Coxsackie myocarditis

Coxsackie myocarditis: Acute inflammation of the heart muscle in children

Coxsackie myocarditis is an infectious disease caused by the Coxsackie virus. It is characterized by acute inflammation of the heart muscle and can lead to the development of heart failure. This disease most often occurs in young children.

Coxsackievirus belongs to the picornavirus family and is transmitted through the fecal-oral route. It can be spread through contaminated food and water and through contact with contaminated objects or surfaces. Inflammation of the heart muscle occurs as a result of the direct effect of the virus on the myocardium, which leads to its damage.

Symptoms of Coxsackie myocarditis may include:

1. Fatigue and weakness
2. Fatigue during physical activity
3. Chest pain
4. Dyspnea
5. Decreased appetite
6. Increased body temperature
7. Heartbeat
8. Edema

The diagnosis of Coxsackie myocarditis is usually made based on symptoms, physical examination, history, and laboratory results. This may include blood tests to detect the presence of antibodies to the Coxsackie virus, electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), and other additional tests.

Treatment for Coxsackie myocarditis is aimed at relieving symptoms and maintaining heart function. Patients may be prescribed medications to reduce inflammation, control heart rate, and improve cardiac contractility. In addition, it is recommended to maintain bed rest and limit physical activity during recovery.

In most cases, Coxsackie myocarditis has a favorable prognosis, and most children make a full recovery. However, in some cases, chronic myocarditis may occur, which requires long-term observation and treatment.

Prevention of Coxsackie myocarditis includes practicing good hygiene measures, such as regularly washing your hands with soap, especially after using the toilet and before eating. It is also important to avoid contact with contaminated objects and surfaces, and to ensure clean drinking water and food.

In conclusion, Coxsackie myocarditis is a serious infectious disease that can lead to acute heart failure in children. It is important to pay attention to symptoms and promptly consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Following preventative measures such as good hygiene and avoiding contact with contaminated objects will help reduce the risk of contracting this virus.

**Myocarditis** is inflammation of the heart muscle. That is, with this disease, inflammation spreads to the muscle tissue, which is located inside the heart. This process can occur for various reasons, including due to the coxsackie virus 13. This virus is also the cause of ARVI (**Acute respiratory viral infection)** in children. Also, the causes of myocarditis include streptococcus, which leads to the development of **follicular tonsillitis** or a secondary bacterial infection.

Heart failure usually manifests itself: - Swelling of the legs - Weakness and pallor - Dizziness and fainting In children, the acute course of the disease can even lead to death. This disease is difficult to diagnose, especially against the background of other infectious diseases. Sometimes it is diagnosed based only on wheezing in the child's lungs. In severe cases of the disease, hospitalization is required. Therapy carried out at home is aimed primarily at reducing heart rate. If the cause of heart failure is an infectious disease, then therapy should be directed against it. The main symptoms of recovery include: 1. Normalization of heart rate 2. Reduction of shortness of breath 3. Stopping or reducing swelling of the legs 4. Disappearance of wheezing in the lungs 5. Normal