In recent days, there has been a significant increase in the number of pediatric HFMD patients in the outpatient clinic.
Three years ago, after diagnosing HFMD in the outpatient clinic, we would explain to the parents of the children that this is a viral infection, which is contagious to a certain extent, and there is no special treatment. Zhou Haoquan, Department of Pediatrics, Anhui Provincial Hospital
However, in the past two years, hand, foot and mouth disease can not be ignored, the condition is dangerous and even life-threatening. Why? This we have to start from the pathogenesis of HFMD. Hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by enterovirus infection, in the past, mainly coxsackievirus, echovirus and other infections, can be manifested as hand, foot palm side herpes, oral pharyngeal herpes, can have a fever, but also a normal temperature. In the last two years, many cases, especially in seriously ill children, are mostly due to enterovirus EV71 infection, which is serious and life-threatening in severe cases.
Hand, foot and mouth disease due to EV71 infection had an epidemic in Taiwan, China in the late 70s, and coincidentally, it was also the first to attract great attention from the whole society with major medical disputes. Because the disease was mild in the past, parents could not accept that some children suddenly died because of the disease. 2 years ago in Fuyang, our province, the first epidemic is also the same, doctors are difficult to do ah.
EV71 infection of hand, foot and mouth disease, has the following characteristics: (1) the disease is heavy, some patients at the beginning of the disease is a sharp turn, and soon developed into neurogenic pulmonary edema or severe encephalitis, almost do not give you the opportunity to rescue. (2) The younger the child the more severe the disease, under 3 years of age is an important risk factor. (3) Hand and foot tremors and startled jumping are often a harbinger of serious illness. (4) The less obvious the rash on the hands and feet, the more severe the disease. (5) High blood count is serious, and children with severe disease often have elevated blood sugar in the early stages. (6) The vital signs of the child should be closely observed during the first five days of the disease, because most of the changes in the disease appear in the first five days, especially the first three days.
Once fever and hand and foot rash appear, seek immediate medical attention. Mild cases can go home and take oral medication. Those who are young, have high fever or have shaking hands and feet and startled jumping should be kept in the hospital for observation or hospitalization.