Signs of joint infection
Any complications after ARVI in adults affect the most vulnerable areas. Many patients experience rheumatoid joint pain. The following signs indicate that the inflammatory process has spread to the joint apparatus:
- numbness, feeling of coldness in the fingers and toes,
- aching joints,
- impaired flexion function of the limbs,
- swelling in the area of articular joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis against the background of ARVI develops not only due to infection. The patient's condition is aggravated by insomnia, poor diet, and non-compliance with sleep and rest schedules.
Without treatment, the disease progresses and spreads to the lungs, heart, and kidneys. Joints become less mobile, muscle strength gradually fades. If measures are not taken in time, disability is possible.
How to prevent complications from ARVI
As we already know, treatment for ARVI consists only of relieving symptoms that cause discomfort to the child (elimination of high body temperature, nasal congestion, etc.). However, using this necessary minimum, many parents become concerned about the question: “Did they do everything right? What if this is not enough, and the baby will have complications?”
And if for some reason the child still develops complications, the last resort is the doctor who did not prescribe dozens of medications. In fact, the risk of complications is the same both in children who were “not treated” and in children who were “treated.” Let's try to figure it all out.
Main causes of bacterial complications
There are 2 main reasons for the development of complications:
The first is the bacterium itself, which has penetrated the child’s body and caused various diseases in it (otitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, etc.).
The second is if the child initially became infected not with a bacterial infection, but with a viral one, but after that he developed a bacterial complication. The cause of the phenomenon is not fully understood.
With frequent relapses of bacterial infections, it is necessary to show the child to an immunologist. Let's consider the main indications for consulting a specialist:
1. A family history of primary immunodeficiencies.
2. More than 3 cases of catarrhal otitis or more than one purulent otitis in a child per year.
3. Having more than one severe sinusitis per year.
4. More than one case of pneumonia per year.
5. Insignificant effect from taking antibiotics (with a course of 2 or more months of therapy).
6. Presence of complications after vaccination with attenuated live vaccines.
7. Insufficient growth of the child in height and weight.
8. The presence of recurrent deep abscesses of the skin and soft tissues.
9. More than one severe infection suffered per year (meningitis, sepsis, osteomyelitis, etc.).
10. Presence of thrush in the mouth, fungal infection on the skin.
11. The need for intravenous antibiotics to fight infection.
12. Relapses of systemic infections caused by typical mycobacteria (for example, tuberculosis).
Common Misconceptions
There is a popular misconception that snot can "drop" and cause bronchitis. The myth arises when a child with a runny nose develops an additional cough after some time. In fact, everything is simple: the virus could affect not only the nasal mucosa, but also the epithelium of the bronchi, and manifestations of the inflammatory process in the bronchi appeared later than the runny nose. What happens in the lungs has nothing to do with snot.
An equally well-known myth is that otitis media can occur from nasal rinsing. Today it is known that it is impossible to “wash” otitis media by washing it. Otitis is more common in children than in adults due to the anatomical features of the nasopharynx: the frequent presence of hypertrophy (enlargement) of the adenoids, as well as a short, wide and horizontally located eustachian tube.
Some people experience short-term discomfort in the ears when rinsing their nose. This is not due to the development of otitis media, but to incorrect rinsing techniques. The procedure should be carried out with the head tilted forward and to the side. It has been proven that children suffering from frequent relapses of otitis media, with regular nasal rinsing, significantly reduced the incidence of pathology.
How to avoid complications?
First, let's look at measures that DO NOT save a child from complications of ARVI:
- taking immunomodulator drugs;
- course of antibiotic therapy;
- various cough syrups.
Timely vaccination, maintaining an active lifestyle (daily walks, conditioning the body, playing sports), proper balanced nutrition, and refusal of smoking by the child’s parents and their immediate circle will help minimize the risk of complications.
Clinical symptoms
In 50% of patients diagnosed with Covid-19, intestinal symptoms of coronavirus infection initially appear. Respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, dry cough, sore throat, and fever may develop later. The most likely symptoms of intestinal coronavirus include:
- partial or complete loss of appetite;
- bowel disorders in the form of diarrhea;
- nausea and vomiting;
- cutting pain in the abdomen.
Additionally, the clinical picture of the intestinal form of coronavirus can be supplemented by headache, dizziness, fever, general weakness, increased sweating and muscle pain.
The duration of the so-called acute phase of an infectious lesion of the gastrointestinal tract is individual. On average, this period ranges from 4 to 10 days. Compared to the respiratory form of coronavirus, the intestinal form of the disease is more severe and its symptoms are more pronounced.
Stool disorders due to intestinal coronavirus in humans persist for 2-5 days. Vomiting may persist for 2-4 days.
"LONG COLD"
For many people, colds last for several weeks. Why is this happening? How to prevent this?
Tatyana Borisovna Semenova , Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Head of the Moscow Herpetic Center
— Why do some people easily tolerate colds, while others suffer for a long time and with complications? Is it all about the strength of the body?
— General health and the immune system play an important role in how seriously ill a person gets. But a lot depends on what kind of virus he was infected with and whether he has acquired immunity to it. We all remember how strong and healthy young people had a hard time with the so-called swine flu (A/N1H1). The fact is that their body has not encountered this virus before. And the infection itself was very “evil”.
— Can the environmental situation affect the severity of the disease?
— In a number of cases, this phenomenon occurs. It has been noted that the same influenza virus can cause a mild form of illness in a person from one area and lead to much more serious consequences in another. For example, people can get more seriously ill where the air is dry and heavily polluted. Because of this, the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx becomes dry and becomes a good “gateway” for infection. In addition, colds are often caused not by one virus, but by a combination of them. Because of this, the disease can also occur in an altered form, and it is much more difficult to diagnose and treat.
— How common are such mixed infections?
- They meet quite often. Partly because there are many viruses constantly living in our bodies. A good example in this case is the herpes virus family. Once they penetrate the body, they remain there forever. More than 95% of people are infected with the herpes simplex virus.), many have as many as 2-3 representatives of this family “living”. If the immune system is normal, herpes can be in a “dormant” state in the body and not cause health problems for a long time; when the defense weakens, it becomes active. If a person whose herpes is currently worsening comes into contact with someone who has a cold, the likelihood of getting sick increases significantly.
“It seemed to me that everything was exactly the opposite.” That herpes “comes out” as soon as we start coughing or sneezing.
- This happens very often too. The herpes virus can “wake up” when we have a cold. This is why some people invariably develop rashes on their lips after the flu or a runny nose. By the way, in such a situation more serious herpes viruses can become active. In particular, Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus. In these cases there is no rash. But ordinary ARVI drags on for a long time. Complications such as sinusitis or otitis media occur more often. Even after the obvious manifestations of a cold have diminished, a person may still be bothered for a long time by weakness and the so-called “temperature tail,” when the thermometer constantly stays at 37-37.5 C.
— What can be done in such cases?
— In case of a very prolonged cold, it is advisable to undergo a virological examination. It will help clarify which virus is causing the illness and adjust the treatment. In addition, we must remember that viral diseases can be complicated by a bacterial infection. Therefore, if your cold does not go away within five days, you should definitely consult a doctor.
— Are there any differences in the treatment of ordinary and mixed infections?
— For a runny nose without fever and other “mild” colds, you can often get by with home treatment methods. A person is well helped by drinking plenty of fluids, staying in a warm room, honey, propolis, infusions and decoctions of medicinal plants. For mixed infections, additional treatment with special drugs is usually required. These can be tablets with a universal antiviral effect or special anti-influenza and anti-herpetic drugs. It all depends on the situation. If a bacterial infection is added to a viral infection, then appropriate antibiotics are necessary. They are selected individually, taking into account the disease and characteristics of the body.
— Will a flu shot help with such a variety of infections?
— Flu is one of the most severe viral diseases. It is dangerous due to its complications, which sometimes develop very quickly. Therefore, it is necessary to get vaccinated. And every year, because immunity to influenza is not developed for a longer period, and the virus itself is constantly changing. First of all, children, students, teachers and university professors, and doctors need a flu vaccine. People with chronic diseases of the heart, respiratory system, kidneys and diabetes are also at risk for complications of influenza. But they can only be vaccinated at a time when there is no exacerbation of the underlying disease. And with a preliminary consultation with an immunologist. Of course, getting vaccinated does not guarantee that you won't get sick at all. But the flu is much milder, and the risk of complications is significantly reduced.
— Does it make sense to get a flu shot when the epidemic has already begun?
- If you are not sick yet, it makes sense. Although it is better, of course, to get vaccinated a month and a half before the start of the cold season. In any case, you need to engage in such prevention during a “quiet” period, when you are completely healthy. After the last illness, it is advisable to wait one and a half to two months. Some people may want to have their immunity tested before getting vaccinated. This is a must-do for those who get colds almost every month in cold weather. And also for those who have recently often developed herpes on their lips.
— Is it possible to somehow protect against mixed infections? Will immunomodulators help?
— The current popularity of immunomodulators is a rather dangerous phenomenon. They should not be used uncontrollably. The peculiarity of many of these drugs is their narrow “specialization”. They can stimulate predominantly one of the components of the immune system. And it is impossible to independently determine where exactly the “breakdown” occurred. To do this, you need to conduct a special analysis - an immunogram. And based on it, select a medicine. If you haven't done this, it's not worth the risk. Otherwise, immunomodulators can lead to even greater disruptions. It is better to prefer drugs that have a wide spectrum of protective effects, for example Viferon, Gripferon. They contain interferon, a special protein that makes cells immune to the virus. Such medications are available in the form of drops, suppositories, and gels. Interferon ointment is a more modern and effective alternative to traditional oxolinic ointment, which many people use to protect themselves before going out. You can also use medications that stimulate the body's production of its protective protein. For example, Lavomax. Today, other schemes for the prevention of colds and flu have been developed. They usually use one of the drugs with universal antiviral activity. For example, Kagocel or Arbidol.
— Can vitamins and homeopathic medicines help?
— There are different recommendations for the use of vitamins. If we are talking about multivitamin complexes, then in the cold season it is useful to take them for prevention. But it is advisable to combine the intake with a nutritious diet, so they will work better. But it’s not worth preventing and treating colds or flu with ascorbic acid. In large doses it can cause side effects. Several studies have been conducted on homeopathic medicines. In most cases, people rated their effectiveness against colds and flu positively. And although they do not provide 100% protection against viruses, they can be used.
G. Women's health, DECEMBER 2011 Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Tatyana Borisovna Semenova
