Diarrhea with chickenpox in children. What to do, does it happen

Chickenpox is an infectious diseasecaused by the Varicella Zoster virus of the herpesvirus family (human herpesvirus type 3) and is one of the most common infections affecting children aged 4 to 8 years. Diarrhea is not a symptom characteristic of chickenpox and is a sign that aggravates the course of the infection, arising from intoxication of the body, uncontrolled intake of antibacterial drugs or atypical course infections.

Reasons for the appearance

Chickenpox in children aged 4-10 years is relatively easy, manifesting itself:

• the appearance of an itchy rash;
• malaise;
• an increase in body temperature.

Diarrhea and vomiting with the typical form of chickenpox are absent, but may appear when taking antibacterial drugs that provoke a violation of the child's gastrointestinal microflora.

In addition to drug treatment, diarrhea with chickenpox in a child may occur in the case of:

• intoxication of the body with the vital activity of pathogenic microbes;
• accession of secondary infections;
• atypical course of smallpox.

Intoxication of the body

Diarrhea with chickenpox in children may be associated with the poisoning of his body with the activity of pathogenic bacteria. Once in the child's body, the herpes virus instantly begins to multiply, penetrating into the cells and absorbing their contents. In return, it produces toxins that enter the bloodstream and internal organs.

With an excessive amount of toxins, the child's body is poisoned, accompanied by:

• an increase in body temperature;
• a feeling of chills and shivering;
• weakness in the joints;
• general malaise.

The maximum level of intoxication of the body with chickenpox coincides with the appearance of a skin rash (papules filled with a clear liquid). The liquid stool that appears at this stage is normal, according to doctors, should last no more than a day and not be accompanied by a general deterioration in the child's condition. If diarrhea persists for more than 2-3 days and is accompanied by a gradual deterioration in the child's condition, his parents should seek medical help.

In some cases, according to a pediatrician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of viral diseases in children Anastasia Anatolyevna Polukhina, a specialist can diagnose in a child an individual intolerance to the intoxication of the body with the herpes virus, expressed by the appearance of nausea with vomiting and diarrhea.

This condition, according to the doctor, can persist for several days and requires urgent medical attention due to the danger of provoking brain damage.

Accession of a secondary infection

The child's body, weakened by the herpes virus, in the absence of antibiotic therapy, is easily susceptible to viral attack, which can lead to the addition of staphylococcal or streptococcal to chickenpox infections. The danger of this pathology increases due to the itching of the child, which constantly bothers the child, forcing him to scratch the papules, injuring the skin.

When pathogenic staphylococcal or streptococcal microorganisms enter the skin cracks, there is an increase in wounds on the child's body, the formation of abscesses or ulcers. There is also a deterioration in the general condition of the baby, and diarrhea, nausea and vomiting join the classic symptoms of chickenpox.

False diagnosis

At the initial stage of its development, chickenpox is similar to the manifestations of the Coxsackie enterovirus type A, which begins with a sharp increase in body temperature, malaise and general weakness. Subsequently, other symptoms of pathology join, such as a watery, herpes-like rash, nausea with vomiting and diarrhea.

With the defeat of the respiratory tract Coxsackie enterovirus, the following can also be observed:

• rhinitis;
• cough with shortness of breath;
• noise in ears.

A feature of the Coxsackie virus, according to the children's specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of viral diseases, Anastasia Polukhina Anatolyevna, is that the accompanying watery rash appears on the palms and feet, which is not typical for chickenpox. The disease lasts on average 3-5 days (which is less than chickenpox, which lasts about 7-10 days), and skin regeneration begins at the site of the papules that appear.

Atypical form of the disease

The atypical form of chickenpox in children proceeds with an exacerbation of all symptoms of the disease:

• with high body temperature and severe intoxication of the body;
• with visual impairment;
• with cramps and muscle pain;
• with the formation of purulent blisters on the surface of the skin;
• with severe abdominal pain with vomiting and watery diarrhea.

Classic (typical) chickenpox develops into an atypical form of the disease with a sharp decrease in immunity, which is most typical for young patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The atypical form of chickenpox also includes a pathology in which infection with the herpes virus occurred in the moment of exacerbation of another disease, which makes it possible to change and blur the typical epidemiological picture disease.

After vaccination

Diarrhea with chickenpox in children can occur as a normal body reaction to the chickenpox vaccine. The vaccine contains preparations that irritate the intestines and cause diarrhea, which disappears on its own within 24 hours. According to experts, most often such a reaction occurs in children under the age of 1 year and survivors of the chickenpox vaccination.

According to Olga Petrovna Feoktistova, a pediatrician, allergist and pediatric immunologist, parents should not worry about an upset stomach that has appeared in this case. but a child faced with diarrhea needs:

• transfer to a lighter diet, which reduces the load on the digestive tract;
• to drink with water-salt solutions ("Regidron"), preventing intoxication of the body.

Symptoms

Diarrhea with chickenpox in children, according to a pediatrician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of viral diseases in children Anastasia Polukhina Anatolyevna, a rather rare phenomenon, in most cases, is the body's reaction to taking antipyretic drugs and antibacterial therapy. In this case, the upset stomach has a short-term effect and disappears 2-3 days after the start of treatment.

Long-term digestive upset, according to a specialist, can be a symptom of the complications of chickenpox that have arisen and is accompanied by:

• severe headaches;
• critically high indicators of body temperature;
• frequent loose stools, accompanied by nausea and vomiting;
• increased and reddening of the rash;
• loss of coordination of movements;
• painful involuntary muscle contractions.

In this case, the child must be urgently hospitalized for detoxification and etiotropic therapy.

Diagnostics

Chickenpox is diagnosed by a pediatrician based on external signs: skin rash and high body temperature, and a complete blood count (CBC) may be prescribed to clarify the diagnosis.

If it is necessary to establish what caused the appearance of diarrhea with chickenpox, the following are additionally prescribed:

• urinalysis (OAM);
• coprogram;
• smear from the mucous membrane of the anus of the child.

After receiving the results of the analysis, the specialist will find out the cause of the digestive upset and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Treatment

Diarrhea with chickenpox in children is subject to outpatient therapy at home only in case of disruption of the gastrointestinal tract by taking antibacterial drugs. In this case, a violation of the intestinal microflora occurs, and the child may complain of abdominal pain. There is also increased gas formation and the appearance of mucus in his feces.

The appearance of such symptoms becomes a signal for the doctor to change the treatment regimen for the disease and prescribing drugs that help normalize the intestinal microflora and restore the water-salt balance organism.

Medications

The little patient is prescribed:

Group of medicines	Pharmacological qualities	Name of drugs
Rehydration drugs	They help to restore the balance of fluids in the body and prevent the appearance of dehydration, which can lead to disruption of the heart and brain.	Normohydrone; Regidron.
Detox drugs	They bind and remove toxins released by the virus, and also remove it from the intestines.	Activated carbon; Smecta; Polysorb.
Probiotics	They contain a set of lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, which helps to restore normal digestion after an illness.	Linex; Bifiform; Bifidumbacterin.

Medicines are prescribed three times a day along with antibacterial drugs and are taken within 7-14 days.

Along with taking the child's medications, it is necessary to transfer to a lighter diet, saturated with fermented milk products (kefir, acidolactom, bioyogurt) that accelerate the restoration of intestinal microflora and normalize stool child.

In addition to specific treatment, parents need to:

• point to treat rashes on the child's skin with antiseptics with a drying effect ("Brilliant green", "Fukarcin");
• give the child antipyretic drugs (Nurofen) when the body temperature rises above 38.5 ° C;
• use antiviral drugs "(Acyclovir");
• continue therapy with broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs used to prevent the possible addition of a secondary infection.

Also, according to experts, when caring for a child during chickenpox, it is important for parents to avoid scratching the skin and peeling off the crusts.

Folk remedies

To cope with diarrhea with chickenpox, in addition to medications, traditional medicine methods are also used, which are used in addition to the main treatment and help alleviate the condition of a sick child.

Method name	Its characteristic
Warm heating pad	A warm heating pad applied to the baby's abdomen will help relieve pain and discomfort. You can use a heating pad only at normal body temperature of the baby.
Chamomile and mint tea	Warm broth, made from chamomile flowers and mint leaves, boiled with boiling water, helps to normalize bowel function. The broth can be used 3-4 times a day for 1 tablespoon.
Starch with water	Dissolve 1 tsp of starch in 1 glass of warm water. You can drink such an infusion in 1/5 cup every hour to cleanse the body of toxins and stop diarrhea.
Rice broth	1 tbsp. rice should be washed and cooked in 2 tbsp. water. The resulting broth must be filtered, cooled and taken in 1-2 tbsp. 3-4 times a day to relieve irritation and restore nutrient levels in the body.
Oatmeal jelly	Pour a glass of oatmeal into 300 ml of water and add 1 tsp. granulated sugar. The resulting mixture must be put on fire, and boil for no more than 3 minutes, stirring constantly. You need to use jelly in warm, small portions until the diarrhea stops. Kissel envelops the stomach and intestines, and also quickly eliminates mucosal irritation.
Quince	250 g of quince together with the peel must be cut into small pieces and poured with a liter of water. The mixture should be put on fire and cooked for about 25-30 minutes. After the specified time, the broth must be removed from the heat and cooled slightly. You need to drink the infusion warm once an hour. The broth has an antiseptic and tonic effect.
Blueberry	Dried berries should be chewed in small portions 5-7 times a day. Blueberries contain a large amount of vitamins and minerals that are useful for the body in case of intoxication, and also have astringent properties. You can also make blueberry tea, for which 3 tsp. berries need to be poured with a glass of purified water, put on fire and brought to a boil. It takes about 10 minutes to cook the broth. Strain it before using it.

Traditional medicine has an antiseptic and restorative effect, gently soothes the intestines and help restore the child's stool, as well as cleanse his body of toxins released by the virus herpes.

You can use decoctions for no more than 2-3 days. If diarrhea persists for a long time, it is necessary to call a specialist.

Possible complications

If diarrhea appears in a child against the background of chickenpox, parents should immediately consult a doctor, because high intoxication of the body or the development of an atypical form of the disease can lead to brain damage and fatal the outcome. Treatment in this case is carried out only in stationary conditions and consists in the use of detoxification and etiotropic drugs.

Chickenpox is an acute infectious disease caused by the herpes simplex virus type 3. The disease most common in children aged 4 to 10 years, in most cases is not accompanied by indigestion.

The appearance of diarrhea with chickenpox may be associated with the appointment of antibacterial drugs, intoxication of the body or the development of an atypical form illness and requires immediate medical attention to prevent dehydration or head injury that is dangerous for the child brain.

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