Hyderabad: Doctors Raise Concern Over Scarlet Fever Cases
Hyderabad: Doctors are raising concern over cases of scarlet fever among children. It is a bacterial infection that usually affects children between the ages of five and 15 years. The fever is common during winter months and can lead to serious complications if not checked early. “The fever is caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, which releases a toxin that produces a rash on the skin and reddish colour on the tongue,” said Dr Satish Ghanta, senior paediatrician. Doctors said this fever leads to the tonsils in the throat being swollen, leading to the child’s inability to eat. “If your child develops a fever, red and painful tonsils with or without creamish deposits, a diffuse red sandpaper-like rash on day two and a strawberry-like tongue, consult a paediatrician without fail,” said Dr Sivaranjani Santosh, a paediatrician. “Besides high fever and rash, the patient suffers a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, severe body pain, pain while swallowing and weakness for a week. Children cannot eat anything during that period,” said Dr Ghanta. “The symptoms last for about five days, usually going up to seven days. Some even go up to ten days. The weakness and the eating issues linger on for a while,” he added. Doctors suggested tha parents remain cautious and follow the doctor’s prescription for antibiotics. “It can be cured easily with basic antibiotics. Only if the child is facing issues with eating food and swallowing medicine, they are treated with IV fluids,” Dr Ghanta added. “Start the antibiotic as prescribed, and complete the course, otherwise there is a chance for the kidneys and heart to get affected. Do not send the child to school till recovery is complete,” Dr Sivaranjani urged. Complications include throat swelling to the extent that it becomes a site of pus. It can affect the joints as well. In some rare cases, it may lead to kidney and liver complications. It can also lead to ear, and sinus infections and pneumonia.
Hyderabad: Doctors are raising concern over cases of scarlet fever among children. It is a bacterial infection that usually affects children between the ages of five and 15 years. The fever is common during winter months and can lead to serious complications if not checked early.
“The fever is caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, which releases a toxin that produces a rash on the skin and reddish colour on the tongue,” said Dr Satish Ghanta, senior paediatrician.
Doctors said this fever leads to the tonsils in the throat being swollen, leading to the child’s inability to eat.
“If your child develops a fever, red and painful tonsils with or without creamish deposits, a diffuse red sandpaper-like rash on day two and a strawberry-like tongue, consult a paediatrician without fail,” said Dr Sivaranjani Santosh, a paediatrician.
“Besides high fever and rash, the patient suffers a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, severe body pain, pain while swallowing and weakness for a week. Children cannot eat anything during that period,” said Dr Ghanta.
“The symptoms last for about five days, usually going up to seven days. Some even go up to ten days. The weakness and the eating issues linger on for a while,” he added.
Doctors suggested tha parents remain cautious and follow the doctor’s prescription for antibiotics. “It can be cured easily with basic antibiotics. Only if the child is facing issues with eating food and swallowing medicine, they are treated with IV fluids,” Dr Ghanta added.
“Start the antibiotic as prescribed, and complete the course, otherwise there is a chance for the kidneys and heart to get affected. Do not send the child to school till recovery is complete,” Dr Sivaranjani urged.
Complications include throat swelling to the extent that it becomes a site of pus. It can affect the joints as well. In some rare cases, it may lead to kidney and liver complications. It can also lead to ear, and sinus infections and pneumonia.
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