Managing Adenovirus Pneumonia in Infants

Introduction:

Adenoviruses induce various infections in children, such as the common cold and eye infection, commonly called pink eye, croup, bronchitis, and pneumonia. In infants, these viruses can also cause infections of the gastrointestinal tract. Kids under five years old are more susceptible to this infection. These common viral infections are contagious mainly among children, especially school-going children and the children at daycare, through the infected person's respiratory droplets or contaminated surfaces. These infections commonly occur during winter, spring, and early summer seasons but can also happen at any time throughout the year. Adenovirus pneumonia in children can generate respiratory failure and extreme pulmonary morbidity.

What Are the Causes of Adenovirus Infections?

The causes of infections are adenoviruses. Younger children are more prone to these infections because they are less capable of maintaining hygiene and cannot wash their hands. Respiratory infections spread when a person coughs or sneezes; they can also spread by touching door knobs, toys, etc. The virus lives for more hours on knobs, toys, and wooden surfaces. School-going children and the children at daycare also are at higher risk of adenovirus infections. Toddlers are also at higher risk because children at this age explore new things and start keeping everything in their mouth, which causes the germs on the contaminated surfaces to enter the oral cavity resulting in an infection.

The utmost care and hygiene precautions are required with the infants around; because of their low immunity, they are more prone to various conditions which may cause them to be sick. Once the baby falls sick, there is an incubation period of two days to two weeks for the baby to fall ill.

Digestive tract infections can also cause adenovirus infection, which is spread through fecal-oral transmission. This is typically induced as the child would not wash their hands often or properly or eat food that is contaminated.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Adenovirus Infections?

Most adenovirus infection symptoms vary from child to child, and the severity ranges from mild to moderate. The symptoms may be either respiratory or digestive tract infections. Generally, the symptoms start from two days to 14 days after exposure to the adenovirus. The symptoms usually include:

• Watery fluid discharge runs through the nose. Initially, the release may be light and transparent; later, it may be yellowish and thick.

• Painful sore throat.

• Recurrent sneezing.

• Severe cough.

• Painful swollen lymph nodes.

• Fever.

• Pink eye or conjunctivitis.

• Headache.

The symptoms of digestive tract infection may start from three to ten days after exposure to the adenovirus. Although the conditions usually occur in children under five years of age. The fecal-oral transmission causes these digestive tract infections because the child does not wash their hands properly. The symptoms include:

• Fever.

• Abdominal pain or belly pain.

• Vomitings.

• Sudden Onset of watery stools or diarrhea.

Some others may have severe abdominal cramps and urinary infections that may cause bladder pain and blood in their urine.

What Are The Risk Factors For Adenovirus Infections?

The risk factors for adenovirus infections are:

• Children are very young, from six months to two years of age.

• Children in very unhygienic surroundings are more likely to be affected by adenovirus.

• Children who have low immunity.

• Preterm infants.

How to Diagnose Adenovirus Infections in Children?

The diagnostic tests are performed on children with serious complications. First, the healthcare provider does the proper physical and general examination and, if required, will recommend various diagnostic methods such as:

• A swab test is done by placing a swab in the nose, eye, or throat.

• Stool sample test to check for digestive tract infections.

• X-rays are done to check for any complications in the lungs.

How Are Adenovirus Infections Treated in Children?

Treatment of adenovirus infections depends on the age, the severity of infections, and the symptoms a child exhibits. Antibiotics are not used to treat adenovirus infections. The following are the various treatment options for adenoviruses that cause respiratory illness:

• Make sure the child is hydrated properly; if required, intravenous fluids have to be started.

• Bronchodilators are recommended if there is any congestion in the lungs that is caused by adenovirus infections.

• The child may need mechanical ventilation if he or she is having difficulty breathing.

The following are the treatment options for adenovirus infections that affect the digestive tract:

• For infants, make sure the child is hydrated and they get sufficient amounts of breast milk or formula milk. In young children, make sure the electrolyte balance is maintained properly.

• Intravenous fluids are recommended through a small tiny tube into the vein.

• Blood tests are done to know the blood sugar levels and electrolyte levels in the children.

What Are the Complications of Adenovirus Infections?

The following are the possible complications of adenovirus infections:

• Chronic lung diseases.

• Severe infections weaken the immune system of the child.

• Intussusception, which is a serious condition, occurs due to a digestive tract infection.

How to Prevent Adenovirus Infections in Children?

It is very important to take proper precautions to protect from adenovirus infections. The following are the measures that are recommended to follow in order to prevent infections.

• Wash hands before and after touching an infant. It is very important because infants have very low developed immunity and are prone to various infections.

• Make sure the child washes his or her hands thoroughly before eating food and after using the bathroom.

• Train the child to cover his or her mouth with a hand or mask while sneezing and coughing.

Conclusion:

Adenoviruses are a group of infections that cause various infections in children, such as the common cold and eye infection, commonly called pink eye, croup, bronchitis, and pneumonia. In infants, these viruses can also cause infections of the gastrointestinal tract. As there is no specific treatment available for adenovirus infection, It is very important to take proper precautions to protect from adenovirus infections. It is also significant to practice good hygiene, like washing hands properly and covering mouth and nose with a towel while sneezing. These all can help to prevent the spread of infection.