You may have noticed that diseases that were always considered childhood, in our time, are increasingly affecting the adult population. Every now and then, adults fall ill with measles and chicken pox, news reports report outbreaks of whooping cough and diphtheria. Why does this happen, what childhood diseases pose the greatest danger to a person whose childhood is a distant past? What are the main symptoms of these diseases? What are the most effective preventive measures against these insidious ailments offered by modern medicine? We propose to find answers to these very topical questions together with estet-portal.com.
Measles: is it possible to defeat this childhood disease
Measles, which we seem to have almost forgotten about, threatens to become an epidemic again. Why is it dangerous and why did it suddenly begin to threaten the adult population? First of all, we note that the disease does not pose a threat to those who have received the appropriate vaccination or have already suffered this disease, which means they have natural immunity. But people who have not been timely vaccinated are definitely at risk, because this viral disease is easily transmitted by airborne droplets. A distinctive feature of this disease can be considered its relatively easy tolerance by preschool children. But for adults, this disease is very dangerous, because it can lead to complications that cause disruption of the central nervous system, digestive and respiratory organs.
Among the most typical complications that can develop after measles:
· otitis;
· laryngitis;
· pneumonia.
However, measles is especially dangerous for women during pregnancy, since it significantly increases the risk of miscarriage or premature birth.
The onset of the disease is characterized by a sharp increase in body temperature, in addition, there is a cough and runny nose. Do not forget that the patient has increased photosensitivity, he experiences discomfort in bright light. On the buccal mucosa, you can see the appearance of characteristic white dots, then a rash appears on the skin, which is a speck of red color. The rash spreads all over the body in a few days. Often there is swelling of the eyelids, and possibly the entire face. The temperature continues to be high and drops towards the end of the week.
However, the main danger of this childhood disease lies in the possible complications that develop against the background of a decrease in the body's immune defenses. The body becomes susceptible to many types of bacterial infection.
Like some other viral diseases, measles is much easier to prevent, because no special drugs have yet been developed for it, and therefore all treatment will consist only in combating the symptoms of this disease.
Not only children, but also adults can get the vaccine now. This is the best way to prevent a dangerous disease.
Is ordinary chickenpox so harmless
Practically any adult who conscientiously visited, at one time, preschool institutions, managed to get chicken pox. Many children easily tolerate chickenpox. Since a stable immunity is developed to the disease, we are spared from a possible relapse. However, if chickenpox bypassed you in your childhood, you still have a risk of getting sick. Experts note that adults are much more difficult to tolerate this childhood disease caused by the herpes virus of the third type.
The first signs of chickenpox include:
· a sharp increase in body temperature (up to 40°C);
· headache;
· feeling of weakness and aches in the joints;
· appearance of bumps that turn into bubbles filled with liquid.
The rash appears approximately on the third or fourth day and is accompanied by itching. The rash can even spread to the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth.
In addition, in adult patients suffering from chickenpox, there is an increase in lymph nodes.
Chickenpox, like some other childhood diseases, is of particular danger to expectant mothers, as it can lead to the development of severe pathologies in the development of the fetus.
Of course, it is impossible to completely protect yourself from contacts with potential carriers of the disease. However, you can get vaccinated and completely eliminate the risk of infection.
Measles rubella: who is it dangerous for
Another, "typically" childhood disease, in which the body is also covered with a rash — This is rubella measles. This disease also has a viral nature and is common mainly among preschool children. In addition to the rash, which usually disappears on the fourth day, the patient has an increase in lymph nodes and a slight increase in body temperature. In addition, the course of the disease may be accompanied by:
· runny nose;
· feeling sore throat;
· dry cough.
In children, the disease usually resolves without consequences. Teenagers and adults with rubella have a much harder time. There is a strong fever, weakness, general intoxication of the body. Often, rubella in adult patients is accompanied by conjunctivitis, joint pain may occur. Among the complications, the most dangerous is the development of pathologies in the work of the cardiovascular system and respiratory organs.
But women during pregnancy should beware of rubella infection, which leads to severe pathologies of fetal development. The emerging organs of vision and hearing, the brain, the cardiovascular system, and the liver are especially at risk.
Therefore, the best way to protect yourself from an insidious childhood disease is vaccination, which should be carried out twice: at the age of six months to a year, and then at six years. In addition, vaccination of adolescent girls and women of reproductive age may be recommended in some cases.
Mumps: who should beware of "mumps"
The most characteristic symptom of this disease can be considered a severe swelling in the neck, which is caused by inflammation in the salivary glands. The disease may affect one or both salivary glands.
In addition, with parotitis, there is:
· increased body temperature;
· feeling weak;
· pain when swallowing;
· deterioration of salivation.
The disease is caused by ingestion of paramyxovirus. In this case, we are talking about epidemic parotitis. However, mumps can also be caused by other causes, including:
· injury to the salivary glands, followed by infection with the corresponding pathogen that can enter from the oral cavity;
· dehydration due to surgery or age-related changes;
· severe illnesses (flu, pneumonia).
If you have already had mumps, you have nothing to fear, but those whom the "mumps" bypassed can easily catch an infection transmitted by airborne droplets.
And here, representatives of the stronger sex are already at particular risk, since among the complications there may be an inflammatory process in the inguinal lymph nodes. In addition, inflammation can affect the testicles. Often, it is mumps that can provoke infertility in men.
Among other dangers of disease — viral infection of the meninges. Parotitis is also unsafe for pregnant women.
Vaccination is currently the most effective form of mumps. The mumps vaccine should be given to a child at the age of six.
So, if you remember your childhood surrounded by group mates in kindergarten, then, with a high degree of probability, you managed to get all the necessary vaccinations or just had many childhood diseases. However, if you do not have accurate information, and you spent your preschool years under the supervision of grandmothers, it makes sense to consult a therapist and get vaccinated to avoid infection with many dangerous pathogens that are so easy to pick up, even if you do not forget to wash your hands and lead a healthy lifestyle . For more interesting information on how to effectively protect your body during the cold season, visit este-portal.com.
Add a comment