Tests for detecting and treating childhood infections

Children's health is the most important thing that parents should take care of. During childhood, a child's body is actively developing and forming, so it is vulnerable to various infections. Below we will consider the most common childhood diseases, their characteristics, as well as modern approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

1. Varicella

   • Symptoms: characteristic rash in the form of blisters, itching, fever.
   • Treatment: mainly symptomatic – reducing fever, treating rashes with special agents.
   • Complications: bacterial infections at the site of the rash are possible.
   • Tests: complete blood count, PCR diagnostics for the chickenpox virus.

2. Measles

   • Symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, characteristic rash.
   • Treatment: antiviral therapy, plenty of drinking, vitamin therapy.
   • Prevention: vaccination.
   • Tests: antibodies to the measles virus (IgM, IgG), complete blood count.

3. Rubella

   • Symptoms: small red rash, enlarged lymph nodes, moderate fever.
   • Complications: Especially dangerous during pregnancy due to risk to the fetus.
   • Treatment: symptomatic therapy.
   • Tests: antibodies to the rubella virus (IgM, IgG).

4. Scarlet fever

   • Symptoms: high fever, headache, rash, specific “crimson” tongue.
   • Cause: Group A streptococcus bacteria.
   • Treatment: antibiotics, lowering fever, maintaining hygiene.
   • Tests: throat swab, complete blood count, strep test.

5. Pseudotuberculosis

   • Symptoms: fever, abdominal pain, skin rash, intoxication.
   • Source of infection: products contaminated with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis bacteria.
   • Treatment: antibacterial therapy.
   • Tests: stool culture, blood test for antibodies to Yersinia.

6. Infectious mononucleosis

   • Symptoms: enlarged lymph nodes, sore throat, fever, weakness.
   • Cause: Epstein-Barr virus.
   • Treatment: immunostimulants, plenty of drinking, vitamins.
   • Tests: antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus (IgM, IgG), complete blood count (mononuclear cells).

7. Meningococcal infection

   • Symptoms: sudden onset of high fever, headache, vomiting, rash.
   • Complications: meningitis, sepsis.
   • Treatment: hospitalization, antibiotic therapy.
   • Tests: blood culture, cerebrospinal fluid (lumbar puncture).

The role of modern diagnostics

An important stage in the fight against childhood infections is timely and accurate diagnosis. Laboratory Medilab.km.ua offers a wide range of tests that will help identify the causative agent of the disease and determine the child's health status. Blood tests, urine tests, specific antibody tests - all this allows doctors to effectively select treatment and prevent possible complications.

What tests need to be taken?

1. Complete blood count. One of the basic tests that detects signs of inflammation, hemoglobin levels, and other important indicators.
2. Antibodies to viruses. Determining IgM and IgG helps determine whether there is an active infection or immunity.
3. PCR diagnostics. A method that allows you to detect the DNA or RNA of the pathogen.
4. Backsowing. Used to identify bacteria, for example in the case of meningococcal infection or scarlet fever.
5. Urine tests. They allow you to assess the condition of the excretory system, which may be disrupted during infections.
6. Lumbar puncture. It is performed when meningitis is suspected to examine the cerebrospinal fluid.

Children's infectious diseases often cause anxiety among parents. However, thanks to modern medicine, they can be effectively treated, especially with timely referral to specialists. The Medilab.km.ua laboratory will help ensure accurate diagnostics and peace of mind for your child's health.