Symptoms of myocarditis in children
The problem with myocarditis is that it can havedifferent symptoms, depending on the cause that provoked it. Sometimes this disease is completely asymptomatic at first, which complicates further treatment.
Myocarditis in children can appear immediately after birth Photo: Getty In general, all types of symptoms can be divided into three main groups according to the age of the children.
- In newborn infants up to 4 weeks of age,manifestation of congenital myocarditis. The skin of a sick kid is pale with a light grayish tint, the baby is tired even during feeding, he slowly gaining weight. During bathing, feeding, defecation and other simple processes, parents can notice that the baby's heart rate increases and there is shortness of breath. A sick newborn pisses a little, he may have swelling.
- Infants in infancy during illnessa small temperature rises in the region of 37.5 degrees. Their skin is pale with a shade of blue. The child is naughty, refuses the breast, loses weight. Mom may notice that the baby is inactive, sluggish. If the disease is not treated, the baby has an annoying dry cough, it begins to lag behind in development.
- In older children, the disease occurs lessswiftly. For a long time it can be characterized only by weakness, pallor, weight loss. Children can complain of pain in the muscles and abdomen, while the temperature remains within normal limits. Later, there are pains in the heart, shortness of breath, problems with sleeping, dizziness and headache.
If you notice these symptoms, you should see a doctor.
Diagnosis of myocarditis in children
The diagnosis begins with a general examination of the baby andhis survey, if age allows. Then the doctor prescribes a series of blood tests, electrocardiography, echocardiography, chest X-ray. In the most severe and advanced cases, a specialist may prescribe a biopsy of the heart muscle to determine how much the inflammatory process has already spread. Doctors diagnose and treat myocarditis, but parents can help them with this. Timely detection of the first symptoms and contacting a clinic will significantly facilitate treatment. It is also useful to know:
