Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common childhood illness. In most cases, it takes about a week for the disease to recover. However, in a small number of cases (especially in children under 3 years old), the condition can progress rapidly and lead to complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis, pulmonary edema, and circulatory disorders. In very rare cases, the condition can be life-threatening and may even result in death. Even if the child survives, there is a high possibility of long-term effects. So what are the complications of severe hand, foot and mouth disease in children?
1. Cardiovascular system: Myocarditis
Although hand, foot and mouth disease mainly manifests on the mouth and skin, the virus can still invade important organs such as the brain, kidneys, and heart. If a child with the disease shows signs of pale complexion, mottled skin, cold limbs, cyanosis of fingers or toes, cold sweats, prolonged capillary refill time, increased or decreased heart rate, shallow or weakened pulse, and increased or decreased blood pressure, it is crucial to be alert to the possibility of fulminant myocarditis in order to prevent the worsening of the child's condition.
2. Nervous system: Aseptic meningitis
Children with hand, foot and mouth disease are also at risk of developing aseptic meningitis, which is characterized by poor mental state, drowsiness, irritability, headache, vomiting, and even coma. Other symptoms include limb tremors, muscle spasms, nystagmus, ataxia, impaired eye movement, weakness, or acute flaccid paralysis, and seizures. In fact, if the child does not develop complications, they can recover within a week. However, if complications occur, appropriate treatment must be given.
3. Respiratory system: Pulmonary edema
When a child develops pulmonary edema, they may experience shallow or rapid breathing, difficulty breathing or changes in breathing pattern, cyanosis of the lips, coughing, and the production of white, pink, or bloody foamy sputum. Wet rales or wheezing may be heard in the lungs.
We hope that through the information provided above, you now have a better understanding of the complications and long-term effects of hand, foot and mouth disease in children. If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it is important to seek medical attention promptly to prevent the condition from worsening.
