Tuberculosis in children: symptoms and first signs. What symptom of tuberculosis in children is considered the beginning of the disease? The manifestation of tuberculosis in the early stages in children

Children's tuberculosis differs in the severity of the course compared with the disease in adults. The child's immune system is immature and unable to purposefully attack the infectious focus. Therefore, the development of the pathogen leads to many complications. Risk factors: malnutrition, beriberi, poor living conditions, constant overwork. The symptoms of tuberculosis in children, as well as in an adult, depend on the form of the disease and the localization of the infectious process.

Symptoms of tuberculosis in children under one year old

The initial signs of tuberculosis in young children are similar to the common cold or bronchitis. Symptoms are characterized by an increased duration of cough and fever. Tuberculosis in children under one year of age occurs with signs of a general disorder due to bacterial intoxication:

Irritability and lack of positive emotions.
Decreased appetite.
Rapid fatigue and poor sleep.
Paleness of the skin.

These features of the condition are also observed for children under 2-3 years old. Body weight stops growing, sometimes there is a tendency to decrease, there is an increase in the size of the lymph nodes and an increase in temperature to 37.1-37.5°C. In this condition, a tuberculin reaction test is prescribed.

Common complications in young children

The less favorable course of tuberculosis in newborns and infants compared to older children is associated with imperfect protection, which leads to the spread of infection throughout the body and the formation of extrapulmonary foci. The danger for young children lies in the possibility of a comprehensive spread of infection. This leads to the development of: miliary tuberculosis, meningitis, sepsis, etc. As a result, newborns experience symptoms of severe intoxication:

Disturbed consciousness.
Temperature jump from subfebrile values to higher ones.
There is shortness of breath.
Unproductive cough.

Irritation of the meninges is manifested, which is easily checked by bending the head. Reflex flexion of the lower extremities during this procedure confirms the presence of a symptom. The development of infection can lead to damage to the peripheral lymph nodes, which increase in size as a result of inflammation. Sometimes there is a discharge of pus to the outside with the formation of fistulas. With such complications, scrofulodermas (special lesions resembling a tumor) appear on the skin, which transform into a fistula. There is a loss of turgor and tissue elasticity.

When examining a child with suspected incipient TB, the doctor may also find an enlarged liver and spleen. When analyzing the blood, iron deficiency is noted, which is not replenished with the use of drugs, an increased number of leukocytes, a shift in neutrophils towards an increase in their concentration. The number of lymphocytes increases at the beginning of the disease, and in severe cases it decreases by 10%.

Signs of tuberculosis in older children

Tuberculosis in children 3 years of age is manifested by symptoms similar to the signs of the disease in newborns. The disease is disguised as bronchitis or a cold, but after a week there is no recovery. There is an increase in cough, sometimes with pink sputum. Visually noticeable signs of exhaustion and weight loss. An increase in temperature can occur only in the evening, and normal values \u200b\u200bare observed during the day.

Babies have a high risk of developing extrapulmonary tuberculosis, for example, bone, articular, skin with specific manifestations, but any option is accompanied by fever and an increase in lymph nodes at the site of infection.

Pulmonary tuberculosis in older children is limited to pulmonary symptoms, since an already strengthened immune system is able to localize the source of infection and prevent it from spreading throughout the body. In the absence of complications, the patient has a cough and fever for more than 3 weeks. The concentration of the patient's attention is upset, there is a loss of appetite and weight loss.

Tuberculosis in children 5 years of age is characterized by signs with less blurring, since their body has a more powerful defense. A person at this age is already able to describe his condition himself, so it is easier to make a diagnosis. With the development of tuberculosis in children aged 5-7 years, there are signs of impaired lung function:

Prolonged cough.
The confluence of the chest in the area of localization of infection.
Difficulty in breathing.
Temperature rise.
The disease causes: a noticeable weakening of physical activity, a violation of appetite and sleep.

Features of the development of the disease in schoolchildren

The main difference between the symptoms of tuberculosis in a school-age child is the gradual development of the disease. Older children are more likely to develop tuberculosis of the bronchial glands than lung disease. The cough intensifies, pallor of the skin, lethargy of physical activity and constant whims appear.

Schoolchildren are more likely to get chronic tuberculosis. The sluggish course of intoxication leads to:

Lag in physical development.
Slimming.
Deterioration of the condition of the skin (pallor, loss of turgor and elasticity).
Constant subfebrile temperature.
All signs of general malaise are on the face: disturbed sleep and appetite, fatigue, headaches.
Pale skin is combined with a sickly blush on the face. Among the indirect signs of tuberculosis in a school-age child, one can note an unhealthy shine of the eyes and a state of euphoria against the background of general weakness.
On palpation of the peripheral lymph nodes, micropolyadenia (peas of a dense consistency) is often noted.

Symptoms and signs of tuberculosis in adolescents

The incidence of tuberculosis infection in adolescents approaches that of adults. Symptoms in older schoolchildren are markedly different compared to features in young children. Tuberculosis in adolescents occurs with signs of pain in the lung area. The general condition is characterized by severe weakness and apathy. With the intensive development of the disease, the child's cough becomes permanent, shortness of breath occurs, noticeable even at rest.

With an intensive course of the disease, there may appear: a lesion of the skin with a change in its color, noticeable damage (wounds, cracks) is formed on the worn epidermis. In addition to expectoration of sputum, expectoration of blood is sometimes noted. The age of a high school student, along with newborns and infants, is critical. There is a restructuring of the endocrine system, so tuberculosis in adolescents occurs with signs of dissemination of infection. Often there is a lesion of the serous membranes.

primary tuberculosis

Young children tend to have a primary form of tuberculosis. There are 2 options for the development of infection, depending on the activity of the immune system and the pathogen:

Systemic damage to the body. Symptoms of a child's poor condition are noticeable even to a non-specialist, but their range varies significantly depending on the location of the foci of infection.
Sluggish flow with no pronounced symptoms. Therefore, it is important to regularly conduct fluorography and the Mantoux reaction.

The main forms of primary childhood tuberculosis:

A disease with difficult to establish localization or tuberculosis intoxication.
Primary tuberculosis complex.
Tuberculosis of the intrathoracic lymph nodes.

Symptoms of childhood primary tuberculosis vary depending on the type of extrapulmonary form, which are more common at a younger age:

Damage to the lymph nodes (signs described above).
The penetration of infection into the joints. The development of the disease is slow, children complain of pain when moving, and lameness appears over time. The disease can go unnoticed for years.
Tuberculous meningitis (inflammation of the membranes of the brain). Within 2-3 weeks, there may be no signs, then the child develops lethargy, loss of appetite, headaches. In the future, vomiting and convulsions occur.

The main reason for the appearance of meningitis is the contact of a child with a patient with an open form of tuberculosis. Therefore, if such a person appears in the family, then children need to be isolated from him.

Secondary tuberculosis

The incidence of this form of the disease in older children and adolescents is 50%. After suffering primary tuberculosis, reactivation of the old focus or a new penetration of the infection into the lungs may occur. Occurs:

Persistent dry cough with a small amount of sputum.
Pain in the chest.
Dyspnea.
Decreased appetite.

A special sign of secondary tuberculosis is the absence of a constantly high temperature. Its increase is observed in the evening, and at night a gradual decrease, accompanied by profuse sweating.

Thus, in young children, vague symptoms of general malaise are mainly noted. The older the child becomes, the more often the signs of tuberculosis acquire a strictly pulmonary localization, subject to the normal functioning of the immune system, in adolescents, due to the restructuring of the body, the likelihood of infection dissemination increases, that is, it goes beyond the lung. In the initial stages of tuberculosis, sputum production does not occur. Then its volume gradually increases, but abundant formation does not occur. The discharge is difficult to expectorate and thick, and is often swallowed by small children. Therefore, gastric lavage is used to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is a common disease in the world. Its causative agent is Koch's bacillus, which belongs to the genus of mycobacteria. It is distinguished by a special vitality and resistance to various influences. Many parents do not know what are the symptoms of tuberculosis in children. This will prevent further development of the disease. The child's immunity has not been formed, and the fragile body is not able to cope with the infection. Symptoms of tuberculosis in children differ depending on the form of the disease.

Special techniques will help establish an accurate diagnosis in order to begin treatment. The fact is that the symptoms of tuberculosis in a child manifest themselves in many ways. This is affected by the general state of health, the degree of infection. The disease is undulating in nature, then fading, then aggravating. Symptoms of childhood tuberculosis are detected months and even years after infection. It is easier to prevent the disease by observing certain preventive measures.

Causes of tuberculosis in children

Koch's wand is able to penetrate the child's body in various ways, but more often - by airborne droplets. The first symptoms of tuberculosis appear in children who are in the same room with the patient. Infection occurs by inhalation of air with tuberculosis mycobacteria. After some time, there are corresponding symptoms, signs of tuberculosis in the child. The contact path leads to damage to the skin, lacrimal sac, conjunctiva of the eye. Occurs when using objects with infection on the surface. Less often, the symptoms and first signs that determine tuberculosis in children appear after eating products with the causative agent of the disease. Also, Koch's sticks penetrate the lungs when inhaling, rising with air vibrations.

The age-related features of the development of the body increase the risk of infecting a child with tuberculosis:

Not formed cough reflex;
Weak ventilation of the lungs;
The lack of strong immunity, when the cells are not able to destroy the "stranger";
Dryness of the bronchi due to insufficient amount of mucous glands;
The pulmonary system for some reason does not function fully.

Factors that the doctor takes into account when taking an anamnesis include:

Genetic predisposition when close relatives suffer from tuberculosis;
The presence of chronic diseases;
Diseases of the endocrine system;
Inadequate, unbalanced nutrition;
Accommodation of a child in a shelter, boarding school, family with a low level of support;
A sharp change in climate due to the move;
Stressful situations lead to childhood tuberculosis, the symptoms of which will appear later.

Babies are also at risk.

Photo 2. Bad eating habits have a negative impact on the overall health and immunity of the child.

The first signs of tuberculosis in a child

Features of the course of the disease in the early stages in young children are the same. There are signs characteristic of many infectious diseases. Symptoms of tuberculosis in children appear depending on which organ the infection has entered. The degree of activity of the process also matters. The symptomatology is clearly expressed at an early age. In the period from 8 to 14 years, external signs are not so noticeable. The disease also proceeds without symptoms, over time acquiring a chronic form.

The primary tuberculosis complex is characterized by the formation of a focus of inflammation in one place. More often it is a lymph node or lung tissue, after which other organs are also affected.

Photo 3. Diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis contains an assessment of the size of the lymph nodes, which increase during the inflammatory process.

Common signs of tuberculosis in the early stages in children include:

Weakness, lethargy, apathy, increased fatigue. The child becomes irritable, capricious, shows unmotivated aggression. Memory and attention decrease, absent-mindedness appears.
Disorders in the digestive system. In this regard, appetite worsens, dyspeptic disorders are noted in infants.
Weight loss. The destruction of proteins, carbohydrates, fats occurs intensified, energy consumption increases. As a result, a sign of tuberculosis in the early stages of a child is a sharp weight loss.
Elevated temperature. In the first two weeks, it rises to 38 C, after which it drops to 37 C. There is a prolonged subfebrile condition. As a rule, such a condition is tolerated relatively calmly by the child.
Cough. This symptom occurs in some cases. In young children, the cough is dry, paroxysmal. In adolescents, it is protracted, intensifying at night.
Sweating. It appears during sleep. The sweat glands work hard. As a result, the child's back and palms are wet.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes (LU). A characteristic symptom of tuberculosis in a child. The lymph nodes near the roots of the lungs increase, affecting the severity of the cough. Later, the process covers other groups of LUs.
Paleness of the skin.

In addition to these signs of the disease, there are others. Symptoms of tuberculosis at an early stage in children are similar to a cold, reminiscent of SARS or bronchitis. An accurate diagnosis is made on the basis of the results of additional studies.

Photo 4. Tuberculous lung disease can be accompanied by bouts of dry cough in children.

Symptoms of the development of the disease

Tuberculosis becomes chronic in 7-12 months from the moment of infection. It manifests itself depending on the clinical form of the disease.

Photo 5. The first symptoms of tuberculosis in a sick child are similar to signs of a cold or flu.

Tuberculosis of the lymph nodes

The main symptom is micropolyadenia, swollen lymph nodes. They become soggy, start to fester, and fistulas form. With this form of tuberculosis, inflammation is also possible outside the lymph nodes. Spherical formations also appear in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. They are painless, lie deep, their diameter varies from 1 to 3 cm. Over time, the subcutaneous nodes are converted into ulcers.

Tuberculosis of the bronchial glands

The form of the disease occurs in children more often than others. A large number of bronchi, blood vessels are located at the root of the lungs. Having penetrated with the bloodstream, Koch's wand creates an inflammatory focus. Symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis in children in this case are manifested as a cold or flu. As an accompanying disease, pleurisy occurs. The defeat of the bronchi causes a prolonged cough, the body temperature rises. Chronic tuberculosis intoxication leads to a change in the child's behavior - he becomes lethargic, capricious, tired.

Photo 6. Increased fatigue is a characteristic symptom of a developing tuberculosis disease in a child's body.

Tuberculosis of joints, bones

The development of the disease is slow. First of all, the spine, knee and hip joints are affected. The child experiences pain while moving. Parents notice a change in gait, limping. Lack of timely treatment can lead to the appearance of a hump, lifelong lameness.

Photo 7. Tuberculosis of the bones can give a complication in the form of a curved spine and other bones.

Tuberculosis of the meninges

The disease manifests itself after 3 weeks. The child has anxiety, he complains of pain in the head, the temperature rises. Appetite decreases, convulsions, vomiting appear. In the past, the form of the disease was considered incurable, ending in death. Treatment with effective antibiotics can restore health to the child.

Testing for tuberculosis in children

Upon admission of children to preschool and school institutions, a mandatory medical examination is carried out. Having discovered signs of the disease during it, the pediatrician gives a referral to a phthisiatrician. Diagnosis is made on the basis of research.

Photo 8. Regular Mantoux test allows you to detect tuberculosis in a child in the early stages.

A common diagnostic method is the Mantoux test. With its help, you can determine the presence of an infection in the child's body. A negative result is a slight redness at the injection site - up to 1 mm. This indicates the absence of Koch's sticks in the body. With a slight redness, the size of which reaches 4 mm, they speak of a dubious result. A positive reaction is when the diameter of the redness is from 5 to 15 mm. In this case, there is a possibility of infection with tuberculosis, which is checked by additional examinations. There is a hyperergic reaction (more than 15 mm). This is an indicator of the presence of the disease.

Another research method is a blood test. Immunoenzymatic analysis reveals antibodies to Koch's bacillus. A general blood test based on an increase in the number of leukocytes, stab neutrophils allows you to diagnose an inflammatory process in the body.

Photo 9. Taking material for a general blood test is made from the patient's finger.

The correct method of analysis is polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which gives one hundred percent accuracy. Such a diagnosis determines, in addition to tuberculosis, other viral and bacterial reactions. It is carried out in stationary conditions, with a three-fold sowing of the contents of the stomach.

Prevention of tuberculosis

Photo 10. Joint walks in the fresh air will strengthen the immune systems of all family members.

The main measures to prevent the disease include BCG vaccination. The first time it is done in the hospital. In the future, revaccination is carried out in accordance with the vaccination schedule. Preventive measures include strengthening the immune system. It is important to provide the child with proper and nutritious nutrition, to attach to the procedures for hardening the body. Contribute to strengthening the body's defenses playing sports, walking in the fresh air. Mantoux tests help control anti-tuberculosis immunity.

If there is a patient with an open form of tuberculosis in the family, then you endanger your child, because when coughing or sneezing, with sputum that settles on the floor, furniture, various items, children's toys, a tuberculosis bacillus gets into it. The child touches them or takes food, introducing an infection through the mouth. There are times when the body copes with the disease without external help, but you should not count on it. Tuberculosis in children under one year old is dangerous because it takes on severe forms, since babies have a weak immune system. If you do not start treatment, the consequences can be disastrous. Treatment for babies is carried out according to the same schemes as for adults, but children tolerate it more easily, children's lung tissues recover faster.

Tuberculosis is one of the socially dangerous types of diseases. It is curable if detected early and treated. Follow all the recommendations that the phthisiatrician will give. This will minimize the risk of complications and speed up recovery.

Odnoklassniki

Anyone can get TB. In children, this disease is quite severe and can cause numerous complications. This article will tell you what parents should know about this dangerous pathology.

What it is?

An infectious disease of the internal organs, which is caused by mycobacteria, is called tuberculosis. This pathology occurs in both adults and children. Many parents believe that only children from socially disadvantaged families can get TB. However, this is a big misconception. Every child is at risk of contracting this infection.

The prevalence of this infection in different countries of the world is different. In economically developed countries, tuberculosis is much less common than in developing ones. This fact additionally confirms the importance of the influence of the social factor in the development of this disease. Every year, scientists conduct hundreds of different scientific studies aimed at finding new drugs that will help cope with the adverse symptoms of the disease.

The susceptibility of the child's body to various infections is quite high. This is due to the inefficient functioning of the immune system. WHO experts believe that it is possible to cope with mass outbreaks of tuberculosis in the population only by preventing new cases of the disease in adults. They identify several countries that are most disadvantaged in terms of the development of this dangerous infection in them. According to statistics, in these states, by adolescence, more than 70% of children are infected with mycobacteria.

Tuberculosis is a rather dangerous disease. More than 1.5 million people die each year from this infection. Child mortality from tuberculosis is also quite high. This trend suggests that the incidence of this infection should be carefully monitored.

In the last decade, from 1 to 10 out of 100,000 babies fall ill with tuberculosis. Most of the cases are found in Asia and Africa. In our country, pulmonary tuberculosis is a fairly common pathology.

Since Soviet times, various state medical programs have been carried out to reduce the incidence of this infection. At present, the situation regarding this disease cannot be called favorable. Doctors note that the disease in babies is quite difficult and has an unfavorable tendency to develop an infectious process not only in the lungs, but also in other internal organs.

There is historical evidence that the first cases of tuberculosis were recorded in the ancient world. Scientists were able to establish from the remains and bones of some pharaohs that they had signs of tuberculosis. This infectious disease has worried doctors for many centuries.

During the Middle Ages, it was often called "consumption". This popular name quite accurately conveys the essence of the disease - a person, having fallen ill, begins to weaken (wasting away).

For a long time, doctors believed that tuberculosis only affects the lungs. However, this is not at all the case. Modern laboratory instruments have made it possible to establish other localizations of this dangerous disease. Even hair and nails can be involved in this pathological process.

Quite often, lesions of internal organs are combined. The inflammatory process in this infectious pathology is specific. It causes special morphological and functional disorders that are not found in other infections. This type of inflammation also occurs during syphilis and leprosy.

In the development of the disease, scientists distinguish several stages. They differ significantly from each other not only in the development of adverse symptoms, but also in the characteristics of morphological disorders that occur during the course of the disease.

More about the causative agent of infection

For the first time, the microorganisms that cause this disease were identified at the end of the 19th century. This discovery was made by the outstanding scientist of those years, Robert Koch. This scientific breakthrough led to the emergence of the popular name of the causative agent of the disease, which was also called "Koch's wand."

Several centuries ago, scientists knew about only one type of mycobacteria. Currently, scientifically confirmed information has appeared that they exist in 74 different types. They are widely distributed not only among the human population, but also present in water, soil and some animals.

The pathogens that cause tuberculosis can be of various subtypes. The main causative agent of this infectious pathology in humans is Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This subtype of mycobacteria includes several more types of microorganisms that differ from each other mainly in the degree of manifestation of virulent properties and their pathogenicity.

Koch wand

The virulence of microorganisms and the initial state of the child's body determine how difficult the disease will be in the baby or everything will be limited to carriage. The causative agents of this infection are perfectly preserved in adverse environmental conditions. They are highly resistant to most acids.

In their form, mycobacteria look like elongated sticks. In length, they do not exceed 10-12 microns. The ends of the body of the microorganism are slightly rounded, which makes them look like barrels or sticks.

In the external environment, mycobacteria remain motionless, but do not form spores. The special structure of cell walls, which protect bacteria from adverse environmental influences, allows them to maintain their vital activity for a long time without losing their pathogenic properties.

Outside, these microbes are surrounded by a dense shell, which consists of several layers. Such cellular protection is like an “armor” that protects microorganisms from the effects of disinfectants.

The main properties of mycobacteria are contained in tuberculoproteins. These are special proteins that cause certain immunological reactions from the child's immune system. Such a systemic response of the child's body is called delayed-type hypersensitivity. This is a very specific mechanism for the development of immune inflammation.

The presence of certain lipids in the cellular structure of bacteria makes them more tolerant to the effects of various external chemicals and biologically active components that the immune system releases in response to these microbes entering the body.

Exposure to alcohol and some strong alkalis also does not have a detrimental effect on microorganisms. Infectious agents are perfectly preserved in house dust. In it, they can exist for several months.

There are a huge number of scientific experiments showing that mycobacteria are perfectly preserved in milk. They can remain viable for several months in soil and water.

It is important to note that boiling has a detrimental effect on microorganisms. However, for their complete death, it is necessary to boil water or other liquid containing tuberculosis pathogens for 5-10 minutes.

Under unfavorable environmental conditions, microbes enter a certain "sleeping" state. At this time, they are called L - form of mycobacteria. When they enter the children's body in favorable conditions for their life, they quickly recover and begin to exert their negative effect.

Some external factors and chemicals still have a devastating effect on the microbes that cause tuberculosis. Disinfection using chlorine-containing products helps to reduce the concentration of pathogens in the room. Quartz treatment, carried out according to a special regime, also has a pronounced detrimental effect on mycobacteria.

The causative agents of tuberculosis infection can be attributed to microorganisms that multiply for a long time. This morphological feature affects the course of the disease, as well as the duration of the appointment of appropriate treatment.

The reproduction cycle of one mycobacterial cell is about 18-20 hours. For staphylococcal flora, this time period is much shorter - 8-10 minutes. The morphological feature of the cellular structure of microbes and the rather slow rate of reproduction lead to the fact that areas of inflammatory infiltration begin to form in the affected internal organs. This is a consequence of the granulomatous process.

Outwardly, such areas look like numerous tubercles, which can be of various sizes. These formations are quite susceptible to decay.

How can a child get infected?

The most common culprit in the infection of babies is a sick person suffering from the active stage of tuberculosis. During this period of illness, he usually releases a large number of mycobacteria into the environment, so direct contact with such an infected person greatly increases the risk of possible infection with tuberculosis.

The most common mode of infection is airborne. The baby can become infected during a conversation or close communication.

Tuberculosis infection is quite common in public transport. Sharing utensils, toys and household items also contributes to a possible infection with tuberculosis.

Adults with active TB infection and shedding mycobacteria into the environment can infect a child during a kiss or a warm hug.

There are other ways of transmitting the infection. They arise in those situations when a person infected with tuberculosis has tuberculous lesions of some internal organs. So, with an infection of the bones and lymph nodes, the infection occurs through the contact-household route. In this case, mycobacteria enter the skin of a sick person through open fistulas.

With tuberculosis of the skin and nails, infection can occur when simple rules of personal hygiene are violated.

In some cases, a child can contract this infection by drinking contaminated water or milk.

Cattle are also a possible source of infectious pathology. Drinking unboiled milk from farms can cause the baby to develop tuberculosis.

In young children, the alimentary (food) route of infection is most common. The habit of putting dirty hands in your mouth outside or while playing in the sandbox with other children can also lead to possible infection.

Cases of congenital tuberculosis are also quite common in pediatric practice. Infection in this case occurs even at the stage of intrauterine development: the baby becomes infected with a tuberculosis infection while in the womb.

But not always a mother infected with tuberculosis gives birth to a baby with signs of the disease. If the pregnancy proceeds smoothly enough and without pathologies, then the risk of infection of the unborn child is significantly reduced.

A mixed variant of infection is quite rare. In this case, different mechanisms of infection lead to the development of the disease. In pediatric practice, this is mainly a combination of airborne and contact-household methods of infection transmission.

Clinical forms

Mycobacterium tuberculosis can affect a variety of internal organs. This causes the appearance of a huge variety of the most diverse clinical forms of the disease. The features of the course of the disease largely depend on the initial localization of the infectious process, as well as the state of the child's immune system.

Doctors identify several clinical variants of tuberculosis infection:

Respiratory organs

This form occupies a leading position in the structure of the incidence of this infectious pathology. It is accompanied by the development of specific changes in the lung tissue, less often the bronchi and trachea are involved in the inflammatory process. As a rule, this form of the disease is established spontaneously - during x-rays of the lungs and much less often at outpatient appointments with a doctor.

X-ray photo of tuberculosis in children

Lymph nodes

It is also a fairly common pathology in children; in adults, this form of tuberculosis is much less common. There is a high risk of infection in babies with HIV infection. Most often, groups of cervical and axillary lymph nodes are involved in the infectious process, however, other peripheral lymph nodes can also be affected. Establishing a final diagnosis is impossible without a puncture.

Kidney

This form of the disease is rare in children. It is characterized by involvement in infectious inflammation of the renal tissue. The prolonged course of tuberculosis leads to the appearance in the child of signs of functional disorders in the functioning of the kidneys. Delayed or improperly selected treatment contributes to the appearance of multiple complications in the baby, one of which is the development of renal failure.

kidney x-ray

Bones

A fairly common clinical variant in pediatric TB practice. Persistent tuberculosis of bones and joints often leads to disability in a child. Tuberculous changes can develop in almost all anatomical formations of the skeletal system. Quite often, the disease is detected already in the later stages of development.

Intrathoracic lymph nodes

A fairly common form of the disease, especially in young children. The pathological process can be unilateral or bilateral. The enlarged intrathoracic lymph nodes exert strong pressure on the adjacent bronchi, which leads to the appearance of the corresponding symptoms in the child. The first signs of the disease are often recorded already in babies at the age of 2-3 years.

nervous system

This clinical variant of the disease is perhaps one of the most severe. It is characterized by the development of tuberculous meningitis or meningoencephalitis in a child. The course of these pathologies is quite severe, characterized by the appearance of rather unpleasant symptoms that significantly disrupt the well-being of the baby. Most often, this form of the disease occurs in infants.

Gastrointestinal tract

Another favorite localization for the life of mycobacteria in the children's body is the intestines and mesenteric lymph nodes. This pathology occurs in children infrequently. Children with AIDS are more susceptible to this form of the disease. In some cases, this clinical variant of tuberculosis occurs in children with severe immunodeficiency conditions that are quite severe.

Eye

In pediatric practice, cases of this type of tuberculosis are extremely rare. The development of tuberculous conjunctivitis or keratitis is often promoted by a pronounced decrease in immunity or multiple diseases of the internal organs. Babies with pathologies of the visual apparatus are also at increased risk.

How is tuberculosis intoxication manifested?

In the development of this pathological condition, doctors distinguish several periods. The early period of tuberculosis intoxication in children and adolescents is manifested primarily by severe disorders of nervous activity. A sick child becomes more nervous, he has a nonspecific headache, fatigue, absent-mindedness. Children attending school note that they cannot concentrate on the school curriculum and do not master the educational material well.

On closer examination of the child, you can notice some changes in appearance. The sick baby becomes more pale, apathetic.

As a rule, the child develops persistent subfebrile condition. The body temperature rises to 37-37.5 degrees. Prolonged subfebrile condition significantly affects the general well-being of the child. The baby has a sharp decrease in appetite, there may be problems with the duration of sleep.

In some cases, especially in thin babies, the liver and spleen can be easily felt. A sick child may develop stool disorders, which are most often manifested by persistent constipation.

As a rule, by the end of the first month from the moment of primary infection, a specific manifestation of tuberculosis appears - tuberculin test. This reaction is manifested by a positive tuberculin test and helps to recognize the disease at a fairly early stage.

Another characteristic manifestation of the disease in the early period is the appearance of specific skin formations. This pathological condition is called erythema nodosum. It is characterized by the appearance of bright red spots, which are localized mainly on the shins.

Usually these skin rashes are preceded by a rather high increase in body temperature. Often this adverse symptom occurs in babies aged 5-6 years.

The second period of development of tuberculous intoxication is its transition to a chronic form. This period is extremely unfavorable, as it is already accompanied by the appearance of persistent morphological and functional disorders, leading to the development of specific symptoms of the disease.

A long-term illness leads to the fact that the baby is significantly behind his peers in terms of physical and mental development. A sick child looks rather pale, haggard.

Pathological changes in the lymph nodes lead to persistent functional disorders. On palpation of the peripheral lymph nodes, it is possible to determine the compaction of their structure, as well as a change in size.

In some cases, lymph nodules become similar in their density to pebbles. Chronic tuberculous intoxication is accompanied, as a rule, by the defeat of 6-9 adjacent groups of lymph nodes. This pathological condition is called micropolyadenia.

The diagnosis of this condition is established, based on the persistent preservation of positive tuberculin tests. In this case, one year must pass from the moment of the first turn.

In some cases, there is a pronounced increasing dynamics. Tuberculin tests every year in an infected child only increase. Such dynamics should be necessarily evaluated by a pediatric phthisiatrician.

In the chronic variant of tuberculous intoxication, there are already expressed numerous morphological disorders in the internal organs. Quite often they occur in the bone marrow, peripheral lymph nodes, as well as the liver, spleen and gastrointestinal tract.

The chronic period differs from the early period in the severity of all symptoms. In later stages, they proceed more vividly and greatly disturb the well-being of the baby.

Decreased appetite during chronic tuberculosis intoxication leads to the fact that the baby loses a lot of kilograms. This contributes to a pronounced lag in physical development. The child has a marked decrease in muscle mass. Such babies look asthenic, quickly lose weight.

The skin of the baby loses moisture, becomes drier to the touch. Skin turgor is markedly reduced.

The thickness of the subcutaneous tissue also noticeably decreases due to a pronounced decrease in appetite.

The well-being of the child is noticeably oppressed by constant changes in body temperature. Usually its values during this period vary from 37 to 37.5 degrees. In some cases, fever, chills may occur.

The mood and behavior of the child during this period change markedly. A long-term illness leads to the fact that the mental type of the personality of the baby also changes.

Noisy active games with friends do not bring satisfaction and joy to the child. A sick kid tries to spend more time with himself. Even habitual activities can lead to excessive fatigue.

A sick child practically cannot play sports and gets tired after a short walk.

The chronic period of tuberculous intoxication is quite dangerous, as it is accompanied by the development of numerous persistent disorders. To prevent it, timely diagnosis of the disease should be carried out. Only timely prescribed and carried out treatment will contribute to the regression of the disease.

If there is any suspicion that the baby has signs of tuberculosis, you should immediately consult a pediatric phthisiatrician for a consultation.

It is possible to determine the infection with tuberculosis, which is not accompanied by the appearance of symptoms, or the latent form of the disease using special laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods.

Symptoms

During the incubation period, there are no specific symptoms of the disease. For TB infection, this time is usually ½ to 4 months.

In the scientific literature there is evidence that in some cases the incubation period was even several years. The duration of this time is determined by the individual morphological features of the pathogen, as well as the initial parameters of the immunity of the infected baby.

Tuberculosis has different masks. The variety of symptoms can be so overwhelming that it can make clinical diagnosis difficult.

Some forms of the disease are almost asymptomatic. It is important to note that tuberculosis infections that occur without the appearance of adverse clinical signs are quite common in children.

In this case, only alternative diagnostic methods can help establish the correct diagnosis.

Tuberculosis infection is characterized by the following symptoms:

Persistent rise in temperature. This symptom persists at almost all stages of the disease. In most cases, body temperature does not rise above 37.5 degrees. Febrile condition occurs only in severe cases of the disease. An increase in temperature exhausts the baby and significantly worsens his well-being.
Severe weakness and fatigue. The child becomes quite emotional, quickly irritated by trifles. Some kids have unmotivated outbursts of anger. Quite often, sick children develop various depressive states.
Loss of appetite. This symptom accompanies all periods of the disease. A decrease in appetite leads to severe weight loss, and ultimately leads to a lag in physical development. In severe cases of the disease, sick babies can lose up to 40% of their weight.
Increased sweating. This symptom most often occurs at night. In phthisiatric practice, this clinical sign is often called a "collar symptom", since increased sweating occurs mainly in the neck. In some cases, hyperhidrosis is profuse.
Severe dryness of the skin and pathological fragility of the nails. A fairly common manifestation of tuberculosis infection is the appearance on the skin of areas with increased peeling. In adolescence, this symptom often resembles seborrheic dermatitis.

Enlargement and thickening of the lymph nodes. Almost all groups of peripheral lymph nodes are involved in the infectious process. They become dense to the touch and accessible to palpation. The affected lymph nodes increase in size several times. In severe cases, enlarged lymph nodes become visible when viewed from the side.
Severe pallor of the skin. The skin of babies becomes thinner with well-visible blood vessels. Bruises and dark circles appear under the eyes. In some cases, areas of acrocyanosis also appear around the nasolabial triangle. The long course of tuberculosis leads to the fact that the child's fingers take the form of drumsticks, and the nails look like a "watch glass".

Cardiopalmus. Tachycardia occurs not only during physical exertion, but also at complete rest. Some babies have aching and tingling sensations in the chest area.
Soreness in the joints. This symptom is very non-specific. Quite often it occurs with tuberculosis of the musculoskeletal system. Pain in the joints can appear even at rest, without making active movements. Small children experience an increase in pain while standing up or crawling.
Characteristic skin rashes, also called erythema nodosum. This form of the disease is characterized by the appearance of bright red spots that can itch and bring severe discomfort to the child. As erythema nodosum develops, the spots change color and become blue. Adverse symptoms usually persist in babies for 3-4 weeks.

How does it manifest itself in newborns?

You can get tuberculosis at any age. The first signs of the disease are sometimes found even in newborn babies. The appearance of symptoms in this case is very non-specific. It depends on the initial localization of the tuberculosis focus. In the presence of an infection in the respiratory system, the child develops clinical signs associated with a violation of the respiratory function. Tuberculosis of the internal organs is accompanied by the appearance of a wide variety of symptoms, which can be manifested by the appearance of discomfort or soreness in the abdomen, a violation of the stool, or a decrease in appetite.

Diagnostics

Only phthisiatricians establish the final diagnosis of tuberculosis. Initially, for this, doctors conduct a clinical examination of the baby, which in some cases allows you to establish signs of the disease. The diagnosis is confirmed by the results of laboratory and instrumental studies. Such an examination is carried out in a TB clinic. Laboratory analyzes consist in carrying out tuberculin tests. Tuberculin diagnostics helps to determine delayed-type hypersensitivity to specific proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. According to its chemical structure, tuberculin is a special substance that is a purified tuberculosis toxin. Its introduction into the child's body is not able to lead to infection of the baby with tuberculosis.

Negative the reaction is the absence of a red bright spot in the area of \u200b\u200bthe needle insertion.
Doubtful sample- this is the appearance of a speck of hyperemia, up to ½ cm in size.
With a positive reaction skin papule exceeds 5 mm in size.
With a hyperergic reaction the size of the red spot at the injection site exceeds 17 mm or a bubble (vesicle) is formed, filled from the inside with serous fluid.

All positive and hyperergic reactions require mandatory additional diagnostic methods to exclude signs of tuberculosis in a child. These studies are necessary to determine the norm or pathology.

In complex clinical cases, it is necessary to PCR diagnostics. This method has high sensitivity and specificity, which makes it possible to establish the presence of mycobacteria in the child's body quite accurately.

The most modern examination method, which is carried out to diagnose tuberculosis, is called spot research. This immunological test has been carried out in Russia since 2012.

The material for the study is venous blood. Its duration usually takes 3-4 days. The information content of this test is from 95 to 98%, and the sensitivity varies from 85 to 98%.

A modern and accurate alternative to the usual diagnostic tests for tuberculosis - carrying out Diaskintest. The use of this method makes it possible to detect both active and latent forms of the disease. The essence of the study is the introduction of protein allergens into the skin to determine a specific immune response. A positive result of this test indicates that the child's body is already familiar with the infectious agent introduced into it.

Parents are often mistaken, considering Diaskintest to be a vaccination. It's not like that at all. This study is carried out for diagnostic purposes only and is necessary to establish the correct diagnosis. Evaluate the result for 2-3 days after the introduction of the allergen.

In a child who has not had a previous infection with tuberculosis, no red spots or swelling appear at the injection site.

Treatment

For the treatment of the disease, various combinations of anti-tuberculosis drugs are used. These funds are assigned to a permanent intake: omissions and short-term cancellation of these drugs are not allowed. The duration of treatment is usually from 6 months to several years.

Tuberculosis therapy is carried out in the conditions of special phthisiatric hospitals. For the treatment of tuberculosis infection, multicomponent treatment is prescribed. It includes the appointment of several drugs at the same time.

The first treatment regimen, which was used to eliminate the adverse manifestations of the disease in our country, was three-component. It included taking three first-line drugs: streptomycin, isoniazid, and para-aminosalicylic acid. For quite a long time, such treatment was successfully used in phthisiology and brought a positive result.

Due to the fact that microbes quickly mutate and change their properties, the three-component scheme for tuberculosis therapy was replaced by a four-component one. It is currently being used to treat babies infected with susceptible strains. This regimen includes streptomycin or kanamycin, rafabutin or rifampicin, isoniazid or ftivazid, and pyrazinamide or ethionamide.

For centuries, physicians have been talking about the importance and effectiveness of sanatorium-and-spa treatment young patients suffering from tuberculosis.

A combination of various physiotherapy techniques, a balanced high-calorie diet and fresh air help to significantly restore a child's body weakened during an illness.

It is desirable that the child undergo such treatment every year: this is an excellent prevention of the progression of the disease. If medical therapy fails, doctors may recommend surgery.

Indications for surgery are determined by the attending physician. Most often, operations are performed if the baby has pathological formations in the lungs, which occur with pulmonary tuberculosis and are called caverns. After the operation, the child is prescribed general strengthening treatment.

Clinical examination of children with tuberculosis is carried out taking into account their distribution by dispensary registration groups. There are currently 7 groups. Toddlers and adolescents are under the supervision of a pediatric TB specialist until the age of 18 years. For each dispensary group, there is a certain frequency and timing of tests for the isolation of mycobacteria and preventive treatment.

Watch the next video program "Live healthy" with Elena Malysheva, dedicated to tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is a disease that affects not only adults, it often affects children as well. In the early stages of development, the disease has symptoms that are mild, which makes it difficult to diagnose. Therefore, the task of parents is to determine the disease at the initial stage, when it did not give serious complications. To do this, it is important to know the following signs of tuberculosis in the early stages in children.

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by Koch's wand. Previously, the disease was taken as fatal, it was called consumption. There are three varieties of this disease:

In addition to the airborne method, the disease can be transmitted through food, usually of animal origin.

The skin is also a possible route of transmission. Children become infected through direct contact with sick people.

Disease Definition

School-age children are usually affected. There is one main way - the Mantoux test. It makes it possible to determine the infection in the child's body.

Difficulties in identifying the disease are that parents often do not notice the symptoms that the initial stage of tuberculosis practically does not show. This is due to the fact that in the modern world, the employment of people has increased significantly, so many things are left without attention. And although this applies to the health of the child, such signs as fatigue, lack of appetite, often go unnoticed, since they are also inherent in healthy children.

In the first days of life after birth, children are given lungs. It allows you to avoid the serious consequences of the disease, as well as to determine it at the initial stage of development. Starting from the age of six, the child is given Mantoux, the reaction of which reveals the presence or absence of infection in the child's body. This check is carried out every year. If present in the body, a Mantoux reaction is observed. Its signs are redness and itching at the injection site, as well as an increase in the diameter of the spot. When such symptoms are determined, a second Mantoux test is done. In a similar situation, the child is sent for an examination, which is carried out by a phthisiatrician.

Signs of illness

Certain symptoms indicate the presence at the initial stage of development. These include fatigue, lethargy, weight loss. Given the current conditions, when a child is too busy with lessons, it is not always possible to recognize such symptoms. Often, parents attribute them to workload, and not to the development of the disease. Therefore, it is recommended to pay close attention to the condition of children, to take into account each symptom. As they say, it is better to worry once again than to miss the moment when the disease can be cured at an early stage.

To the above-described signs of pulmonary tuberculosis at the initial stage of development, symptoms such as headache, cough, swollen lymph nodes, and fever are added. Very often, parents confuse them with SARS or influenza. In the case when the high temperature is maintained for a long time (about 3 weeks), and the cough does not stop, it is worth making sure that the child has an X-ray examination. It will help determine whether pulmonary tuberculosis develops in a child's body.

In addition, the doctor will prescribe urine and blood tests. A high level of protein in the urine indicates the presence of lung disease. In this case, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the blood is increased. A similar condition is often observed with the development of tuberculous intoxication.

The first stage of the disease is recommended to be determined in a timely manner. Usually, complex therapy, which combines drug treatment, physical activity, a sufficient amount of fresh air, and the right diet, allows you to quickly get rid of tuberculosis intoxication and avoid possible complications.

Symptoms of early tuberculosis intoxication

often found in children. There is no obvious localization of the disease, therefore it is difficult to identify it in time. The symptoms are:

irritability, irritability, sleep disturbance, inattention, headache;
in children with a lack of weight, an enlarged liver and spleen are diagnosed;
an allergy occurs on the front of the legs, which differs from other similar manifestations (hot swelling that has a reddish color, does not have clear boundaries);
positive reaction after the Mantoux test.

Signs of primary tuberculosis complex

This disease is quite insidious, since its symptoms are similar to influenza and SARS. At the same time, in children, changes in the body that are atypical for such diseases occur. In connection with the defeat of the lungs, shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing occur during breathing. In the early stages of development, the lymph nodes may be normal. But when conducting an X-ray examination, darkening is visible in the area of \u200b\u200bthe root of the lungs.

Signs of focal pulmonary tuberculosis

Children aged 7-18 are affected. At the initial stage, the disease proceeds without visible symptoms. As a rule, focal pulmonary tuberculosis is detected in children after an X-ray examination. In some cases, the symptoms of the disease are manifested in a dry cough, sometimes accompanied by sputum. Rarely, streaks of blood are seen in it. Both lungs can be affected, but unilateral damage is often observed.

Symptoms of infiltrative tuberculosis

This type of disease is common. It mostly occurs in teenagers. If done in a timely manner, it goes away without complications. But the difficulty lies in the fact that it is quite difficult to recognize it in the initial stages, since its symptoms are similar to those of respiratory diseases. The patient feels a slight weakness, which often does not pay attention. Appetite decreases slightly or body temperature rises. But often there are no symptoms at all.

Signs of acute disseminated tuberculosis

This type of disease manifests itself in newborns or in children at an early age who have reduced immunity. The disease is accompanied by various symptoms. These include wheezing that can be heard when breathing, fever up to 40 degrees, enlargement of the liver and spleen. Mantoux gives a negative reaction, which turns out to be false. Breathing is hard and dry.

The results of a blood test show an increased ESR, leukocytosis is observed. In the first days of the development of the disease, X-ray images show only a loss of transparency in the lungs, as well as a blurred vascular pattern.

Tuberculous meningitis

With this disease, inflammatory processes occur in the soft membranes of the brain. The onset of the disease is characterized by the manifestation of symptoms such as general malaise, constipation, sleep disturbance, irritability. There is a fear of light. Then there is a headache, which is accompanied by vomiting. The acute course of the disease passes with fever, characterized by meningeal symptoms. There are pains in the abdomen, which are quite intense. If the child is placed on his back, his leg cannot be straightened.

Tuberculous bronchoadenitis

With this type of disease, the roots of the lung are affected. In children, the disease can be asymptomatic or accompanied by characteristic signs. Body temperature can be subfebrile, and then jump sharply to high levels. With an increase in the lymph nodes and squeezing the bronchi with them, a cough occurs, which has a paroxysmal character.

After the child recovers, he is at risk for some time, since a relapse of the disease is possible.

Not only that, it can progress into a new form. Such complications mainly occur in cases where foci of any form remain, calcifications in the lymph nodes or the lung, bronchiectasis, and so on.

As for treatment, anti-tuberculosis drugs and antibacterial agents are mandatory. Usually therapy is carried out for a long time, various combinations of antibiotics may be prescribed. It is worth noting such an important fact that during anti-tuberculosis treatment, mycobacteria turn into different forms. If therapy is stopped prematurely, they are activated, which is accompanied by increased symptoms and all sorts of complications. Pathogenetic agents contribute to the provision of restorative, detoxifying, immunomodulatory effects.

Thus, the task of parents is to closely monitor the condition of children, as well as seek medical help when the first symptoms appear. Let them be false. This is still better than not undergoing adequate treatment and letting the disease take its course. Do not forget about the timely Mantoux test, the reaction of which can be used to judge the presence of the disease.

Symptoms of tuberculosis develop more rapidly in children than in adults. This is due to the structure of the body and the pulmonary system. In order to identify the presented manifestations, it is necessary to conduct a diagnostic examination. In accordance with its results, prevention and treatment of tuberculosis in children is prescribed. About all this further.

Tuberculosis in childhood can be associated not only with the work of the pulmonary system, but also with degrading processes in the brain, bone skeleton and other parts of the body. Symptoms in this case will be different: a cough may appear, general fatigue - the manifestations vary depending on the state of the body and how serious the infection is.

The most difficult are the manifestations of tuberculosis in infants. This is due to the impossibility of identifying the diagnosis and applying the necessary instrumental methods. In childhood, the symptoms of a pathological condition develop in accordance with a certain algorithm. However, with additional infection or if infection joins, extraneous symptoms may be connected to the child's condition.

About how to check and identify a tuberculous lesion, how a cough develops at different ages - from 1 to 15 years, what a test is and more.

Manifestations in infants

Infant age - an infant - is determined up to one year. In this case, the form of tuberculosis infection can be genetic or acquired. The symptoms of the states differ from each other. Pulmonologists note the following common symptoms that should cause alarm in parents, because they indicate tuberculosis in children:

aggravation of the state of health - weakness and lethargy, low mobility, progressive lethargy;
problematic implementation of the respiratory processes, which can be expressed in periodic attacks of suffocation or severe coughing;
the retraction of one of the parts of the chest - the one that was affected by the virus or infection - a special test will determine this with 100% accuracy.

The symptoms of lung damage in an infant are accompanied by weight loss - actual and muscle.

At the same time, maximum apathy is identified: the child stops crying, loses appetite and other vital functions. Cough takes the form of a permanent one, as a result of which the child develops insomnia.

In order to cope with the presented condition, correct diagnosis and prevention will be required. Tuberculosis in infancy is the most dangerous because it is identified late and, accordingly, there is no possibility of an early start of the recovery process. About what are the symptoms of lung damage in older children further.

Symptoms up to 5-8 years

In the case of the formation of tuberculosis in a child from 5 to 8 years, the identification of the diagnosis and the appointment of a rehabilitation course is facilitated. This is due to more pronounced symptoms, more powerful internal body defenses, as well as the fact that older children will be able to explain what manifestations torment them and how long it lasts.

The initial symptoms of infection do not affect the activity of the lungs, but affect the aggravation of well-being. The presented signs are expressed in the appearance of severe weakness, a decrease in the previous degree of physical activity. The lack of appetite and sleep gradually joins the sensations. The child begins to change weight in a smaller direction.

With varying speed, cough and other characteristic signs, indicating problematic lung function, join the symptoms presented. Visually, the confluence of one of the parts of the chest can be noted - the one that has been affected. Prevention of the condition in this case implies not only the beginning of a recovery course, but placement in a hospital and the exclusion of any contact with people. This will avoid infection and other negative consequences. It is possible to identify tuberculosis in children only with the help of a full diagnostic examination. About what are the symptoms of the disease in adolescents further.

Signs of illness in teenagers

Symptoms of tuberculosis in children from 8 to 14 years old have certain features in the developmental algorithm compared to younger and infancy. The criteria presented include the following:

a feeling of severe weakness and apathy quickly begins to be accompanied by painful sensations in the lungs of a child;
coughing urges become more active, gradually acquiring the status of permanent ones (a special infectious test is needed to determine why the wand was formed);
shortness of breath, unusual for children, is formed even at rest, which greatly aggravates the life of the child.

There is a change in the structure of the chest - its confluence or retraction of only one of the parts, most often affected by tuberculosis. The symptoms of forced pulmonary lesions may be accompanied by a change in the condition of the skin. At the same time, the color changes, the epidermis becomes thinner, wounds and cracks can form. To identify the condition, a test is carried out, which is necessary at each stage of the development of tuberculosis.

The symptoms of damage to the lung system may be accompanied by more rare signs indicating tuberculosis in children. This is a change in the size of the lymph nodes, forced hemoptysis and others.

The most rare manifestations

Speaking about the rare symptoms that accompany tuberculous pathology in a child under 14-15 years old, it should be noted that they manifest themselves with pathological problems of the body or a late recovery process. Such symptoms of tuberculosis in children are not expressed in individual sensations, because when they occur, the body is already extremely weakened.

The child develops hemoptysis at the last stage of the development of tuberculosis pathology. When joining the state of health of children does not change for better or for worse. However, when coughing and hemoptysis begin, children under 15 years of age develop severe pain.

Speaking about the change in the structure and thickness of the lymph nodes, it should be noted that the axillary and cervical structures are changing. Less commonly, inguinal lymph nodes in boys undergo changes, for the identification of which a special test is carried out. Acute, or the last stage of tuberculous pathology, is accompanied by symptoms of lung intoxication, which will be discussed later. In 80% of cases, it is formed in older children, that is, after 15 years.

Symptoms of intoxication

Intoxication damage to the body indicates tuberculosis in children and adolescents up to 14-15 years of age in the acute phase. The presented pathological condition is accompanied by characteristic symptoms, namely:

The first signs of intoxication are perceived as malaise or problems with the stomach, intestines - due to the inability to eat food.

It should be noted that, according to pulmonologists, the presented pathological condition within the framework of tuberculosis is extremely dangerous, because it can provoke critical changes in the functioning of the body.

In children under 15-16 years of age, it can cause blindness, hearing or smell impairment. In order to cope with the presented condition or exclude it, prevention, a correct recovery course is necessary. What are the symptoms below.

Signs of complications

Tuberculosis of the pulmonary system is a disease that is associated with the development of complications. We are talking about the aggravation of the work of internal organs: the heart, liver, kidneys, the skeleton, bone tissues and other systems can be destroyed. The first sensations in children from 1 to 15-16 years old can be very different, depending on which of the systems has been affected.

We can talk about pain in the heart, itching in the limbs, tachycardia, pain in the joints. Complications in tuberculosis pathology are characterized by a long and problematic course, they develop more acutely and more painfully than without the connection of the disease. To determine the exact location of the lesion, a special test and full-fledged prophylaxis are necessary.

One of the most specific complications is a violation of the hormonal structure of the body, which is expressed in an additional deterioration in well-being, an increase in weight, as well as attacks of aggression and changeable behavior (the latter occurs less frequently). In order to cope with the presented conditions and prevent the development of complications, diagnostics and prevention are required for children under 15-16 years old.

Diagnostic measures

The sooner the first examinations are carried out, the sooner an absolute recovery will come and the child will be able to maintain 100% vital activity. Diagnosis should include the phased observance of the following recommendations:

In order for the diagnostic examination and prevention to be complete, a special sample is needed. It includes the study of sputum, urine, blood to determine the virus and other nuances of the development of the tuberculosis process.

It should be noted that with little information or aggravation of symptoms, it may be necessary to repeat the diagnosis, as well as the use of additional examination methods. These include activities such as CT, MRI, which are undesirable for children under 5-6. However, in extreme cases, this is acceptable, for example, when tuberculosis pathology of the lungs develops very quickly. About what else you should know about the diagnosis of the disease and when the test is carried out, further.

More about diagnostics

In order for the diagnosis of lung disease to be the most informative and reflect the real dynamics of the development of the pathological condition, it is necessary to carry it out according to a certain algorithm. The presented measures are shown when the primary symptoms are formed, after 50% of the recovery cycle and after its final completion.

In the future, for constant monitoring of the condition, the implementation of diagnostic measures every 6-7 months is shown. In addition, if there are complications from other body systems (heart, kidneys, liver), their separate diagnosis is necessary. For absolute certainty, it is recommended that it be differential, that is, it makes it possible to distinguish the symptoms of tuberculosis from other diseases.

For these purposes, a special problem is needed, as well as an instrumental study of the pulmonary system. About how treatment and prevention is carried out in children up to 15-16 years of age further.

Recovery course

Childhood TB is curable, but certain conditions must be met. Considering that this is a whole complex of measures, their moderate and correct combination is required. Therapeutic measures should be individually selected by a pulmonologist or phthisiatrician. This is influenced by the results of the diagnostic examination, the test performed and other important results.

You should pay attention to the following points:

the introduction of a symptomatic course is shown, that is, the fight against such processes as cough, pain, inflammation;
since the child's body is not fully formed, the use of certain medications - hormonal and others, is undesirable;
the use of any drugs should be started with minimal dosages, gradually bringing them to larger ones.

Together with the presented activities, the introduction of additional techniques is shown. We are talking about massages, compresses, cupping and everything that allows you to speed up the excretion of sputum, relieve coughs and cope with debilitating symptoms. Learn more about preventive recovery.

General prevention

In order to eliminate coughing in the future, as well as other unpleasant consequences, preventive measures are taken. They are based on maintaining an active lifestyle, for example, children are shown daily walks, morning exercises and airing the premises. A desirable measure is the introduction of hardening of the body, namely contrast showers and more.

Annual visits to seaside resorts and special sanatoriums are required.

This will improve the immune protection of the body, normalize metabolism. The addition will be dietary nutrition and the use of vitamin and mineral complexes.

Each of the presented measures should be prescribed individually by a pulmonologist. This will allow you to control the condition of the child, avoid the formation of complications and critical consequences. In the future, it is recommended to carry out and do other vaccinations every year that strengthen the structure of the body.

The symptomatology of tuberculosis in childhood has differences depending on the age of formation of the pathological condition. In order to cope with the presented disease, preventive treatment and therapy are necessary. With this approach, the child's body will be restored and the child will be able to continue 100% of life.