not develop immunity. Diseases from the ARVI group can be caused by a wide variety of pathogens, and the acquisition of immunity to one of the strains of the influenza virus does not completely exclude infection with adenovirus.

Etiology and pathogenesis of the disease

The causative agent of adenovirus infection is characterized by a very significant degree of resistance in the external environment, which leads to a high contagiousness of the disease. In this regard, outbreaks are not uncommon in preschool institutions. At room temperature, adenoviruses can survive up to two weeks. The virus is able to withstand half an hour of heating and repeated freezing; it dies only when boiled and when the room is treated with an ultraviolet lamp.

The source of the pathogen is an infected person. The virus is excreted with the secretion of the nasopharynx and feces. The patient poses a danger to others within three to four weeks from the moment of infection. Most often, transmission occurs by airborne droplets. It is also possible alimentary infection (fecal-oral transmission with insufficient personal hygiene) and the spread of the virus through household contact. The causative agent can be present in open water bodies and enter the body through accidental ingestion of water.

The duration of the incubation period in various cases ranges from 1-2 to 12 days. An infected child may not yet have characteristic symptoms, but the pathogen is already being released into the environment.

Note:the probability of infection of the baby is relatively small, since the baby is reliably protected by antibodies present in the mother's body and obtained with breast milk.

After an adenovirus infection, children develop immunity, which lasts 5-8 years. It should be noted that immunity is type-specific, and more than 50 types of adenovirus have already been identified. In this regard, the transferred disease does not insure against infection with another type of virus of this group.

The "entrance gates" for adenovirus are the mucous membranes of the organs of the respiratory and digestive systems, as well as the conjunctiva of the eyes. Having penetrated the epithelium, the virus actively multiplies, killing cells within a few hours. A characteristic feature of the disease is the high probability of damage to lymphoid tissue cells by the pathogen.

Symptoms of adenovirus infection

All clinical manifestations can be combined into two syndromes:

1. Respiratory - characteristic of all acute respiratory viral infections, but with a particularly high probability of "overlapping" a secondary bacterial infection;
2. pharyngoconjunctival fever syndrome.

Adenovirus infection in children is manifested by the following symptoms:

• perspiration, soreness and sore throat (increased during swallowing);
• severe difficulty in nasal breathing;
• increase in overall body temperature (from 37.5˚С to 39˚С);
• damage to the conjunctiva (accompanied by lacrimation, swelling of the eyelids, pain in the eyes and the presence of purulent discharge);
• loss of appetite;
• sleep disorders;
• general weakness;
• pallor;
• dyspnea;
• increased irritability;
• copious discharge from the nose (at the beginning of the disease, the secret is watery and transparent, and then thick green);
• cough (initially dry, but on day 3-4 wet with sputum discharge);
• pain in the abdominal region (near the navel);
• vomiting (not always);
• diarrhea (up to 5 times a day, without mucus, blood, etc.);
• bloating;
• swelling and hyperemia of the tonsils;
• mucus on the back of the throat;
• point purulent plaque on the tonsils;

The lymph nodes, although enlarged, are not soldered to the surrounding tissues. Their palpation during the examination does not cause pain.

For a particularly severe course of adenovirus infection, a symptom such as hepatosplenomegaly is characteristic, i.e., an increase in the liver and spleen

Important:in children of a younger age group (especially in infants), convulsions may develop at the peak of a febrile reaction. For younger age, stool disorders and bloating due to inflammation of the mesenteric (mesenteric) lymph nodes are more characteristic.

The severity of conjunctivitis in adenovirus infection is different. Its symptoms appear at different stages of the disease (both at the very beginning and on days 3-5). First one eye is affected, and soon (usually after 1-2 days) the inflammatory process also affects the second. The eyelids of the child are swollen, and in the morning it is difficult for the patient to open his eyes, since the purulent discharge sticks together the eyelashes.

Depending on the form of adenoviral conjunctivitis (membraneous or follicular), one of 2 standard treatment regimens can be used:

Complications of adenovirus infection in children

The average duration of the disease in children is 1 week under the condition of an uncomplicated course. With a protracted course, symptoms are noted for 2-3 weeks. Clinical manifestations of conjunctival lesions subside earlier, and inflammation in the nasopharynx and upper respiratory tract can persist for 3 weeks.

In some cases, there is a "wave-like" course of the process, when, against the background of a clear improvement, some characteristic symptoms again clearly appear.

Complications that develop against the background of adenovirus infection, as a rule, are due to the active reproduction of pathogenic microflora due to a general weakening of the body. A bacterial infection mainly affects the respiratory system, resulting in bronchitis and pneumonia (bacterial pneumonia) often develop.

If the virus infects the lymph nodes of the peritoneum (mesentery) located in the abdominal cavity, the development of appendicitis is not excluded, which requires urgent surgical intervention.

Among other possible complications - and exacerbation of chronic diseases.

In infants, there is a high probability of complications such as inflammation of the middle ear (). In addition, in babies, the so-called. "generalization" of the pathological process. The causative agent with blood flow can enter various organs. In particular, the development of viral (hemorrhagic) pneumonia is not excluded. In this severe complication, the infectious agent infects the blood vessels of the lung alveoli (vesicles). As a result of stagnation of blood, gas exchange is disturbed, and the child rapidly develops respiratory failure.

Diagnostics

A very characteristic symptomatology in most cases allows an accurate diagnosis based on the patient's complaints and clinical manifestations.

It is also important to correctly differentiate an adenovirus infection from others, for example, from a rhinovirus infection:


The atypical course of an adenovirus infection may require a differential diagnosis of the disease with a pathology such as infectious mononucleosis. A laboratory study of the patient's blood is carried out in order to detect antibodies.

During an epidemic, a virological diagnostic method is used to accurately determine the type of adenovirus. The material for the study is a wash from the mucous membrane of the patient's nasopharynx.

In a laboratory study of peripheral blood, changes common to viral diseases are noted - lymphocytosis, leukopenia, and a slight increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. General blood and urine tests for this disease are not very informative.

Treatment of adenovirus infection in children

In most cases, the treatment of adenovirus infection in children is carried out on an outpatient basis, that is, at home. The placement of a child in a hospital may be required in case of a severe course of the disease or the development of serious complications, in particular, with a generalization of the process.

Specific methods of therapy have not been developed, and standard antiviral drugs are ineffective.

In this regard, only symptomatic therapy is carried out. Bed rest is necessary for the child until the fever passes. Indications for the appointment of antipyretics (antipyretic drugs) is a rise in body temperature above 38.5 ° C. At lower values, these funds are used if there is a high probability of developing seizures against the background of a febrile reaction (for example, in young children).

In addition to pharmacological agents to lower the temperature in the treatment of adenovirus infection, physical methods can be used, such as cold rubdowns and the application of a heating pad with ice in the projection of large blood vessels. To accelerate the removal of toxins from the body, the patient is shown a plentiful warm drink.

Milk with a small amount of baking soda and alkaline mineral waters help to alleviate a dry hacking cough. Antitussives should not be used! To reduce inflammation of the respiratory tract, the child is shown with the drug Lazolvan, as well as with physiological sodium chloride solution. Bromhexine and ACC are recommended to liquefy bronchial secretions (sputum). To improve sputum discharge with a wet cough, mucolytic and expectorant agents (Ambroxol, Mukaltin) are indicated. Remember that only the attending physician can prescribe the optimally suitable drugs.

Inflammation of the conjunctiva requires regular eye washing. For the procedure, you can use a weak (pale pink) solution of potassium permanganate, or furacilin. Natural remedies are also effective - a decoction of chamomile flowers and weak tea brewing. Of the drugs for the treatment of conjunctivitis with adenovirus infection, drops of Oftalmoferon are also shown (even with unilateral inflammation, it should be instilled in both eyes) and Oxolinic ointment (laid behind the lower eyelids).

With nasal congestion, you can use the vasoconstrictor drops Nazivin or Galazolin (in a "child" concentration). You can use these funds 3-4 times a day and preferably no more than 3-5 days in a row in order to avoid the development of drug dependence.

For rinsing an inflamed throat, antiseptic agents are shown - a solution of furacilin and a decoction of chamomile.

The presence of complications due to the addition of a bacterial infection is an indication for treatment with a course of systemic antibiotic therapy.

With an adenovirus infection, it is difficult for a child with a sore throat to eat ordinary food, so pureed and semi-liquid dishes should be included in his diet. To strengthen the immune system, vitamins are needed, which the baby should receive both with fresh vegetables and fruits (or juices), and in the form of complex preparations.

In the room where the sick child is located, it is necessary to carry out wet cleaning twice a day. The room should be ventilated more often. Until the symptoms of conjunctivitis subside, it is important to provide subdued lighting.

Walking in the fresh air is allowed only as the symptoms disappear with normal general well-being.

Prevention

A specific vaccine has not yet been developed.

During the period of seasonal outbreaks, you should visit places of mass congestion of people (including public transport) as rarely as possible with your child. The baby needs a general strengthening of the body, which involves hardening and good nutrition.

A good prophylactic is leukocyte interferon (diluted with water and buried in the nasal passages).

To get more information about the treatment of infectious diseases in children, in particular, the treatment of adenovirus infection, we recommend that you watch this video review - Dr. Komarovsky gives advice to parents:

Chumachenko Olga, pediatrician