Scarlet fever is one of the most common infectious diseases, most often found in childhood. It is dangerous not for its course, but for possible complications.
Symptoms of scarlet fever
This disease is most common in the autumn-winter period. From the moment of infection until the first symptoms of scarlet fever appear, it can take from one day to a week, after which the temperature rises sharply, the throat turns red, the tonsils become inflamed, and after another day, a specific red rash appears all over the body. With severe intoxication of the body, vomiting occurs.
Headaches, stool disorders and general weakness can accompany scarlet fever, although quite often the manifestations of the disease themselves do not bother children. The rash begins to flake off and goes away completely after a week or so. At the same time, the child remains a carrier of the infection for three weeks from the moment of the onset of the disease, therefore, it needs isolation.
Changes also occur with the color of the language. At the initial stage of the disease, it turns white, after which it becomes scarlet.
Complications after scarlet fever
The danger of this disease is that, with proper treatment, it can cause a number of complications, ranging from the safest otitis media and sinusitis to rheumatoid arthritis. In this case, a complication can arise both directly during the course of the disease, and several weeks after its end.
The pathogenic microbe streptococcus causes concomitant complications, due to which complications with the kidneys (glomerulonephritis) and the heart (toxic myocarditis) can also occur. In advanced cases, scarlet fever can develop into pneumonia, but with the timely use of antibiotics, the risk of this is minimal. No doctor can fully guarantee the absence of complications, since they depend not only on the timeliness and effectiveness of treatment, but also on the individual state of health.
This disease forms lifelong immunity, therefore, they suffer from scarlet fever once.
How to avoid complications after scarlet fever
It is necessary not to be afraid of taking prescribed antibiotics and not to try to self-medicate, although bed rest with scarlet fever, as well as plentiful warm drinks, help restore health. It is equally important to provide enough humid and cool air in the room, which will facilitate breathing and facilitate the passage of mucus, preventing the development of cough. After recovery, it is imperative to pass a urine test so as not to miss glomerulonephritis in the early stages.
