Streptococcus in children: symptoms, treatment
Streptococcus is a bacteria that inhabits human skin and is common in the environment, maybe even in the air. Distinguish between practically harmless species and dangerous to humans.
Streptococcus symptoms in children
Streptococcus can cause various types of diseases, localizing in such areas of the body:
Streptococcus in children can be detected from birth
- Eyes. The bacteria cause infectious conjunctivitis. The mucous membrane of the eyelid suffers, the disease is manifested by purulent discharge from the eyes, swelling and redness. Purulent crusts form, especially after a night’s sleep. Body temperature does not exceed 37,5.
- Leather. Infection is manifested by the appearance of abscesses on the skin, affecting both the upper and lower layers of it. It can have a wide spread radius. If untreated, there is a great danger of sepsis.
- Airways. These bacteria provoke sore throat and streptococcal pneumonia. It is manifested by a high temperature – more than 39C0, an increase in lymph nodes, inflammation of the tonsils. The child is worried about difficulty swallowing, sore throat, general malaise.
- Blood. The most dangerous type of disease. In newborns, it is found in the first hours of life. It is manifested by high fever, impaired heart rate and respiration, lethargy.
There is a chronic form of streptococcal infection. It occurs with a prolonged course of the disease in the absence of proper treatment. It is manifested by frequent inflammation of the mucous membrane of the throat or nose.
In small quantities, bacteria can be asymptomatic in the body and blocked by the immune system. Most often, streptococcus is detected in children, since their immunity is not yet fully formed and cannot fully fight the infection. Bacteria can enter the human body in different ways:
- household;
- airborne droplets;
- food;
- in a child at gestation or birth – placental.
Infection is detected by laboratory tests. Treatment of streptococcus in children is carried out only with antibacterial agents; it will not be possible to destroy bacteria with other drugs. The appointment should be handled by a doctor, self-medication in this case is not permissible.
With the correct prescription of the drug, streptococcus responds well to treatment. It is important to start therapy as early as possible in order to prevent the transition of the disease into a chronic form. It is important to strengthen and maintain immunity, especially in a child, since its decrease is the main reason for the spread of infection in the body.