Rotavirus infection: symptoms and treatments in children and adults
Rotavirus infection is an acute disease that predominantly affects the digestive tract. Pathology occurs in children and adults, it is especially dangerous in childhood, as it develops very quickly and can lead to the most negative consequences for the body. Patients with severe forms of rotavirus infection must be admitted to an infectious diseases hospital.
Symptoms of Rotavirus Disease
The first signs of the disease usually appear several hours after infection, in rare cases the incubation period is 2-4 days. In the clinical picture of rotavirus infection in adults and children, symptoms of intoxication and acute gastroenteritis predominate:
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increase in body temperature up to 38.5-39 ° C, in severe cases - up to 40 ° C;
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severe weakness;
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pallor of the skin;
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cramping abdominal pain;
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nausea and vomiting;
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bloating and flatulence;
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diarrhea;
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in severe forms - confusion.
In the absence of medical care, the symptoms of rotavirus disease increase, the patient's condition deteriorates rapidly. Profuse vomiting and frequent diarrhea lead to dehydration, which is especially dangerous in childhood. A 10% loss of fluid can lead to infectious shock and death.
Treatment of rotavirus infection in adults and children
Therapeutic measures for adults and children are carried out in two directions. Pathogenetic treatment is aimed at replenishing lost fluid and restoring electrolyte balance. With dehydration of I and II degrees, oral intake of water-salt solutions is indicated, with loss of fluid of III degree, intravenous infusions of detoxification drugs are prescribed. Medicines and dosage are selected individually, depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the condition and concomitant diseases.
Symptomatic treatment of rotavirus infection includes taking prebiotics, sorbents, and antipyretic drugs. Children and adults with infectious gastroenteritis are shown a sparing diet, which must be followed not only during the period of acute clinical manifestations, but also during recovery.
For moderate to severe forms of rotavirus infection, patients may also be prescribed antiviral and immunotropic agents. They help reduce the severity of symptoms and shorten the duration of the acute phase of the disease.
