Is the child whining while eating? This could be a symptom of COVID-19

So far, little has been said about the symptoms of COVID-19 in children. The reason was simple. Children contracted the coronavirus, but the infection was often asymptomatic. Now that is changing. There are more and more infections among the youngest and the same applies to the ailments they struggle with. To the growing list of symptoms of COVID-19 in children, there’s another: loss of appetite.

1. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, children were usually infected without symptoms
2. Now, however, they experience similar symptoms of infection as adults
3. In addition to common symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat and fatigue, doctors also notice less specific signs of infection, such as loss of appetite
4. More information can be found on the Onet homepage

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 in children

The observations to date show that children tolerate symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection similarly to adults. When it comes to the newest variant, Omikron, among the most common symptoms of COVID-19 there are, among others, runny nose, scratchy throat or sore throat, sneezing, general tiredness, headache, muscle pain, slightly elevated body temperature. Doctors, however, also observe less common symptoms of Omikron infection: a rash all over the body and a sharp barking cough similar to the acute subglottic laryngitis called croup.

1. Also read: Atypical symptom of the Omikron variant in children. The doctor noticed him

In the case of infection with the Delta variant, which is still the dominant strain of coronavirus in Poland, the symptoms in children were slightly different. Delta-related COVID-19 was also characterized by a sore throat, headache and muscle pain, and general weakness. But the children also experienced fever (often high) and a cough that could “go down” to the lower respiratory tract. A stuffy nose often turned into persistent sinusitis, and problems with the throat turned into laryngitis. The children also complained about stomach problems: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The rest of the text is below the video.

Reluctance to eat is a form of loss of smell and taste?

The recently observed symptom is not good news for parents. “Whining while eating” is daily bread for most of them. Children fumble at the table often, and for no apparent reason (or so they seem frustrated by the fact to their parents). How to distinguish if the next kitchen whims of a child who cannot yet verbalize his ailments are a symptom of an illness, and not a sign of boredom, anger or other unworked emotions?

Doctors from the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California (USA) are responding. Medics published a report hypothesizing that disorders of smell and taste in children typical of coronavirus infection may take the form of loss of appetite. They are trying to prove this statement on the example of two children who suddenly became reluctant to eat.

The first child was 14 months old when his parents observed his low-grade fever for several days. The infant was somewhat debilitated and refused solid food. Although there were not too many of them yet, because the diet was still being expanded, but the difference was visible to the naked eye. In return, the girl drank a lot of fluids, only 1,5 liters of milk during the day.

The second child is a 17-month-old boy who struggled with fever and shortness of breath for a week. He, too, lost his appetite and suffered from an upset stomach. As soon as he swallowed something, five minutes later he was throwing up. The boy never had any problems with eating, his parents started extending the diet when his son was five months old. The child was tested for COVID-19 and the result was positive.

“We believe that the occurrence of acute food aversion in children in the preverbal period, in the appropriate epidemiological and clinical context, should prompt a COVID-19 test. This may be the first and only symptom of an infection – say the authors of the report.

This conclusion flows from the possible reasons why children lose their appetite during a viral infection. In addition to feeling unwell and general breakdown, it is possible that they have simply lost their sense of smell and / or taste. They do not enjoy eating, so they refuse to eat.

1. Also read: Why is the coronavirus more attacking children now? Two main reasons

Children must be watched

However, experts in the issue of loss of appetite in children recommend common sense. Reluctance to eat can have various causes and is not always a sign of a viral infection, including COVID-19. It happens that the child loses its appetite as a result of choking (such an episode was experienced by the girl who was examined by the authors of the report, but it has not been confirmed that this event influenced her aversion to food).

Therefore, it is worth observing the child for other symptoms of the disease and considering whether we have recently had contact with an infected person. Thanks to this, we will initially estimate the risk of possible infection and, in consultation with the pediatrician, we will be able to consciously decide to perform a coronavirus test in a child.

The editorial board recommends:

1. When will Omikron dominate Poland? Dr Fiałek: increases will begin after January 20
2. Why does Omikron attack the vaccinated? The doctor explains what is happening in their bodies
3. We are not afraid of the Omicron, and… we should. The variant is not as mild as we think
4. How long does it take to take the third dose? The CDC shortens the recommended break
5. From February 1, covid certificates will have a shorter duration. How long is your immunization valid? [WE EXPLAIN]

The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl where you can get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving home.