Rhinovirus infection in children

Rhinovirus infection, or contagious runny nose (common cold), is an acute viral disease of the respiratory tract with predominant damage to the mucous membrane of the nose and nasopharynx.

Epidemiology

Rhinovirus infection is widespread, but is most common in countries with moderate and cold climates. It is registered in the form of epidemic outbreaks, especially in large cities, usually in cold and damp seasons (autumn, winter). Sporadic cases are registered all year round. The source of infection are sick people and virus carriers. The route of transmission is airborne. Although transmission of infection through household items and toys is possible, it occurs extremely rarely due to the instability of the virus. The duration of the infectious period is about 5 days.

Susceptibility to rhinovirus infection is universal, but children in the first 6 months of life are relatively insensitive due to passive immunity. The highest incidence is in children, especially those attending kindergartens and schools. When a virus that has not previously circulated in a given area is introduced, almost everyone who has been in contact with the source of infection becomes ill, including children in the first months of life. After the disease, a short-term type-specific immunity is formed. It is assumed that resistance to infection is determined not by serum, but by specific antibodies (IgA) of the nasopharynx.

Causes of rhinovirus infection

There are 113 known serovars of rhinoviruses, and cross-serological reactions have been identified between individual serovars. As a subgroup, rhinoviruses are included in the picornavirus group. Virions are 20-30 nm in diameter and contain RNA. Many properties of rhinoviruses are similar to those of enteroviruses. They reproduce well in human embryonic lung fibroblast cultures and in organ cultures of human and ferret tracheal epithelium. They are unstable in the environment.

Pathogenesis of rhinovirus infection

The entry point of infection is the nasal mucosa. Virus proliferation in the epithelial cells of the upper respiratory tract leads to the emergence of a local focus of inflammation, which is accompanied by swelling of the mucous membrane, pronounced hypersecretion. In severe cases, the virus may penetrate from the primary localization site into the general bloodstream, causing viremia, which is clinically accompanied by general weakness, fatigue, muscle pain, etc. Due to the weakening of local protection, a bacterial infection may become active, which causes complications - otitis, tracheobronchitis, pneumonia.

Causes and pathogenesis of rhinovirus infection

Symptoms of rhinovirus infection

The incubation period is from 1 to 5 days, more often 2-3 days. The disease begins acutely with general malaise, chills, subfebrile body temperature, nasal congestion, sneezing, sensation of a foreign body in the throat or awkwardness, scratching, coughing. Mild pain in the bridge of the nose and body aches are often noted. By the end of the first day, the nose is completely blocked. Copious watery-serous discharge appears. The mucous membrane of the nasal cavity is hyperemic, edematous. Due to abundant nasal discharge and frequent use of handkerchiefs, the skin of the vestibule of the nose is macerated. Sometimes herpes appears on the lips and in the vestibule of the nose. The child's face is somewhat pasty, there is profuse lacrimation from the eyes, the sclera are injected. Mild hyperemia and swelling of the mucous membrane of the palatine tonsils and anterior arches are possible. back wall of the pharynx. Sometimes children complain of heaviness in the nasal area, complete loss of smell, taste, and hearing loss.

Symptoms of rhinovirus infection

Diagnosis of rhinovirus infection

Rhinovirus infection is diagnosed based on abundant mucous discharge from the nose, maceration of the skin in its vestibule, mild malaise and coughing with normal or subfebrile body temperature. Epidemiological data on similar diseases in people around the child are of great importance.

Treatment of rhinovirus infection

Treatment is mainly symptomatic. To improve nasal breathing, it is recommended to instill vasoconstrictors into the nasal cavity: 1 or 2% ephedrine hydrochloride solution, 0.05% naphthyzine or galazolin solution, boric-adrenaline drops, 1-2 drops in each nasal passage 3 times a day. Warm drinks, hot foot baths are recommended, in case of headache, paracetamol (Children's Panadol) is given at a dose of 15 mg / kg of the child's body weight, antihistamines (suprastin, tavegil), calcium gluconate. On the 1st day of illness, leukocyte interferon-alpha can be sprayed into the nasal passages. In more severe cases, immunocorrectors (arbidol, children's anaferon, kagocel, amixin, gepon) are indicated, as well as erespal, aflubin, etc.

Diagnosis and treatment of rhinovirus infection

Forecast

Favorable.

Prevention

General anti-epidemic measures are carried out (early isolation of patients, ventilation, wet cleaning with disinfectant solutions, ultraviolet irradiation).

For prophylactic purposes, leukocyte interferon is sprayed into the nasal passages. Specific prophylaxis has not been developed.

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