Paeds Flashcards
How is varicella zoster spread?
Transmitted by droplet spread
What happens when varicella zoster reactivates?
Reactivation is dermatomal and leads to shingles
How do you treat varicella zoster?
Oral acyclovir is given within 48 hours of rash
Paracetemol isn’t recommended- can cause skin problems in rare cases
Taking baths, calamine lotions, loose clothing
Paracetemol
Keep children away from pregnant women
How does varicella zoster present?
Itchy fluid filled blisters which turn into scabs Fever Loss of appetite Headache Tiredness
Wha are some complications of varicella zoster?
Ramsay hunt syndrome Thrombocytopenic Sepsis Encephalitis Foetal abnormalities in pregnant women Dehydration
What is measles?
Paramyxovirus spread from person to person through droplets in air
It is a vaccine preventable disease
Once inside your body, the virus multiplies in the back of your throat and lungs before your whole body
How do you treat measles?
Make sure your child is getting plenty of rest and plenty of fluids (warm drinks)
Paracetemol
Petroleum jelly around lips to protect skin
Wash eyelids with warm water
What are the symptoms of measles
The 3 C’s: conjunctivitis, coryza, cough
Red blotchy Maculopapular rash
Koplik spots
What aid the MMR vaccine?
Protects against mumps, measles and rubella
Injection at 12 to 13 months and 40 months
What is mumps?
Contagious viral infection, most common in children aged 5-15
Recognised by the painful swellings at the side of the face (enlarged parotid glands)
Another paramyxovirus
Can sometimes spread into the CSF fluid and affect the brain, pancreas and testes!!!
What is a complication of mumps for boys?
Orchitis
What would you recommend to someone with mumps
Bed rest OTC pain relief Fluids, avoid acidic drinks Apply cold compress to swollen glands Eat foods that don’t require chewing
What are the symptoms of mumps
Pain and tenderness when swallowing Unwell High temp Discomfort when eating Headache Joint pain
How is mumps spread?
Coughing and sneezing
What is croup?
Viral infection causing swelling of the trachea, bronchi and vocal chords, the swallowing makes the airway narrower
What does croup present with?
Distinctive barking cough and stridor
What may a child have symptoms of before croup?
Cold
A runny nose, sore throat, fever and irritability
Harsh, barking cough
When should you seek medical help?
Your child has difficulty breathing Noisy breathing Effort of breathing is tiring child Floppy Child can’t swallow
What is colic defined as?
Crying for 3 or more hours a day, 3 or more days a week, for 3 or more weeks
What are the causes of colic?
Digestive system that isn’t fully developed
Imbalance of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract
Food allergies or intolerances
Overfeeding, underfeeding, infrequent burping
Etccccc
What is the treatment for colic
Rubbing your infants tummy
Warm bath
Dimming lights and limiting other visual stimulation
Taking infant for a car ride or on a wal,k
Trial a diet
Feeding practises
What is whooping cough (pertussis)
A highly infectious bacteria, infection of the lungs passed on through close personal contact, sneezing and coughing
Can whooping cough be prevented?
Yes a series of injections is used (5)
What complications may a child with whooping cough develop?
Bruised/cracked ribs
Abdominal hernias
Broken blood vessels in the skin or whites of your eyes
In infants- pneumonia, slowed or stopped breathing, dehydration or weight loss
