Quite often, children and adults are affected by adenovirus infection. Treatment is not specific, antibiotics are not required, except in cases of bacteria attachment.
Adenovirus infection belongs to the group of respiratory viral diseases. The infection affects the respiratory tract, eyes, intestines. Most often, children and adolescents are affected by the virus. Basically, the infection is manifested by a combination of pathologies such as runny nose, pharyngitis, conjunctivitis and fever. For those affected by an adenovirus infection, treatment can be either quick or protracted. What means are used to combat this disease?
When the first symptoms of infection appear, you need to see a doctor. Only he is able to determine the patient's condition and decide how to treat an adenovirus infection.
If the doctor decides that the disease is not in a complicated stage, he will prescribe local treatment - that is, the patient will need bed rest and strict admission of the drugs prescribed by the doctor. If eye problems begin, drops are usually prescribed for them, for example, sodium sulfacil solution. For the treatment of purulent conjunctivitis, many doctors advise using 1% hydrocortisone ointment or prednisone. You also need to take:
In some cases, if an adenoviral infection is found, treatment may require hospitalization. This happens if the disease is in a moderate or severe phase.
In such cases, it is required to strengthen detoxification therapy by introducing additional therapeutic solutions through a dropper. With the development of complications provoked by the secondary bacterial flora, antibiotics of a wide spectrum of action are prescribed. They are also prescribed for elderly people suffering from chronic problems with the respiratory system.
How to treat an adenovirus infection
There is no strictly established algorithm for the treatment of this disease; drugs for adenovirus infection are prescribed according to. If the disease goes away easily, it is usually prescribed:
- drops and ointments for the eyes;
- vasoconstrictor, saline solutions and oil nasal drops;
- immunomodulatory agents;
- cough suppressants;
- vitamin C and products containing it;
- decoctions of herbs.
In case of complications, it is necessary:
- the introduction of intravenous drugs that reduce the intoxication of the body;
- antibiotics.
The patient must follow bed rest and diet. It is recommended to limit the use of meat dishes, salty and spicy. It is also important to remember the dangerous consequences of self-medication. This is especially true of antibiotics, but even such a familiar medicine as Aspirin, with some infections (which includes adenovirus), can cause dangerous complications.
Antiviral drugs
Antiviral drugs must be taken when these infections develop, not to kill the virus. Their action is aimed at suppressing the multiplication of the agent, activating their own antiviral mechanisms.
Effective antiviral agents in this case include:
However, the effect of taking antiviral drugs will not be if the patient has a violation of the immune system. In such a situation, the administration of immunomodulators and immunostimulants is additionally prescribed.
Immunomodulators
Interferon and drugs based on it are prescribed as immunomodulatory agents - Grippferon, Kipferon, Viferon. These are products that are sold in ampoules. They will need to be diluted with water according to the instructions, and instilled into the nose.
Immunostimulants effective for adenovirus infection:
- Kagocel;
- Cycloferon
- Isoprinosine;
- Imudon;
- Imunorix;
- Anaferon - can be taken by children from six months.
Echinacea is considered a natural immune stimulant. It is sold in drops that are simply added to tea.
General and local antibiotics
As already mentioned, antibiotics are not prescribed immediately after diagnosis. Most often, therapy for adenovirus infection does without them altogether. They are prescribed only if the addition of a bacterial infection has been detected. Sometimes pediatricians recommend taking antibiotics to children to avoid complications. In any case, antibiotics must be selected individually, depending on the symptoms, age and personal reaction of the patient to drugs in this group.
Most often, the following antibacterial drugs are used to combat viruses of this type:
It is important to supplement antibiotic therapy with the use of drugs with lactobacilli in order to avoid dysbiosis.
Vasoconstrictor and antitussives
Nasal and throat medications are prescribed based on specific symptoms. In case of a runny nose, before using drops purchased at the pharmacy, it is recommended to rinse the nasopharynx with a weak saline solution for warm water, pharmaceutical solution Aqua-Maris.
In order to reduce the edema of the mucous membrane and as an antiseptic, you can use Pinosol oil drops. Severe puffiness is well removed by a drug such as Xilen. But it must be taken with sufficient caution, due to the possibility of addiction. Popular effective vasoconstrictor drops Nazivin.
Antitussive therapy includes a combination of isotonic solution inhalation, antitussive drugs such as syrups, and expectorants. As the latter, you can use a decoction of thyme.
In order to cure a cough, the following drugs are usually prescribed:
- Sinecode;
- Gidelix;
- Ambrobene;
- Mukaltin.
Erespal is also considered an effective cough remedy. It is a medicine that combines the effects of an expectorant and anti-inflammatory. But its effectiveness is manifested more at the stage when the mucus leaves not in bulk quantities.
Phytotherapy
Herbs can be used as an adjunctive treatment for the symptoms of adenovirus. Here are a few healthy recipes for those who are not allergic to the herbs included in them.
Icelandic moss
2 tsp moss, pour a glass of cooled boiled water. Let it boil over low heat and turn off immediately. The broth should be infused for half an hour, and then it must be filtered. Take half a glass twice a day.
Summer adonis
2 tsp Pour herbs with a glass of cooled boiled water. Leave to infuse for 8, or preferably 10 hours, filter and add honey. Drink a glass at night.
Chamomile and calendula
Grind black currant leaves, rose hips, viburnum flowers, chamomile and calendula. Mix and pour a tablespoon with a glass of boiling water. Insist 8 hours. Filter, drip fir oil and rinse the nose for at least three days twice a day. 
Phyto-collection
For this recipe you need to use:
- 8 gr. goldenrod herbs;
- 15 gr. sage;
- 12 gr. apple leaf;
- 10 gr. hawthorn flowers;
- 10 gr. walnut leaves;
- 10 gr. a sheet of hazel or hazelnuts;
- 10 gr. elderberry flowers;
- 10 gr. sweet clover;
- 10 gr. veronica herbs;
- 20 gr. tartar baskets;
- 20 gr. willow bark.
Combine the herbs, pour a tablespoon of the resulting mixture with half a liter of boiling water. Insist half an hour. The drink that turned out should be drunk in 4-5 approaches per day.
Conclusion
Treatment for adenoviral infection usually consists of bed rest and the use of antiviral drugs and medicines for coughs, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (depending on the individual's symptoms). The accession of a bacterial infection requires additional prescription of antibiotics - Solutab, Grammidin, etc.
With a weakened immune system, it is necessary to take immunostimulants. If the disease is in a severe stage, it is better not to refuse hospitalization - the hospital will be able to provide additional treatment. How much to take this or that drug should be decided exclusively by the attending physician.
Adenovirus infection is an acute process, which is included in the number of acute respiratory viral infections. Adenovirus accounts for about 1/5 of all SARS. It is accompanied by such clinical manifestations as fever, damage to the mucous membranes of the respiratory system, moderate intoxication, lymph inflammation, conjunctivitis.
Between influenza epidemics, up to 30% of children with viral infections suffer from adenovirus infection. Until the age of 5, almost every child has at least once encountered this disease. Babies are practically not susceptible to adenovirus due to the presence of transplacental immunity transmitted to them from their mother.
From 6 months old, the baby becomes susceptible to infections.
How can you get infected?
The source of infection is people who can be infected or vectors. A huge risk of infection arises during contact with a patient who interrupts during a deep period of treatment. During this period, a huge number of viral bacteria arise in the nasopharynx. In addition, the virus is found in the conjunctiva, blood and feces. In the first weeks, those infected pose a great threat to others. Also, patients can be carriers of the infection for a longer period.
Like many similar diseases of this type, adenovirus travels by airborne droplets. In addition, the virus can infect the stomach and alimentary tract. Therefore, this infection belongs to the intestinal and airborne groups. Mostly children from 6 months to 3 years old are ill. The disease almost never occurs in babies in the first months of life. Outbreaks of infection in newly formed collectives are quite common. After recovery, a persistent type-specific immunity is formed (immunity to a certain type of virus).
The causative agent of the infection is viruses that belong to the adenovirus family. The virus contains double-stranded DNA. Adenoviruses have both group-specific and type-specific antigens, they are divided into three subgroups - A, B, C. About 60 serotypes are known, 36 serotypes are pathogenic for humans, especially for children.
Adenoviruses have a damaging effect, primarily in the nuclei of cells. Compared to other pathogens of acute respiratory viral infections in children, adenoviruses are quite resistant to environmental factors, resistant to high temperatures.
Symptoms of adenovirus infection
The clinical symptoms of adenovirus infection in children largely depend on the stage of the disease and the site of invasion of the pathogenic microorganism. As mentioned above, when an adenovirus enters the child's body through the alimentary route, the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract are damaged.
This can be manifested by the following signs:
- repeated vomiting;
- sharp abdominal pain;
- increased body temperature;
- repeated loose stools.
In the future, symptoms of dehydration may join, which are manifested in muscle weakness, lack of urination and a decrease in skin turgor.
With an airborne pathway of penetration of an adenovirus infection, symptoms include:
- a sharp increase in body temperature to critical figures of 38 - 39 ° C.
- severe sore throat with hoarseness;
- coryza with profuse secretion of clear mucous secretion;
- difficulty in nasal breathing;
- pain in all muscle groups;
- weakness, lethargy, a strong feeling of fatigue.
A characteristic sign of this form of infection is the continuing increase in hyperthermia during the first 5 days from the onset of the disease. Then, with the correct treatment tactics, the temperature graph goes down gradually.
If the treatment method is not correct, then symptoms of complications quickly arise, which consist in the spread of the infection through the respiratory tract. Appears coughing, shortness of breath, sputum production with a greenish tinge. From the 3rd day of illness, regional lymph nodes are enlarged. They are dense, painful on palpation.
Diagnostics
Modern methods of examining a patient allow you to give sufficiently accurate results to make a diagnosis. Complex application several ways increases the accuracy up to 98%.
For diagnostics, immune electron microscopy (IEM), the reaction of immunofluorescence (RIF), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are used. An analysis can also be performed on the patient's response to the associated component (PCC). Another effective laboratory research method is the determination of the hemagglutination inhibition reaction, the study of a smear from the mucous membrane (tissue microflora), as well as bacteriological inoculation of scrapings.
Differential diagnosis of a sick child with various forms diseases should be carried out with infectious mononucleosis when influenza or other respiratory viral infections are detected. The course of treatment is prescribed immediately after receiving the test results. You may also need additional consultation with an ophthalmologist, otolaryngologist.
Possible complications
Viral infection in children early age prone to generalization. Adenovirus enters the respiratory tract and causes. Otherwise, it is called hemorrhagic, because when the vessels are destroyed, blood accumulates in the alveoli, making breathing difficult. With adenovirus infection in children caused by type 8, the cornea of the eyes is damaged, which can provoke education.
During the illness, children under one year of age often suffer from intestinal disorders. When the adenovirus is localized in the lymph nodes of the mesentery, mesoenteritis develops, the symptoms of which are similar to.
Treatment of adenovirus infection in children
According to Dr. Komarovsky, in many ways, the treatment of adenovirus infection in children depends on the general condition of the child and the symptoms of the disease. In most cases, patients are not hospitalized, with the exception of infants and young children who are at risk of dehydration because they cannot drink enough water during illness. It is also necessary to place small children with signs of pneumonia in the hospital.
Specific antiviral therapy against the disease has not been developed. In practice, symptomatic remedies are used at home to alleviate the condition of a sick child.
Non-drug therapy is as follows:
- Bed rest. It is advisable, even after the temperature is completely normalized, to keep the baby in bed for another 3 days.
- Air humidification. With a disease, the nasopharyngeal mucosa in the crumbs becomes inflamed. Dry air irritates and worsens painful symptoms. Therefore, the room should periodically turn on a humidifier. You can spray curtains with a spray bottle. Or put a bowl of water in the child's room.
- Protection from activity, physical labor. It is recommended not to burden the child's body not only during illness, but also for 1 week after recovery.
- Nutrition of the crumbs. The baby's appetite is getting worse. If the baby refuses to eat, do not force feed him. This can lead to a fit of vomiting. As a result, the child's body will be further depleted.
- Cleaning of the premises. The room must be constantly cleaned. The room should be free of dust. Ventilate the room regularly to reduce symptoms.
- Protection from bright light. The infection affects the eyes. It is advisable to close the curtains in the child's room during the illness. In addition, over-fatigue of the eyes of a small patient should be excluded. The child should not read on his own, watch TV for a long time. Protect him from computer games.
- Warm drink. The lack of food can be compensated for by drinking plenty of fluids. Useful for a child: jelly, tea, milk, compote. Such drinks will help reduce the level of intoxication in the body.
Drug therapy
According to indications and clinical symptoms, antipyretic, expectorant, desensitizing agents are used.
A short list of medicines:
- Paracetamol, Nurofen (antipyretic, prescribed at temperatures above 38.5 degrees);
- Aqua Maris, Physiomer, Dolphin (mucous membrane restoration respiratory tract);
- Nazivin, Vibracil (vasoconstrictor nasal drops);
- Lazolvan (for inhalation through a nebulizer);
- Kipferon, Viferon, IRS-19, Derinat (immunotropic drugs);
- ACC, Bromhexin, Mukaltin, "Doctor cough", "Ambroxol for children" (thinning phlegm, expectorant);
- Furacilin solution, potassium permanganate solution, chamomile decoction, Oxolinic ointment, Ophthalmoferon, 2% boric acid, deoxyribonuclease solution (in case of eye damage).
Before using drugs, it is imperative to call a pediatrician at home for an examination, since self-treatment of adenovirus infection is fraught with negative consequences.
Which doctor should I go to?
This infection, which is mild, is treated by a pediatrician. In case of a serious illness or development of complications, the child is hospitalized in an infectious diseases hospital. There he can be examined by specialized specialists: ENT, ophthalmologist, gastroenterologist, neurologist, if indicated.
Prophylaxis
The main preventive actions are aimed at increasing the general resistance of the child's body and isolating sick children from an organized group. 3748738
- Chlorination of water in swimming pools.
- Wellness procedures - hardening, proper nutrition;
- Prevention of drafts and hypothermia, clothing for the weather.
- Reception of herbal adaptogens - tinctures of Eleutherococcus, Schisandra, Echinacea;
- Periodic intake of vitamin and mineral complexes, and in the autumn-winter period - immunomodulating and immunostimulating drugs.
- Reducing contacts during the epidemic season, excluding visits to large crowds.
After the isolation of the sick child from the children's team, the final disinfection is carried out in the room. The surrounding objects are treated with chlorine-containing solutions - chloramine or sulfochlorantin. Emergency prophylaxis is carried out in the outbreak by prescribing immunostimulants to contact children.
The history of the disease began in 1953, when a group of virologists first discovered adenoviruses in humans. They were isolated from removed tonsils and adenoids in children, and later, in patients with acute respiratory viral infections and pneumonia, which was accompanied by conjunctivitis.
Experiments were carried out on animals, after which the presence of the activity of adenoviruses was proved.
Reasons for infection
The source of infection is a sick person. The virus contained in the nasal mucus, when blowing your nose, enters the environment. There is also a high probability of infection from passive virus carriers. Infection occurs by airborne droplets, that is, at the moment when the air containing the virus is inhaled. The carrier can shed the virus when talking, sneezing, coughing, and in urine and faeces.
Infection can also occur through the fecal-oral route. Then this virus is equated to intestinal infections.
Children from six months of age are usually infected with adenovirus infection. At an earlier age, infants have developed immunity to this infection, thanks to mother's milk, which has specific antibodies against the disease. After six months, children experience a decrease in immunity, and they become more susceptible to infection with adenovirus infection. Until the age of seven, they can get sick with this disease several times. After the age of seven, acquired immunity is developed thanks to him, children rarely get sick with this infection.
The disease most often occurs in winter and spring, this is due to the fact that at this time the body has a very weak immune system. Basically, outbreaks of the epidemic take place in children's groups and do not go far beyond.
How does the infection get into the body
The introduction of adenovirus infection into epithelial cells occurs through the respiratory tract during inhalation. The mucous membrane of the conjunctiva of the eyes and intestines are also accessible places through which infection can penetrate. Entering the epithelium, it enters the nucleus, where the infected cells multiply rapidly. The virus also infects the lymph nodes.
Newly infected cells enter the bloodstream, which will rapidly spread the infection throughout the body.
The first victims are the mucous membrane of the nasal pharynx, larynx and tonsils. The strongest swelling of the tonsils occurs, accompanied by serous sputum from the nasal sinuses. Conjunctival inflammation follows the same scenario. There is edema of the conjunctival mucosa, tearing and a red mesh of bursting blood vessels appear, a foreign body sensation in the eyes, burning, itching, white or yellow discoloration appears, eyelash sticking, increased sensitivity to bright light.
Viruses are able to penetrate the tissue, provoking the development of bronchitis and pneumonia with the lungs. The presence of the virus can adversely affect the functioning of other organs, such as the kidneys, spleen, or liver.
Symptoms
Adenovirus infection has various clinical manifestations. In adults, the symptoms can be different, it all depends on the severity of the course of the disease.
The virus, entering the body, is in the incubation period for up to a day, but there are cases when the virus does not appear for up to two weeks. Symptoms in adults with adenovirus infection develop in a specific order.
The very first signs of the disease are:
- Increased body temperature
- Sore throat and sore throat
- Weakened state of the whole body
- Nasal congestion
After two or three days, the body temperature can reach up to thirty-nine degrees. Accompanied by muscle and joint pain, poor appetite, lethargy and migraine. In extreme cases, with increased intoxication, abdominal pain, loose stools, and nausea accompanied by vomiting may occur.
The palatine tonsils swell and redden, increase in size and protrude beyond the palatine arches. The posterior wall of the pharynx has diffuse redness. There is a coating of white or brown on the tongue. Sometimes on the tongue, you can see stripes without plaque, bright red, and on the enlarged follicles you can see a whitish overlay that is easily scraped off during examination.
Complicated form of adenovirus infection, leads to bronchitis, which is accompanied by a dry cough. After a while, there may be a separation of sputum, which over time may become mucopurulent.
Adenovirus infection of the eyes is accompanied by inflammatory processes of the mucous membrane. The defeat of the conjunctivitis virus can occur for the first day after infection, as well as on the fifth day. Initially, conjunctivitis appears on the mucous membrane of one eye. A day later, the second eye is involved in the process. It manifests itself as follows:
- Puffiness of the eyelids occurs
- Conjunctival hyperemia and edema
- Painful sensitivity to bright light
- Lachrymation
- Itching and sometimes pain in the eyes
- Redness of proteins
Thus, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract in combination with conjunctivitis are typical symptoms of adenovirus infection and with the help of them, it is possible to accurately diagnose this disease.
Types of clinical course of infection
- Pharyngoconjunctival fever. It is accompanied by high fever and acute inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. The duration of the illness can be up to two weeks. The temperature can then drop and rise again.
- Tonsillopharyngitis. The oropharynx suffers. There is a sore throat, enlargement of the tonsils with the imposition of a whitish plaque
- Mesenteric lymphadenitis. The temperature is high. There is pain in the abdominal region, accompanied by vomiting.
- Catarrh of the upper respiratory tract. It is the most common course of the disease. The temperature lasts for three days, provoking weakness, drowsiness and muscle pain. The mucous membranes of the respiratory tract are inflamed. There are signs of tracheobronchitis.
- Keratoconjunctivitis. This form of the disease is extremely rare. It is a simultaneous lesion of the conjunctiva and cornea. Arises with violent chills and severe headache. Painful sensitivity to light appears. Complete recovery of the patient comes about a month after infection.
Adenovirus infection during pregnancy
During pregnancy, adenovirus can cause infections and complications.
The very pregnancy and childbirth are difficult. The manifestation of infection in the first trimester can cause spontaneous miscarriage.
The fetus may have abnormalities of different nature since the infection can cross the placenta. But the positive probability of the outcome is high.
Adenovirus infection during pregnancy is usually treated using standard methods.
Treatment
Treatment of patients is carried out at home, where bed rest is prescribed, which should continue throughout the entire illness. All physical activity is excluded, rest must be observed. Nutrition should be balanced. Vitamin soups, chicken broths, boiled meat and chicken, with the addition of garlic shavings, are welcome. Drink should be plentiful, it can be hot tea with lemon, raspberries, currants, rose hips, compotes, natural juices, jelly, or just mineral water without gases.
Temperatures up to 38 degrees do not need to be knocked down. Since this is a manifestation of the immune system's fight against viruses. In order to alleviate the patient's condition, you can apply a damp towel on the frontal part of the head.
If a dry cough manifests itself, then you can give warm boiled milk with honey or soda (on the tip of a knife) in conjunction with cough suppressants. With a wet cough, it is advisable to use drugs with an expectorant effect.
In case of eye damage, the patient should be protected from bright lighting. The eyes should be rinsed and compressed with strong tea leaves. Also, as prescribed by a doctor, it is necessary to use special eye drops and ointments.
A runny nose can be relieved with vasoconstrictor drops, but remember that their use is limited to five days. You can also flush with saline or furacilin. 
If standard methods of treatment do not bring a positive effect, then antibiotics are prescribed for adenovirus infection.
Local antibiotics are.
Adenovirus infection is a group of anthroponous acute viral diseases with damage to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, eyes, intestines and lymphoid tissue, mainly in children and young people.
The term "adenovirus" was proposed by Enders and Francis in 1956, and the diseases caused by this pathogen were called adenovirus.
ICD-10 codes
- B34.0. Unspecified adenovirus infection.
- B30.0. Keratoconjunctivitis caused by adenovirus.
- B30.1. Conjunctivitis caused by adenovirus.
ICD-10 code
B34.0 Adenovirus infection, unspecified
B97.0 Adenoviruses as the cause of diseases classified to other chapters
Epidemiology of adenovirus infection
The source of infection is a sick person who releases the virus into the environment throughout the entire illness, as well as a virus carrier. The excretion of viruses occurs from the upper respiratory tract, with feces, tears. The role of "healthy" virus carriers in the transmission of infection is quite significant. The maximum virus shedding time is 40-50 days. Adenoviral conjunctivitis can be a nosocomial infection. The transmission mechanism is airborne, fecal-oral. Routes of transmission - airborne, food, contact and household. Intrauterine infection of the fetus is possible. The susceptibility is high. Mostly children and young people are ill. Seasonality is not critical, but in the cold season, the incidence of adenoviral infections increases, with the exception of pharyngoconjunctival fever, which is diagnosed in summer. The nature of the epidemic process is largely determined by the serological types of adenoviruses. Epidemics caused by adenoviruses of types 1, 2, 5 are rare, types 3, 7 are more common. After a past illness, species-specific immunity is formed.
What causes adenovirus infection?
Symptoms of adenovirus infection
The incubation period lasts from 5 to 14 days.
Adenovirus infection is characterized by polymorphism of clinical symptoms and syndromes. The clinical picture may be dominated by symptoms indicating damage to the respiratory tract, eyes, intestines, Bladder... lymphoid tissue. Development of meningoencephalitis is possible. In adults, adenovirus infection occurs more often in a latent form, in young people - in a clinically pronounced form. The disease develops gradually. The temperature rises from the first day of illness, its duration varies from 5-7 days to 2 weeks. Sometimes subfebrile condition persists up to 4-6 weeks, there may be a two-wave fever, rarely three waves are observed. In most cases, symptoms of intoxication are mild, even with high fever.
In connection with the tropism of adenoviruses to the lymphoid tissue, from the first days of the disease, the nasopharyngeal tonsils are involved in the process and there is difficulty in nasal breathing, puffiness of the face, serous rhinitis with abundant discharge (especially in younger age groups). A characteristic symptom of the disease is pharyngitis with a pronounced exudative component. Pharyngitis is characterized by moderate pain or sore throat. On examination, hyperplasia of lymphoid follicles is revealed against the background of edematous and hyperemic mucous membrane of the posterior pharyngeal wall. The tonsils are enlarged; in some patients, white tender plaques are visible, which can be easily removed with a spatula.
In adults, unlike children, clinical signs of bronchitis are rarely detected. For children, a moderate short-term cough with scanty mucous discharge is characteristic. In addition, almost every fifth sick child develops acute stenosing laryngotracheitis, which is difficult, with a pronounced exudative component. Some children develop obstructive syndrome with edematous or mixed forms. It can last up to 3 weeks. In this case, the cough is moist, obsessive; exhalation is difficult, shortness of breath of mixed type. Auscultatory is determined a large number of wet rales of various sizes and single dry rales. In young children, obliterating bronchitis may develop.
Often, adenovirus infection is accompanied by moderate lymphadenopathy. The cervical, submandibular, mediastinal and mesenteric lymph nodes are enlarged. Mesenteric infection manifests itself either against the background of other manifestations of adenovirus infection, or as the main syndrome. Basic clinical sign- Acute paroxysmal pain mainly in the lower abdomen (in the right iliac, peri-umbilical regions). Often there is nausea, less often vomiting, diarrhea. External changes of cardio-vascular system practically absent. In some patients, hepatolienal syndrome occurs, sometimes with an increase in the activity of aminotransferases (ALT, ACT).
Complications of adenovirus infection
Frequent complications are otitis media, sinusitis and pneumonia, which develop as a result of the addition of a secondary infection. Often, against the background of adenovirus infection, an exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis occurs. Cases of complication of adenoviral mesenteric infection by intestinal intussusception are described.
Diagnosis of adenovirus infection
Clinically, adenovirus infection is diagnosed by the presence of conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, lymphadenopathy against the background of fever.
The blood picture in adenovirus infection is nonspecific and has no diagnostic value. Serological diagnostics is used to retrospectively decipher the etiology of ARVI. RTGA and RSK are widely used. Methods of express diagnostics are represented by the reaction of indirect hemadsorption, ELISA and RIF. They allow detecting adenovirus antigens in the epithelial cells of the nasal cavity within 3-4 hours. Scraping of cells is performed in the early days of the infectious process. The detection of viral antigens in the nuclei of epithelial cells indicates a latent course of the infectious process, the presence of antigens in the cytoplasm makes it possible to diagnose an acute disease. Isolation of the virus in tissue culture is used for scientific purposes.
Differential diagnosis
Differential diagnosis is carried out with acute respiratory viral infections of a different etiology, oropharyngeal diphtheria, eye diphtheria, angina. Adenovirus infection has a number of symptoms similar to infectious mononucleosis, typhoid fever. Yersiniosis also occurs with symptoms of pharyngitis, conjunctivitis, hepatolienal syndrome, diarrhea and prolonged fever.
Indications for consulting other specialists
The indication for consulting a surgeon is the development of adenoviral mesenteric adenitis, which occurs with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. An ophthalmologist's consultation is indicated for eye damage.
Indications for hospitalization
Most patients are treated at home. Patients with a severe form of the disease, with complications, concomitant diseases, and also for epidemiological indications are subject to hospitalization.
Adenovirus infection is a combination of pathologies that are accompanied by damage to the respiratory system, vision, lymphoid tissue and intestines. Most often, such an ailment is detected in patients in the winter, but it can also be in the summer. Adenoviruses are distinguished by their increased resistance to the negative effects of the external environment, that is, they tolerate a decrease in temperature and organic solvents well. At the same time, they can be destroyed within half an hour when heated. Clinical picture such a pathology is represented by moderate or mild intoxication. With a mild disease, local treatment is carried out, and with an advanced form of the disease, detoxification therapy is selected.
Causes of infection
The main source of infection is considered a sick person, and especially in the first month after the onset of pathology. The virus present in mucus enters the environment when you blow your nose.
In addition, there is a possibility that infection will occur from passive carriers of the virus. Infection can infect the body of a healthy person by airborne droplets, that is, when he inhales air with a virus present in it. With this etiology, a sick person can excrete the virus during coughing, along with feces and urine.
Adenovirus infection almost never occurs in children infancy and this is due to the fact that they acquire immunity together with breast milk. It contains specific antibodies against the virus that help avoid infection. After complementary foods are introduced, the protective functions of the child's body noticeably weaken, and the child becomes more susceptible to the disease.
Up to 7 years old, a baby can recover from such infections several times, but after this age, he usually develops strong immunity, which in the future reduces the risk of developing pathology.
Most often, an adenovirus infection enters the body when inhaling through the respiratory system. The available places for the introduction of the virus into the human body are the intestines and mucous membranes of the eyes. Initially, the infection affects the epithelium, and then enters the nucleus, where the active division of pathogenic cells begins. Gradually, the virus is introduced into the lymph nodes, and then the newly-made cells enter the bloodstream and spread the infection throughout the human body.
Initially, adenovirus in adults affects the nasopharyngeal mucosa, tonsils and larynx. The consequence of this pathological condition is severe swelling of the tonsils, which is combined with the release of serous sputum from the nose. In the same way, edema of the conjunctival mucosa occurs, and the characteristic symptoms of this condition are increased tearing, sticking of eyelashes, burning sensation and photophobia.
Viruses are able to penetrate into the lung tissue, causing the progression of pneumonia and bronchitis. In addition, the presence of such an infection in the human body can adversely affect the functioning of organs such as the liver, kidneys and spleen.
Symptoms of pathology
With adenovirus infection, a variety of symptoms may appear in adults and it depends on the severity of the course of the disease.
After being introduced into the body, the virus can be present in a person for a day, but there are situations when the pathology does not manifest itself for several weeks.
- body temperature rises;
- nasal congestion appears;
- worried about pain in the throat and sore throat;
- weakness of the whole organism is noted.
A few days after the onset of the development of such an infection, a temperature rise of up to 39 degrees may be observed. In addition, a person begins to be bothered by pain in the joints and muscles, and migraines and lethargy also appear. In addition, appetite may decrease or be completely absent. With a severe form of infection, intoxication of the whole body develops, which is accompanied by the appearance pain in the abdomen and diarrhea, as well as bouts of nausea and vomiting.
The characteristic symptoms of such a pathology are edema and redness of the palatine tonsils, which increase in size and begin to protrude beyond the palatine arches. A plaque of white or brown color accumulates on the tongue, in some cases stripes of bright red color may appear on it. There is an increase in follicles and there is a whitish deposit on them, which is easily scraped off during examination.
In the event that an adenovirus infection in adults becomes a complicated form, then bronchitis may develop with a strong dry cough. After a few days, sputum begins to separate, in which there may be pus.
With adenovirus infection, inflammation of the mucous membrane is observed, and the virus may not be damaged for the first - fifth day. Usually, the mucous membrane of one eye becomes the site of localization of conjunctivitis, but after a few days in inflammatory process affects the second organ of vision. With an adenoviral eye infection, the following symptoms may appear:
- proteins turn red;
- there is pain and itching in the organs of vision;
- lacrimation increases;
- the eyelids are very swollen;
- hyperemia appears;
- the conjunctiva swells strongly;
- increased sensitivity to bright light.
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract in combination with conjunctivitis becomes a typical symptom of the pathology, that is, the development of adenoviral infection of the pharyngoconjunctival occurs. It is for them, upon examination, that a specialist can diagnose such a disease. The specificity of the occurrence of a particular symptom is determined by the type of virus and the focus of the inflammatory process.
Possible complications
Experts say that cases of complicated adenovirus infection are extremely rare. At the same time, a poorly treated disease or lack of effective therapy leads to the development of:
- otitis media;
- sinusitis;
- sinusitis;
- bronchitis;
- purulent conjunctivitis.
In advanced cases, kidney damage, the development of problems with the central nervous system and disruptions in the functioning of the heart muscle are possible.
In the event that the virus enters the body at a later date, this may affect the development of the fetus. Adenovirus infection can cross the placenta, which can cause various abnormalities in a developing child. At the same time, the prognosis for such a pathology is quite favorable. Adenovirus infection during pregnancy is successfully treated.
Methods for diagnosing pathology
Adenovirus infection is characterized by the appearance of signs similar to other types of diseases. It is for this reason that a comprehensive examination is carried out to confirm the presence of an infection in the body of an adult, according to the results of which it is possible to make the correct diagnosis.
In order to confirm the presence of adenovirus infection in the body, a laboratory diagnostics, that is, a general and biochemical blood test is done, and sputum is examined.
In the event that the disease proceeds in a mild uncomplicated form, then the patient does not observe any special changes. In such a situation, only an increase in ESR and leukocytosis is possible. When examining sputum, it is possible to determine the sensitivity of bacteria to certain antibacterial drugs. At the same time, the diagnosis of adenovirus infection also includes an instrumental examination, that is, an examination of the chest organs is done by a specialist. With such an examination, it is possible to identify small focal lesions when such a pathology as pneumonia is attached. If indicated, doctors may prescribe the following types of diagnostics:
- urine test;
- immunofluorescence;
- serological research;
- virological method.
After evaluating all the results of the examination, it is possible to draw up a complete picture of the course of the pathology and select the most effective therapy.
Therapy methods
- In case of eye damage, eye drops are selected, among which sodium sulfate solution or deoxyribonuclease solution are considered the most effective. When a film appears on the cornea, instead of drops, prednisolone ointment is prescribed, which must be placed behind the eyelid. Eye rinsing can be carried out using various solutions, for example, Furacilin.
- With the severe development of adenovirus infection, therapies are selected to detoxify the body. The patient is prescribed special solutions that are injected into the body intravenously. In addition, treatment is carried out with antibacterial drugs of a wide spectrum of action, which destroy various foci of infection and eliminate unpleasant symptoms.
- Antibiotic therapy for adenovirus infection should be supplemented with agents that restore the intestinal microflora.
- Hexoral is an effective drug that helps relieve sore throat. In the treatment of adenovirus infection, such a drug should be used with increased caution after prior consultation with a specialist.
- It is recommended to resort to the help of antipyretic drugs only when the body temperature rises above 38.5 degrees. In addition, such medications can be taken when a lower temperature makes a person uncomfortable. It is possible to normalize body temperature with the help of antipyretic medications such as Ibuprofen and Paracetamol.
In the event that the development of adenovirus infection in the body is accompanied by the appearance of a wet cough, then expectorant drugs and mucolytics are prescribed. The following medicines give a good effect in the treatment of such a pathology:
- Bromhexine;
- Mukaltin;
- Ambroxol.
To eliminate cough, medications in the form of tablets and syrups with expectorant action can be prescribed, and inhalation can also be done. In the event that an adult is worried about a dry cough, then treatment is carried out with the help of antitussive drugs.
In the event of various complications, etiotropic therapy is performed, which involves the elimination of the underlying cause of the disease. Treatment is carried out with the help of such medicines, like Viferon, Cycloferon and Isoprinosine, the action of which is aimed at destroying the virus. To increase the body's defenses and normalize the immune system, the intake of various vitamins and minerals is prescribed.
Usually, the pathology can be successfully cured after 7-10 days with effective therapy. In the event that viral cells are retained in the body, then the recovery period can drag on for several weeks.
Elimination of adenovirus infection can be carried out with the help of alternative therapy. In case of dry cough, it is recommended to be treated with breast collection, tea with raspberries, lindens and chamomile, as well as drinking hot milk. During the entire illness, it is necessary to observe bed rest and special food. Physiotherapy procedures give a good result in eliminating such an infection.
In most cases, the prognosis of the pathology is quite favorable and only in certain situations in adults are pulmonary complications, and death is extremely rare. At the same time, it is not necessary to perceive an adenovirus infection as a common rhinitis, but to consult a specialist when the first characteristic signs appear. Timely diagnosis and effective therapy can prevent the development of serious health problems. Symptoms and treatment of adenovirus infection in adults are determined by the stage of the pathology and the general condition of the person.