Loss of consciousness in influenza. “The flu cannot be carried on the feet

Thanks

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

What is flu?

As a separate disease, influenza was first described in 1403. Since then, about 18 pandemics have been reported ( epidemics in which the disease affects a large part of the country or even several countries) influenza. Since the cause of the disease was not clear, and effective treatment did not exist, most people who fell ill with influenza died from developing complications ( the death toll was in the tens of millions). So, for example, during the Spanish flu ( 1918 - 1919) infected more than 500 million people, of which about 100 million died.

In the middle of the 20th century, the viral nature of influenza was established and new methods of treatment were developed, which made it possible to significantly reduce mortality ( mortality) in this pathology.

flu virus

In addition to RNA, the influenza virus has a number of other components in its structure, which allows it to be divided into subspecies.

In the structure of the influenza virus, there are:

• Hemagglutinin ( hemagglutinin, H) a substance that binds red blood cells red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen in the body).
• Neuraminidase ( neuraminidase, N) - a substance responsible for damage to the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract.

Despite their danger, all influenza viruses have a rather low resistance and are rapidly destroyed in the external environment.

Influenza virus dies:

• As part of human secretions ( phlegm, mucus) at room temperature- in 24 hours.
• At minus 4 degrees– within a few weeks.
• At minus 20 degrees within a few months or even years.
• At a temperature of plus 50 - 60 degrees– within a few minutes.
• In 70% alcohol– within 5 minutes.
• When exposed to ultraviolet rays ( direct sunlight) - almost instantly.

Influenza (influenza) epidemiology)

The peak incidence occurs during the cold seasons ( autumn-winter and winter-spring periods). The virus spreads rapidly in communities, often causing epidemics. From an epidemiological point of view, the most dangerous is the period of time during which the air temperature ranges from minus 5 to plus 5 degrees, and the air humidity decreases. It is in such conditions that the likelihood of contracting the flu is as high as possible. On summer days, the flu is much less common, without affecting a large number of people.

How does the flu get transmitted?

Influenza virus transmission occurs:

• Airborne. The main way the virus spreads, causing the development of epidemics. The virus is released into the external environment from the respiratory tract of a sick person during breathing, talking, coughing or sneezing ( virus particles are found in droplets of saliva, mucus or sputum). In this case, all people who are in the same room with an infected patient are at risk of infection ( in the classroom, in public transport and so on). entrance gate ( by entering the body) in this case, there may be mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract or eyes.
• Contact household way. The possibility of transmitting the virus by contact-household is not excluded ( when mucus or sputum containing the virus comes into contact with the surfaces of toothbrushes, cutlery and other objects that are subsequently used by other people), but the epidemiological significance of this mechanism is low.

Incubation period and pathogenesis ( development mechanism) influenza

In the development of influenza, 5 phases are conditionally distinguished, each of which is characterized by a certain stage in the development of the virus and characteristic clinical manifestations.

In the development of influenza, there are:

• reproduction phase ( breeding) virus in cells. After infection, the virus enters the epithelial cells ( upper mucosal layer), starting to actively multiply inside them. As the pathological process develops, the affected cells die, and the new viral particles released at the same time penetrate into neighboring cells and the process repeats. This phase lasts several days, during which the patient begins to develop Clinical signs damage to the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract.
• Phase of viremia and toxic reactions. Viremia is characterized by the entry of viral particles into the bloodstream. This phase begins in the incubation period and can last up to 2 weeks. The toxic effect in this case is due to hemagglutinin, which affects erythrocytes and leads to impaired microcirculation in many tissues. However, it is released into the bloodstream a large number of decay products of cells destroyed by the virus, which also has a toxic effect on the body. This is manifested by damage to the cardiovascular, nervous and other systems.
• phase of the respiratory tract. A few days after the onset of the disease, the pathological process in the respiratory tract is localized, that is, the symptoms of a predominant lesion of one of their departments come to the fore ( larynx, trachea, bronchi).
• Phase of bacterial complications. Reproduction of the virus leads to the destruction of respiratory epithelial cells, which normally perform an important protective function. As a result of this, the airways become completely defenseless in the face of many bacteria that enter with the inhaled air or from the patient's oral cavity. Bacteria easily settle on the damaged mucous membrane and begin to develop on it, intensifying inflammation and contributing to even more pronounced damage to the respiratory tract.
• The phase of the reverse development of the pathological process. This phase begins after the complete removal of the virus from the body and is characterized by the restoration of affected tissues. It should be noted that in an adult, the complete recovery of the epithelium of the mucous membrane after the flu occurs no earlier than after 1 month. In children, this process proceeds faster, which is associated with more intense cell division in the child's body.

Types and forms of influenza

Influenza type A

• Seasonal flu. The development of this form of influenza is due to various subspecies of the influenza A virus, which constantly circulate among the population and are activated during the cold seasons, which causes the development of epidemics. In people who have been ill, immunity against seasonal influenza persists for several years, however, due to the high variability of the antigenic structure of the virus, people can get seasonal flu every year, becoming infected with various viral strains ( subspecies).
• Swine flu. Swine flu is commonly referred to as a disease that affects humans and animals and is caused by subspecies of the A virus, as well as some strains of the C virus. An outbreak registered in 2009 " swine flu"was caused by the A/H1N1 virus. It is assumed that the emergence of this strain occurred as a result of infection of pigs with common ( seasonal) influenza virus from humans, after which the virus mutated and led to the development of an epidemic. It should be noted that the A/H1N1 virus can be transmitted to humans not only from sick animals ( when working in close contact with them or when eating poorly processed meat), but also from sick people.
• Bird flu. It's called bird flu viral disease, which mainly affects poultry and is caused by varieties of the influenza A virus, which is similar to the human influenza virus. In birds infected with this virus, many internal organs are affected, which leads to their death. Human infection with the avian influenza virus was first reported in 1997. Since then, there have been several more outbreaks of this form of the disease, in which 30 to 50% of infected people died. Human-to-human transmission of the avian influenza virus is currently considered impossible ( you can only get infected from sick birds). However, scientists believe that as a result of the high variability of the virus, as well as the interaction of avian and seasonal human influenza viruses, a new strain may form, which will be transmitted from person to person and may cause another pandemic.

Influenza type B and C

Type B virus is also able to change its antigenic composition when exposed to various environmental factors. However, it is more “stable” than the type A virus, therefore it rarely causes epidemics, and no more than 25% of the country's population falls ill. Type C virus causes only sporadic ( single) cases of disease.

Flu symptoms and signs

• general weakness;
• aching muscles;
• an increase in body temperature;
• nasal congestion;
• nasal discharge;
• nosebleeds;
• sneezing
• cough;
• eye damage.

General weakness with flu

Headache and dizziness with the flu

Headache can be localized in the frontal, temporal or occipital region, in the region of the superciliary arches or eyes. As the disease progresses, its intensity gradually increases from mild or moderate to extremely pronounced ( often intolerable). Pain is aggravated by any movements or turns of the head, loud sounds or bright lights.

Also, from the first days of the disease, the patient may experience periodic dizziness, especially when moving from a lying position to a standing position. The mechanism of development of this symptom is a violation of blood microcirculation at the level of the brain, as a result of which, at a certain point, its nerve cells may begin to experience oxygen starvation (due to lack of oxygen in the blood). This will lead to a temporary disruption of their functions, one of the manifestations of which may be dizziness, often accompanied by blackouts in the eyes or tinnitus. If this did not develop any serious complications (for example, when dizzy, a person can fall and hit his head, causing a brain injury), after a few seconds, the blood supply to the brain tissue normalizes and dizziness disappears.

Aches and pains in the muscles with the flu

Under normal conditions, muscles constantly need energy ( as glucose, oxygen and other nutrients) that they get from their blood. At the same time, by-products of their vital activity are constantly formed in muscle cells, which are normally released into the blood. If microcirculation is disturbed, both of these processes are disturbed, as a result of which the patient feels muscle weakness ( due to lack of energy), as well as a feeling of pain or aches in the muscles, which is associated with a lack of oxygen and the accumulation of metabolic by-products in the tissues.

An increase in body temperature with the flu

Sources of pyrogens in influenza are cells of the immune system ( leukocytes). When a foreign virus enters the body, they rush to it and begin to actively fight it, while releasing many toxic substances into the surrounding tissues ( interferon, interleukins, cytokines). These substances fight a foreign agent, and also affect the thermoregulation center, which is the direct cause of the temperature increase.

The temperature reaction in influenza develops acutely, due to the rapid entry of a large number of viral particles into the bloodstream and the activation of the immune system. The temperature reaches its maximum figures by the end of the first day after the onset of the disease, and starting from 2-3 days it can decrease, which indicates a decrease in the concentration of viral particles and other toxic substances in the blood. Quite often, a decrease in temperature can occur in waves, that is, 2 to 3 days after the onset of the disease ( usually in the morning), it decreases, but in the evening it rises again, normalizing in another 1-2 days.

A repeated increase in body temperature 6–7 days after the onset of the disease is an unfavorable prognostic sign, usually indicating the addition of a bacterial infection.

Chills with influenza

The mechanism of development of chills in influenza is associated with a violation of the work of the thermoregulation center. Under the influence of pyrogens, the point of "optimal" body temperature shifts upward. As a result, the nerve cells responsible for thermoregulation “decide” that the body is too cold and trigger the mechanisms described above to increase the temperature.

Decreased appetite with the flu

At the same time, it is worth noting that a decrease in appetite does not reduce the body's need for proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and useful trace elements. In contrast, with the flu, the body needs more nutrients and energy sources to adequately fight off the infection. That is why throughout the entire period of illness and recovery, the patient must eat regularly and fully.

Nausea and vomiting with the flu

Nausea may persist for some time ( minutes or hours), however, with a further increase in the concentration of toxins in the blood, vomiting occurs. During the gag reflex, there is a contraction of the muscles of the stomach, anterior abdominal wall and diaphragm ( respiratory muscle located on the border between the thoracic and abdominal cavities), as a result of which the contents of the stomach are pushed into the esophagus, and then into the oral cavity.

Vomiting with influenza can occur 1-2 times during the entire acute period of the disease. It is worth noting that due to a decrease in appetite, the patient's stomach is often empty at the time of the onset of vomiting ( it may contain only a few milliliters of gastric juice). With an empty stomach, vomiting is more difficult to tolerate, since muscle contractions during the gag reflex are longer and more painful for the patient. That's why, with a premonition of vomiting ( i.e. severe nausea), and after it it is recommended to drink 1 - 2 glasses of warm boiled water.

It is also important to note that vomiting with influenza can occur without previous nausea, against the background of a pronounced cough. The mechanism of development of the gag reflex in this case is that during an intense cough, there is a pronounced contraction of the muscles of the abdominal wall and an increase in pressure in the abdominal cavity and in the stomach itself, as a result of which food can be “pushed out” into the esophagus and vomiting develops. Also, vomiting can be provoked by clots of mucus or sputum that fall on the mucous membrane of the pharynx during coughing, which also leads to the activation of the vomiting center.

Nasal congestion with influenza

Nasal congestion can occur if the virus enters the human body through the nasal passages along with inhaled air. In this case, the virus invades the epithelial cells of the nasal mucosa and actively multiplies in them, causing their death. Activation of local and system immune reactions manifested by migration to the place of introduction of the virus cells of the immune system ( leukocytes), which, in the process of fighting the virus, release many biologically active substances into the surrounding tissues. This, in turn, leads to the expansion of the blood vessels of the nasal mucosa and their overflow with blood, as well as to an increase in the permeability of the vascular wall and the release of the liquid part of the blood into the surrounding tissues. As a result of the described phenomena, swelling and swelling of the nasal mucosa occurs, which covers most of the nasal passages, making it difficult for air to move through them during inhalation and exhalation.

Nasal discharge with influenza

Bleeding from the nose with the flu

Sneezing with the flu

The air flow formed during sneezing moves at a speed of several tens of meters per second, capturing dust microparticles, sloughing cells and virus particles on the surface of the mucous membrane on its way and removing them from the nose. The negative point in this case is the fact that the air exhaled during sneezing contributes to the spread of microparticles containing the influenza virus at a distance of up to 2-5 meters from the sneezer, as a result of which all people in the affected area can become infected with the virus.

Sore throat with flu

In the first days of the disease, patients may complain of a feeling of soreness or soreness in the throat. This is due to the necrosis of epithelial cells, which are rejected and irritate sensitive nerve endings. In the future, the protective properties of the mucous membrane are reduced, as a result of which patients begin to experience pain during a conversation, when swallowing hard, cold or hot food, with a sharp and deep breath or exhalation.

Cough with flu

In the first days after the onset of flu symptoms, a dry cough ( without sputum) and painful, accompanied by severe pains of a stabbing or burning nature in the chest and throat. The mechanism of development of cough in this case is due to the destruction of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. Desquamated epithelial cells irritate specific cough receptors, which triggers the cough reflex. After 3-4 days, the cough becomes wet, that is, accompanied by sputum of a mucous nature ( colorless, odorless). Purulent sputum that appears 5-7 days after the onset of the disease ( greenish color with an unpleasant odor) indicates the development of bacterial complications.

It is worth noting that when coughing, as well as sneezing, a large number of viral particles are released into the environment, which can cause infection of the people around the patient.

Influenza eye injury

Symptoms of conjunctivitis ( inflammation of the conjunctiva) are usually short-lived and subside along with the removal of the virus from the body, however, with the addition of a bacterial infection, purulent complications may develop.

Flu symptoms in newborns and children

The course of influenza in children is characterized by:

• Tendency to damage the lungs. The defeat of the lung tissue by the influenza virus in adults is extremely rare. At the same time, in children, due to certain anatomical features (short trachea, short bronchi) the virus spreads quite quickly through the respiratory tract and infects the pulmonary alveoli, through which oxygen is normally transported into the blood and carbon dioxide is removed from the blood. The destruction of the alveoli can cause the development of respiratory failure and pulmonary edema, which, without urgent medical attention, can lead to the death of the baby.
• Tendency to nausea and vomiting. In children and adolescents ( aged 10 to 16 years) nausea and vomiting in influenza are most common. It is assumed that this is due to the imperfection of the regulatory mechanisms of the central nervous system, in particular, the increased sensitivity of the vomiting center to various stimuli ( to intoxication, to pain syndrome, to irritation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx).
• Tendency to develop seizures. Newborns and children infancy most at risk of developing seizures involuntary, pronounced and extremely painful muscle contractions) for influenza. The mechanism of their development is associated with an increase in body temperature, as well as with a violation of microcirculation and the delivery of oxygen and energy to the brain, which ultimately leads to impaired function of nerve cells. Due to certain physiological characteristics in children, these phenomena develop much faster and are more severe than in adults.
• Mild local manifestations. The immune system of the child has not yet been formed, which is why it is not able to adequately respond to the introduction of foreign agents. As a result, among the symptoms of influenza, pronounced manifestations of intoxication of the body come to the fore, while local symptoms can be erased and mild ( there may be a slight cough, nasal congestion, the periodic appearance of mucous secretions from the nasal passages).

Influenza Severity

Depending on the severity, there are:

• Mild flu. With this form of the disease, the symptoms of general intoxication are slightly expressed. Body temperature rarely reaches 38 degrees and usually returns to normal after 2 to 3 days. There is no threat to the patient's life.
• Influenza of moderate severity. The most common variant of the disease, in which there are pronounced symptoms of general intoxication, as well as signs of damage to the upper respiratory tract. Body temperature can rise to 38 - 40 degrees and remain at this level for 2 - 4 days. With the timely start of treatment and the absence of complications, there is no threat to the life of the patient.
• A severe form of the flu. It is characterized by fast during few hours) the development of intoxication syndrome, accompanied by an increase in body temperature to 39 - 40 degrees or more. Patients are lethargic, drowsy, often complain of severe headaches and dizziness, may lose consciousness. Fever may persist for up to a week, and complications from the lungs, heart, and other organs that develop can pose a threat to the patient's life.
• Hypertoxic ( lightning fast) form. It is characterized by the most acute onset of the disease and rapid damage to the central nervous system, heart and lungs, which in most cases leads to the death of the patient within 24-48 hours.

gastric ( intestinal) flu

The source of infection may be a sick person or a latent carrier ( a person who has a pathogenic virus in his body, but there are no clinical manifestations of the infection). The main mechanism for the spread of infection is fecal-oral, that is, the virus is excreted from the patient's body along with feces, and if personal hygiene rules are not followed, it can get on various food products. If a healthy person eats these products without special heat treatment, he runs the risk of contracting the virus. Less common is the airborne route of spread, in which a sick person releases microparticles of the virus along with exhaled air.

All people are susceptible to rotavirus infection, but children and the elderly, as well as patients with immunodeficiency conditions, most often get sick ( for example, patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)). The peak incidence occurs in the autumn-winter period, that is, at the same time when influenza epidemics are observed. Perhaps this was the reason for the people to call this pathology the stomach flu.

Development mechanism intestinal flu is as follows. Rotavirus penetrates the human digestive system and infects the cells of the intestinal mucosa, which normally ensure the absorption of food from the intestinal cavity into the blood.

Symptoms of the intestinal flu

Rotavirus infection manifests itself:

• Vomit. This is the first symptom of the disease, which is observed in almost all patients. The occurrence of vomiting is due to a violation of the absorption of food products and the accumulation of large volumes of food in the stomach or intestines. Vomiting with intestinal flu is usually single, but it can be repeated 1 to 2 more times during the first day of the disease, and then stops.
• diarrhea ( diarrhea). The occurrence of diarrhea is also associated with impaired absorption of food and the migration of a large amount of water into the intestinal lumen. Standing out at the same time stool usually liquid, foamy, they have a characteristic fetid odor.
• Pain in the stomach. The occurrence of pain is associated with damage to the intestinal mucosa. The pains are localized in the upper abdomen or in the navel, are aching or pulling in nature.
• Rumbling in the stomach. It is one of the characteristic signs of intestinal inflammation. The occurrence of this symptom is due to increased peristalsis ( motility) intestine, which is stimulated by a large amount of unprocessed food.
• Symptoms of general intoxication. Patients usually complain of general weakness and fatigue, which is associated with a violation of the supply of nutrients to the body, as well as with the development of an acute infectious and inflammatory process. Body temperature rarely exceeds 37.5 - 38 degrees.
• Damage to the upper respiratory tract. May present with rhinitis inflammation of the nasal mucosa) or pharyngitis ( inflammation of the pharynx).

Treatment of the intestinal flu

Treatment for stomach flu includes:

• Recovery of water and electrolyte losses ( which are lost along with vomit and diarrhea). Patients are prescribed plenty of fluids, as well as special preparations containing the necessary electrolytes ( for example, rehydron).
• A sparing diet with the exception of fatty, spicy or poorly processed foods.
• Sorbents ( activated charcoal, polysorb, filtrum) - drugs that bind various toxic substances in the intestinal lumen and contribute to their removal from the body.
• Preparations that restore the intestinal microflora ( linex, bifidumbacterin, hilak forte and others).
• Anti-inflammatory drugs ( indomethacin, ibuphen) are prescribed only with a pronounced intoxication syndrome and an increase in body temperature of more than 38 degrees.

Influenza Diagnosis

Additional studies are prescribed only in severe cases, as well as to identify possible complications from various organs and systems.

Which doctor should I contact with the flu?

If the patient's condition is very severe ( that is, if the symptoms of general intoxication do not allow him to get out of bed), you can call a doctor at home. If the general condition allows you to visit the clinic yourself, you should not forget that the influenza virus is extremely contagious and can easily be transmitted to other people when traveling by public transport, while waiting in line at the doctor's office and under other circumstances. To prevent this, a person with flu symptoms should always put on a medical mask before leaving the house and do not remove it until returning home. This preventive measure does not guarantee 100% safety for others, however, it significantly reduces the risk of their infection, since the viral particles exhaled by a sick person linger on the mask and do not enter the environment.

It is worth noting that one mask can be used continuously for a maximum of 2 hours, after which it must be replaced with a new one. It is strictly forbidden to reuse a mask or take an already used mask from other people ( including from children, parents, spouses).

Is hospitalization necessary for the flu?

Hospitalization of patients with influenza may be required only if the patient's condition is extremely serious ( for example, with an extremely pronounced intoxication syndrome), as well as with the development of serious complications from various organs and systems. Children who develop convulsions against the background of elevated temperature are also subject to mandatory hospitalization. In this case, the probability of recurrence ( re-occurrence) convulsive syndrome is extremely high, so the child should be under the supervision of doctors for at least a few days.

If the patient is hospitalized during the acute period of the disease, he is sent to the infectious diseases department, where he is placed in a specially equipped ward or in a box ( insulator). Visiting such a patient is prohibited during the entire acute period of the disease, that is, until the release of viral particles from his respiratory tract stops. If the acute period of the disease has passed, and the patient is hospitalized due to developing complications from various organs, he can be sent to other departments - to the cardiology department for heart damage, to the pulmonology department for lung damage, to the intensive care unit for severe impairment of vital functions. important organs and systems, and so on.

In diagnosing influenza, a doctor may use:

• clinical examination;
• general blood analysis ;
• general urine analysis ;
• nasal swab analysis;
• sputum analysis;
• analysis for the detection of antibodies to the influenza virus.

clinical examination for influenza

Clinical examination includes:

• Inspection. During the examination, the doctor visually assesses the patient's condition. In the first days of the development of influenza, marked hyperemia is noted ( redness) mucous membranes of the pharynx, due to the expansion of blood vessels in it. After a few days, small pinpoint hemorrhages may appear on the mucosa. There may also be redness of the eyes and tearing. In severe cases of the disease, pallor and cyanosis of the skin can be observed, which is associated with damage to the microcirculation and a violation of the transport of respiratory gases.
• Palpation ( probing). On palpation, the doctor can assess the condition lymph nodes neck and other areas. With influenza, enlargement of the lymph nodes usually does not occur. In the same time, this symptom is characteristic of an adenovirus infection that causes ARVI and proceeds with a generalized increase in the submandibular, cervical, axillary and other groups of lymph nodes.
• percussion ( tapping). With the help of percussion, the doctor can examine the patient's lungs and identify various complications of influenza ( e.g. pneumonia). During percussion, the doctor presses the finger of one hand to the surface of the chest, and taps it with the finger of the other hand. By the nature of the resulting sound, the doctor draws conclusions about the condition of the lungs. So, for example, healthy lung tissue is filled with air, as a result of which the resulting percussion sound will have a characteristic sound. As pneumonia develops, the lung alveoli become filled with white blood cells, bacteria, and inflammatory fluid ( exudate), as a result of which the amount of air in the affected area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe lung tissue decreases, and the resulting percussion sound will have a dull, muffled character.
• auscultation ( listening). During auscultation, the doctor applies the membrane of a special device ( phonendoscope) to the surface of the patient's chest and asks him to take a few deep breaths and exhalations. By the nature of the noise generated during breathing, the doctor draws conclusions about the state of the pulmonary tree. So, for example, with inflammation of the bronchi ( bronchitis) their lumen narrows, as a result of which the air passing through them moves at high speed, creating a characteristic noise, which is assessed by the doctor as hard breathing. At the same time, with some other complications, breathing over certain areas of the lung may be weakened or completely absent.

Complete blood count for influenza

General analysis for influenza reveals:

• Change in the total number of leukocytes ( norm - 4.0 - 9.0 x 10 9 / l). Leukocytes are cells of the immune system that protect the body from foreign viruses, bacteria and other substances. When infected with the influenza virus the immune system is activated, which is manifested by enhanced division ( breeding) leukocytes and the entry of a large number of them into the systemic circulation. However, a few days after the onset of the clinical manifestations of the disease, the majority of leukocytes migrate to the site of inflammation to fight the virus, as a result of which their total number in the blood may slightly decrease.
• Increase in the number of monocytes. Under normal conditions, monocytes account for 3 to 9% of all leukocytes. When the influenza virus enters the body, these cells migrate to the focus of infection, penetrate into infected tissues and turn into macrophages that directly fight the virus. That's why with the flu and other viral infections) the rate of formation of monocytes and their concentration in the blood increases.
• An increase in the number of lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that regulate the activity of all other cells of the immune system, and also take part in the processes of fighting foreign viruses. Under normal conditions, lymphocytes account for 20 to 40% of all leukocytes, but with the development of a viral infection, their number may increase.
• Decrease in the number of neutrophils ( norm - 47 - 72%). Neutrophils are cells of the immune system that fight off foreign bacteria. When the influenza virus enters the body, the absolute number of neutrophils does not change, however, due to an increase in the proportion of lymphocytes and monocytes, their relative number may decrease. It should be noted that with the addition of bacterial complications in the blood, a pronounced neutrophilic leukocytosis will be noted ( an increase in the number of leukocytes mainly due to neutrophils).
• Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( ESR). Under normal conditions, all blood cells carry a negative charge on their surface, as a result of which they slightly repel each other. When blood is placed in a test tube, it is the severity of this negative charge that determines the rate at which erythrocytes will settle to the bottom of the test tube. With the development of an infectious-inflammatory process, a large number of so-called proteins of the acute phase of inflammation are released into the bloodstream ( C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and others). These substances contribute to the adhesion of red blood cells to each other, as a result of which the ESR increases ( more than 10 mm per hour in men and more than 15 mm per hour in women). It is also worth noting that ESR can increase as a result of a decrease in the total number of red blood cells in the blood, which can be observed with the development of anemia.

Urinalysis for influenza

Nose swab for influenza

With conventional microscopic examination, the virus cannot be detected, since its dimensions are extremely small. Also, viruses do not grow on conventional nutrient media, which are intended only for the detection of bacterial pathogens. For the purpose of cultivation of viruses the method of their cultivation on chicken embryos is used. Technique this method is as follows. First, a fertilized chicken egg is placed in an incubator for 8 to 14 days. Then it is removed and the test material is injected into it, which may contain viral particles. After that, the egg is again placed in the incubator for 9-10 days. If there is an influenza virus in the test material, it invades the cells of the embryo and destroys them, as a result of which the embryo itself dies.

Flu sputum analysis

Influenza antibody test

There are many methods for detecting antiviral antibodies, but the hemagglutination inhibition reaction ( RTGA). Its essence is as follows. Plasma is placed in a test tube liquid part of blood) of a patient to which a mixture containing active influenza viruses is added. After 30-40 minutes, chicken erythrocytes are added to the same test tube and further reactions are observed.

Under normal conditions, the influenza virus contains a substance called hemagglutinin, which binds red blood cells. If chicken erythrocytes are added to the mixture containing the virus, under the action of hemagglutinin, they will stick together, which will be visible to the naked eye. If, on the other hand, plasma containing antiviral antibodies is first added to the virus-containing mixture, they ( antibody data) will block hemagglutinin, as a result of which agglutination will not occur with the subsequent addition of chicken erythrocytes.

Differential diagnosis of influenza

With the flu differential diagnosis held:

• with adenovirus infection. Adenoviruses also infect the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, causing the development of SARS ( acute respiratory viral infections ). The intoxication syndrome that develops in this case is usually moderately expressed, but the body temperature can rise to 39 degrees. Also an important distinguishing feature is an increase in the submandibular, cervical and other groups of lymph nodes, which occurs in all forms of acute respiratory viral infections and is absent in influenza.
• With parainfluenza. Parainfluenza is caused by the parainfluenza virus and also occurs with symptoms of damage to the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract and signs of intoxication. At the same time, the onset of the disease is less acute than with influenza ( symptoms may appear and progress over several days). Intoxication syndrome is also less pronounced, and body temperature rarely exceeds 38-39 degrees. With parainfluenza, there may also be an increase cervical lymph nodes, while eye damage ( conjunctivitis) does not occur.
• With respiratory syncytial infection. This is a viral disease characterized by damage to the lower respiratory tract ( bronchi) and moderate symptoms of intoxication. Mostly children of primary school age get sick, while in adults the disease is extremely rare. The disease proceeds with a moderate increase in body temperature ( up to 37 - 38 degrees). Headaches and muscle pain are rare, and eye damage is not observed at all.
• with rhinovirus infection. This is a viral disease characterized by damage to the nasal mucosa. It is manifested by nasal congestion, which is accompanied by copious secretions of a mucous nature. Sneezing and dry cough are often noted. Signs of general intoxication are very mild and may manifest as a slight increase in body temperature ( up to 37 - 37.5 degrees), mild headaches, poor exercise tolerance.

Such conditions occur regularly and can pass without a trace, but sometimes they indicate serious diseases of the internal organs, intoxication, mental disorders, etc. Consider further the main types of fainting and the situations that provoke them.

There are several groups of reasons why a person may lose consciousness:

• Insufficient flow of blood to the brain.
• Decreased oxygen content in the blood.
• Decrease in the volume of circulating blood.
• Changes in cardiac output and arrhythmias.
• Disorders and disorders of the brain.

There are the following common variants of loss of consciousness:

The first. Vasovagal syncope (syn. vasodepressor syncope) develops due to a perverted reaction of the body to stimuli of the receptors of the autonomic nervous system - the department that is responsible for the functioning of internal organs.

The main factors contributing to this condition can be:

• Emotional shock (fear of the sight of blood, etc.).
• Pain during testing.
• Prolonged compression of the organs of the neck.
• Sudden cessation of exercise, etc.

Vasovagal syncope is characterized by pathological rapid vasodilation, a decrease in heart rate and respiratory depression.

Usually consciousness returns within a few minutes without additional outside help.

In some cases, vasovagal syncope can be caused by mental disorders, the treatment of which eliminates similar situations in the future.

Patient L. of an asthenic constitution, 26 years old, complained of a short-term loss of consciousness during a blood test.

According to a relative who was nearby at that moment, the condition was short-lived and was accompanied by blanching of the face, focusing of the gaze at one point and wide-open eyes.

She turned to a neurologist and was sent for additional examinations: ECG, CBC, brain encephalography, etc. No somatic pathology was found.

• Normalize sleep and rest patterns
• Complete nutrition
• The course of taking sedatives
• Psychologist's consultation

Second. Fainting in people with vegetovascular dystonia is due to a labile vasomotor system and an unstable psyche.

Patients with vegetovascular dystonia do not tolerate climate change, weather, severe physical activity or emotional upheaval.

One of the manifestations of vegetovascular dystonia is a fainting state.

With excitement, stress, blood donation, prolonged stay in a poorly ventilated room, the patient may faint, but after a few minutes regain consciousness, escaping with minor bruises.

There are other situations that occur with loss of consciousness, which are caused by such pathological conditions, how:

Fainting with convulsions. Sudden loss of consciousness with a convulsive seizure is characteristic of hysteria, epilepsy, traumatic brain damage and some other diseases. Syncope in epilepsy is often confused with an epileptic seizure.

A seizure is also characterized by loss of consciousness, but with it there is a typical traumatization of the tongue, involuntary urination, flushing of the face, which usually does not happen with a banal faint.

For a reliable diagnosis, a doctor's consultation is necessary.

Fainting in severe infectious diseases are common.

Loss of consciousness in adenovirus infection, influenza, parainfluenza occurs due to infectious-toxic damage to blood vessels and centers of the autonomic nervous system.

Any sudden movement, getting out of bed leads to disruption of the compensatory mechanisms and loss of consciousness.

Orthostatic syncope occurs with a rapid change in body position, when the cardiovascular system does not have time to supply the brain with oxygen in the proper measure.

The development of this condition can be facilitated by taking medications (beta-blockers, diuretics, etc.)

Loss of consciousness that occurs when coughing against the background of chronic diseases of the respiratory system.

During a severe coughing attack, pressure rises and the outflow of venous blood from the skull decreases, which leads to fainting.

In addition to the main mechanisms that cause loss and clouding of consciousness, there are a number of factors that contribute to their development:

• Sleep deprivation.
• Emotional exhaustion and stress.
• Unbalanced nutrition.
• Stuffy room and long standing.
• Frequent infectious diseases in history and others.

There are many reasons and conditions that can cause a person to faint, most of them do not require serious treatment and are just a coincidence.

Others, on the contrary, speak of serious malfunctions in the body. Therefore, each such incident should be a reason to visit the doctor.

Have you ever experienced a pre-fainting state or a fainting spell, which simply “knocks you out of the rut” and the usual rhythm of life!? Judging by the fact that you are now reading this article, then you know firsthand what it is:

• impending attack of nausea rising and rising from the stomach.
• blurred vision, ringing in the ears.
• sudden feeling of weakness and fatigue, legs give way.
• panic fear.
• cold sweat, loss of consciousness.

Now answer the question: does it suit you? Can ALL THIS be tolerated? And how much time have you already “leaked” for ineffective treatment? After all, sooner or later the SITUATION WILL AGAIN.

Read better what Marina Berestova says about this. For several years I suffered from frequent fainting - headaches, migraines, dizziness, fatigue, problems with blood vessels and the heart. Endless tests, trips to doctors, diets and pills did not solve my problems. BUT thanks to simple recipe, I don’t lose consciousness, my heart stopped bothering me, headaches disappeared, memory improved, strength and energy appeared. The tests showed that my cholesterol is normal! Now my doctor is wondering how it is. Here is a link to the article.

ProInsultMozga.ru is a project about brain disease and all associated pathologies.

Influenza and its complications

Influenza is one of the well-known and studied infectious diseases capable of rapid spread, characterized by a clear seasonality. Influenza occupies a special place among respiratory diseases, since the severity of its manifestations, the possibility of fatal complications, and consequently significant economic losses, leaves other acute respiratory infections far behind.

Influenza annually claims tens and hundreds of thousands of lives around the world. The highest mortality is observed in the group of chronically ill people and people with serious illnesses. But an unfavorable outcome of influenza can also occur in young, practically healthy individuals, children. The flu is severe in infancy.

Influenza virus refers to viral particles containing RNA. Influenza in humans can be caused by several types of viruses (A, B, C). The influenza virus has a special structure, it contains two antigens on its surface. Each of these antigens, called hemagglutinin and neurominidase, has several varieties. Their combination determines the main properties of the influenza virus.

A feature of the influenza virus is the variability of surface antigens, which determines its wide distribution and significant human susceptibility to this pathogen.

The influenza virus is tropic to the epithelium of the upper respiratory tract, which is its entry gate of infection. Once in the cells of the cylindrical epithelium, influenza viruses multiply, and then destroying the cells are released into the blood. The circulation of the influenza virus in the blood is called viremia, its period can be up to 7-14 days.

As a result of toxic effects, the circulation of viruses in influenza, damage to the microcirculatory bed is observed. Often becomes hemorrhagic and neurotoxic syndrome, damage to the heart and other internal organs.

The influenza virus leads to the development of a secondary deficiency of immune responses, which facilitates the penetration and reproduction of the bacterial flora (secondary bacterial complications, bacterial pneumonia).

Influenza can occur in the form of a typical form, less often have an erased (atypical) course. The severity of typical symptoms and general manifestations of influenza intoxication can vary - from mild to very severe.

flu symptoms

The period from the influenza virus entering the human body to its first symptoms (called the incubation period) can last up to one week, but more often it is 2-3 days (maybe 12 hours). A typical flu starts with a tremendous chill and an increase in temperature reaction, sweating, feeling hot. Fever during influenza infection can reach 39-40 ° C and above, persist for several days.

Along with the fever with influenza, the patient is worried about bursting and pain in the head, neck, orbits, joints and bones. A feature of the flu is that such catarrhal phenomena as a runny nose, congestion and sore throat are not characteristic of the onset of the disease.

Catarrhal phenomena may appear after the initial period of intoxication, fever (after 1-2 days) and are manifested by rhinitis without profuse discharge, dry cough, which is a reflection of tracheitis. The flu is characterized by redness of the eyes, facial skin, conjunctivitis.

Often with an infection caused by the influenza virus, there may be hemorrhagic phenomena. Intoxication with influenza is often manifested by nausea, vomiting. All patients with influenza report severe weakness and disability.

Separately, I would like to dwell on severe forms of influenza.

Severe forms and complications of influenza

In severe influenza, the temperature period is longer and can last up to 5 days, when the fever reaches 40 - 40.5 ° C. The fever is poorly stopped, exhausting the patient. General symptoms associated with viremia and intoxication (weakness, arthralgia, myalgia, loss of appetite, nausea) with this form of influenza acquire greater manifestations than with its mild course.

The result of the toxic effect of the infection (influenza virus) in severe form may be lethargy (or agitation), delirium and convulsive reactions. Hemorrhages in the form of bleeding, hemoptysis can occur with this form of influenza. Severe influenza can be complicated by toxic shock, acute insufficiency respiratory functions.

The most severe form of influenza is hypertoxic. With this form of influenza, the period of temperature rise is maximum and exceeds 5 days, while the fever is extremely pronounced, persistent (40 - 40.5 ° C).

Hemorrhages are more pronounced, there may be significant bleeding. In the hypertoxic form, phenomena of brain damage in the form of meningoencephalitis are observed. Toxemia in influenza leads to cerebral edema, which is manifested by inappropriate behavior, delirium, hallucinations, and loss of consciousness.

Influenza is especially dangerous for its complications, which are more often observed in seriously ill patients, people over 60 years of age. Influenza complications are not uncommon in patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system, asthma, diabetes, and immunodeficiencies. The flu can be severe during pregnancy.

One of the most common complications of the flu is pneumonia. With influenza, pneumonia can be primarily viral in nature, or be a bacterial secondary complication. The influenza virus is able to multiply not only in the upper respiratory tract, but also in epithelial cells bronchi and alveoli. Therefore, with influenza, the phenomena of alveolitis, bronchiolitis can be observed, which is manifested by symptoms of pneumonia.

Influenza pneumonia is severe, since the influenza virus can damage lung tissue (alveoli, interstitium), cause pulmonary edema, acute insufficiency respiratory function, respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). With this complication, the microvessels of the alveolar septa are damaged by the influenza virus, inflammation is observed in them, resulting in sharp increase permeability, which leads to pulmonary hemorrhages, hemoptysis (bleeding), pulmonary edema. ARDS leads to respiratory failure and can be fatal.

Symptoms of pneumonia with influenza appear some time after the first signs of the disease. At the same time, the patient's condition deteriorates sharply, pain appears in chest, heaviness in the chest, dry, unproductive cough with a small amount of mucus or streaked with blood, severe shortness of breath and shortness of breath, dizziness, cyanosis, weakness.

With influenza, there may be a sudden difficulty in breathing caused by swelling of the vocal cords, this complication is called false croup.

Severe infectious-toxic complications (shock and encephalopathy) are caused by the action of viruses (bacteria) and their toxins on microvasculature, brain and internal organs. rises intracranial pressure, convulsions, blurred vision, throbbing or bursting headache, indomitable vomiting, confusion and even loss of consciousness are observed.

In especially severe cases, influenza can develop coma and disruption of rhythm and depth. respiratory movements. Of the neurological complications of influenza, polyneuritis, arachnoiditis, and encephalitis occur. Myocarditis can be a severe life-threatening complication of influenza.

Influenza Diagnosis

The specific diagnosis of viral infections, in particular influenza, is well developed. Determination of virions of the causative agent of influenza in saliva, blood, in swabs from the nasal cavity and oropharynx is used. Identification and determination of the influenza virus is carried out using the PCR method (detection of RNA of the influenza pathogen), serological methods. The latter include ELISA, RTGA (determination of antibodies to influenza viruses).

Except special methods verification of the causative agent of influenza, general clinical methods are used (analysis of hemogram, urine, biochemical markers, coagulogram, composition of blood gases, plasma electrolytes). In the UAC on different stages infectious process is determined by leukopenia or leukocytosis.

If complications of influenza are suspected, be sure to X-ray diagnostics bronchopulmonary system, ECG, examination of respiratory function and the degree of bronchial obstruction (spirometry), blood oxygen saturation (pulse oximetry).

In the diagnosis of influenza, great importance anamnesis of the disease, indicating contact of the patient with other patients who have been diagnosed with a similar diagnosis. It is important to clarify whether a patient with influenza had contacts with people with acute respiratory infections.

Flu treatment

Outpatient treatment of influenza is possible only with mild forms of the disease. In more severe cases and with complications of the disease, patients with influenza are subject to mandatory hospitalization in the department of infectious diseases.

Patients with influenza should comply with bed rest, take a sufficient amount of fluid, food should be fortified with an optimal content of protein foods. As soon as possible, from the moment the flu is diagnosed, patients are prescribed antiviral drugs that suppress the reproduction and replication of the virus, improve the prognosis and course of influenza, and reduce the likelihood of complications.

Fever requires a decrease in temperature (antipyretic). With influenza, according to indications, expectorants, mucolytic agents, immunostimulants, vitamins are used.

Bacterial complications of influenza (pneumonia and others) dictate the need for the use of antibiotics and antimicrobials as prescribed by a doctor. In case of intoxication, detoxification agents, electrolyte solutions are administered. In case of respiratory failure, oxygen therapy is used.

Publications

Leave your review

about medical clinic

Top 5 clinics

According to your reviews on MOSMEDIC

Medical centers by directions

State medical institutions

Children's medicine

Latest reviews on Mosmedik

Many thanks to the beautician of the Healthy Family clinic, and especially to Vera Mikhailova. I go.

I was diagnosed as a child. Always wore glasses, yes.

After visiting your local therapist and surgeon. To which

Daria Filimonova | 02/07/2018

If you do implantation, then only in a center like Rutt.

“The flu cannot be carried on the feet. The virus infects blood vessels, and with any movement a person risks fainting.

Inna AYZENBERG, "FACTS"

Text Size: ABC ABC ABC

Recently, "FACTS" has already reported: in Ukraine, the epidemic threshold for influenza has been exceeded. If in Kyiv the excess is insignificant - only two percent, then in other regions of Ukraine the situation is different. For example, in the Chernihiv region last week there were 25 percent more patients than the norm. What strain of influenza is observed in the country? What should be done to avoid getting sick? These questions were answered by the Head of the Department of Respiratory and Other Viral Infections of the Institute of Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases. L. Gromashevsky of the Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Doctor of Medical Sciences Alla Mironenko.

Now in Ukraine, the H3N2 A/Perth flu is widespread, which is called so in honor of the Australian city of Perth, where the disease was first detected, - explains Alla Mironenko. - This is the strain we predicted in the fall. For Ukrainians, this is relative. the new kind influenza, so the population does not have developed immunity. In Kyiv, the epidemic threshold has been slightly exceeded, but the infection is spreading quite intensively. There are no fewer patients.

How can those who have not been vaccinated in time protect themselves now?

Before going outside, it is advisable to lubricate the nasal cavity oxolinic ointment. For the unvaccinated, I recommend staying in crowded places less and limiting contact with those who are already sick. If it is impossible to avoid contact with patients, it is worth remembering about gauze bandages, taking into account the rules for their use.

Bandages need to be changed every two to three hours. Some people take anti-flu drugs for prevention, which a therapist can help you choose. Vitamin C is very useful. For prevention, it is advisable to take one or two tablets a day, and for flu - four to six. I remind you that people suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, acidic foods should be treated with caution. Naturally, this does not exclude other types of treatment: taking antiviral drugs, bed rest, hot drinks.

Do I need to bring down the high temperature with the flu or SARS?

At elevated temperature the body produces protective interferon, which is necessary to fight infection. If the temperature is brought down, the healing process is delayed. Therefore, we usually do not recommend doing this until the thermometer rises above 38.5. But if the patient does not tolerate the temperature, you can take antipyretics. In young children, high fever can cause convulsions, so in such cases it is better to knock it down and call a doctor.

If with a cold, symptoms appear gradually, then the flu makes itself felt almost immediately. The temperature of degrees can jump in the first hours of the disease, a little later there is pain in the chest. A person is thrown either into heat or into cold, he feels weak, aching in the body and joints, and the eyelids seem to “get heavier”. With such a state of health, the patient is simply not able to go to work, he is forced to stay at home and take up treatment. But as soon as the temperature subsides, and the state of health improves a little, he immediately forgets about medicines and bed rest and hurries to go out “in people”. This is the most common mistake. Due to the fact that the virus affects the blood vessels, with any sudden movement, a person runs the risk of fainting. Therefore, the flu cannot be carried on the legs.

The severity of the disease can only be determined by a doctor who will examine the patient, listen to how his lungs work. Therefore, you should always consult a specialist.

Now in some media there is information that you can still get vaccinated against influenza. Is it so?

Modern flu vaccines are not dangerous. The question is whether they are effective today. The principle of the vaccine is as follows: within two weeks after vaccination, antibodies to the virus are produced in the human body. This is possible only on the condition that during this period a person does not get sick. Now, when the virus is “walking” through the streets, this cannot be guaranteed.

Noticed an error? Select it and press CTRL+Enter

• Horoscope for:
• today
• week

“ A man comes home drunk, his whole face is in lipstick, there are long red hair on his clothes ... Wife: - Well, what will you come up with this time ?! - You will not believe! Fought with a clown. ”

All rights to the materials of the site are protected in accordance with the legislation of Ukraine

Loss of consciousness with influenza

I don't see the need to bring Arbidol to the infectious diseases hospital.

P.S. In addition to "Arbidol" they asked to bring "NAphthizin" So I think how legal it is. After all, the hospital - the infectious diseases department - should allocate medicines. But it turns out that they need to bring everything: either they take it home, or the really poor.

And guessing about the diagnosis in this situation is a thankless task.

Where should I go with my illness?

Loss of consciousness. Fainting.

The materials posted on the site are verified information from experts in various areas medicine and are intended for educational and informational purposes only. The site does not provide medical advice and services for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The recommendations and opinions of specialists published on the pages of the portal do not replace qualified medical care. Possible contraindications. ALWAYS consult with your physician.

HAVE A MISTAKE IN THE TEXT? Select it with the mouse and press Ctrl + Enter! THANKS!

If you faint, then this is an occasion to think about your health

Fainting is a short-term loss of consciousness. The cause may be a short-term decrease in cerebral blood flow.

What is fainting? Often this is an indicator of some kind of disease. Medicine has studied a variety of conditions in which fainting may occur:

• diseases manifested in a decrease in cardiac output: cardiac arrhythmia, stenosis of the aorta, pulmonary arteries, angina attacks;
• pathological conditions: fainting when swallowing, with a sharp rise from a prone position;
• with a sharp decrease in the oxygen content in the blood, other problems with the blood, with anemia, in stuffiness.

Causes of fainting

Fainting most often occurs in the following cases:

• increased intracranial pressure;
• brain pathology;
• a sharp drop in blood pressure;
• increased sensitivity of the carotid sinus (sinocarotid syncope);
• open and closed injuries skulls;
• pain shock;
• vertebral pathologies caused by osteochondrosis, congenital cervical pathologies;
• problems of brain tissue metabolism during hypoglycemia, infections, chemical poisoning;
• seizures accompanied by hysteria;
• autonomic disorders in children and adolescents.

Very often it is a consequence of a sharp decrease in blood pressure, if the internal organs of a person did not have time to adapt to changes in blood flow. In such cases, there is a feeling of malaise, lack of oxygen. This type of fainting is provoked by physical exertion.

Fainting occurs with a sharp decrease in blood flow during bleeding, injury, due to dehydration.

Before the onset of fainting, a person feels weakness, a buzzing in the ears, cold sweat, darkening in the eyes, and impaired coordination of movements.

In the absence of any serious pathologies, fainting proceeds safely.

Fainting in children

In babies under the age of 2 years, convulsive fainting may occur due to fright, pain. The reason is often the increased excitability of the nervous system. Any external stimulus can cause a cry, which leads to a delay in breathing, a short loss of consciousness occurs.

There are cases when a convulsive seizure develops with high temperature in a child with influenza, fainting with convulsions may occur. The body of a teenager is prone to such manifestations. Blood vessels do not always have time to tune in to the growth of body parts. Very often, adolescents experience fainting with VVD (vegetovascular dystonia). AT adolescence often seen in girls. A single case of fainting is not a sign of a serious illness, but it would be better to consult a pediatrician.

What types of fainting are most common, consider in more detail.

Fainting with epilepsy

The patterns of convulsive syncope and syncope in epilepsy are significantly different. Both are characterized by loss of consciousness, convulsive manifestations, changes in blood pressure, dilated pupils.

There are a number of distinguishing features by which you can determine the type of fainting.

Before losing consciousness, there is a feeling of weakness, dizziness, buzzing in the ears, sometimes you can just lie down to restore the body's strength. Patients with epilepsy usually feel the onset of an attack, but often an attack can begin suddenly, a person runs the risk of falling on the spot while walking, while changing the position of a person during an attack does not normalize the condition.

Seizures can also occur in the supine position, even during sleep, and the most common syncope very rarely occurs in the supine position.

Loss of consciousness is caused by external factors, for example, psycho-emotional stress.

There are significant differences in convulsive movements. In fainting, the muscles contract and relax alternately and abruptly. Epileptic seizures are characterized by generalized forms, when the muscles are blocked by a spasm for several minutes, a clonic spasm occurs.

Usually the phenomenon lasts a matter of seconds, the victim remembers the events taking place around him.

Overexcitability of the nervous system leads to hysterical seizures, which can quite realistically end in fainting.

Vasovagal syncope

Medical practice shows that of all syncope, about half are vasovagal syncope. It manifests itself in perfectly healthy people, sometimes it can be repeated.

It can occur in a state of excitement, fear, severe fatigue, severe pain. Accompanied by arterial hypotension, bradycardia, pallor.

The phenomenon proceeds as follows. The sympathetic tone increases sharply, in some people such an increase in sympathetic tone is excessive and can provoke a sharp increase in heart contractions. Nerves supply intense impulses to the brain, this is accompanied by a decrease in sympathetic and an increase in parasympathetic tone. As a result, bradycardia develops, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure and fainting. Consciousness is restored if the patient is placed in a supine position and his legs are raised.

Vasodepressor syncope is noted by physicians as common cause loss of consciousness. Main reasons - strong pain and emotional stress. The muscular artery expands, the frequency of contractions of the heart muscle falls, and blood flow decreases. It often occurs in men with severe pain.

The onset of an unconscious state does not occur immediately, initially there is weakness, a hum in the ears, enlarged pupils, blurred vision, dizziness, and excessive sweating. Then the patient loses balance and loses consciousness. The unconscious patient is immobilized, he has convulsions.

BP often drops to 60 mm. There is bradycardia. The skin is pale.

orthostatic syncope

Such fainting develops with a sharp rise, the transition from a lying position to a standing position. The reason is the violation of the reflex mechanisms that ensure the maintenance of blood pressure during the transition to a standing position. In healthy people, blood pressure drops by 10 mm Hg. Art. the heart rate increases by 15 per 1 min, but the state of the body quickly normalizes due to the reflex constriction of the blood arteries.

There are two variants of such fainting.

Hyperdrenergic orthostatic syncope occurs in patients with autonomic dysfunction, their manifestation is arterial hypotension. Fainting is characterized by pronounced tachycardia.

Loss of consciousness in such a patient occurs abruptly, usually it is preceded by a short fainting state. In the supine position, consciousness quickly returns. A further change in the position of the patient does not cause repeated fainting.

Hypoadrenergic orthostatic syncope develops with orthostatic hypotension, which is based on autonomic polyneuropathy with progressive autonomic failure, which occurs primarily or secondary (in diabetes mellitus, other pathologies).

In the supine state, blood pressure in the victim is often overestimated. Heartbeat remains unchanged.

A frequent cause of such conditions can be a long-term stay in a lying position or stay in weightlessness (during space flight).

Help with fainting

In a person in a state of loss of consciousness, the muscles of the tongue are relaxed and asphyxia may occur. It is strongly recommended to provide emergency care to the victim: it is shifted to its side and the tongue is fixed so that it does not fall into the larynx.

It is necessary to free a person from constraining clothing. It is very important to ensure blood flow to the brain. Next, an ambulance call is required, because it is impossible to clearly recognize the cause of the unconscious state, for example, to distinguish fainting from coma. Very often, ammonia helps well, which is given to the victim to smell.

Copying site materials is possible without prior approval in case of installing an active indexed link to our site.

flu virus

Almost 95% of infectious diseases are acute respiratory viral infections, one of which is influenza. Influenza epidemics appear almost every year, usually in autumn, winter, and more than 15% of the population is affected.

Immunity after influenza does not last long, and the presence various forms virus, leads to the fact that during the year a person can transfer this infection several times. Every year, more than 2 million people die due to complications from the flu. Let's find out everything about this disease in this article.

Etiology of influenza

Influenza is caused by a group of viruses belonging to the Orthomyxoviridae family. There are three large genera - A, B and C, which are divided into serotypes H and N, depending on which proteins are found on the surface of the virus, hemagglutinin or neuraminidase. There are 25 such subtypes in total, but 5 of them are found in humans, and one virus can contain both types of proteins of different subtypes.

Influenza viruses change very quickly, each year new species are discovered with modified properties. Sometimes pathogenic subtypes appear so that the epidemics they cause are described in history books. One of these subtypes is the Spanish flu, which often killed a person within a day and claimed the lives of 20 million people at the beginning of the last century.

Influenza A viruses are the most epidemiologically dangerous, they cause epidemics every year. Type B virus can also cause severe influenza, but it does not have such a strong distribution, usually outbreaks occur against the background of type A or shortly before it. Both groups contain proteins H and N, therefore, when classifying them, not only the group is indicated, but also the subtype, as well as the place of discovery, year and serial number. Influenza C virus does not contain the H type protein and is usually mild.

How does the flu happen?

Infection usually occurs by airborne droplets, although household contact is not excluded. The virus enters the body through the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. It is believed that you can get the flu even at a distance of 2-3 meters from the patient, so personal protective equipment is of particular importance during epidemics.

On human skin, the influenza virus quickly dies - after 4-6 minutes, but on household items, the ability to survive increases, for example, on metal, plastic. If a person touches a surface contaminated with the flu virus and then touches their face, and studies show that during the course of a day, people touch their face more than 300 times, this dramatically increases the likelihood of infection.

How long someone with the flu is contagious depends on the type and severity of the illness, but it usually takes 5 to 6 days to become infected. Moreover, infection can occur with an erased form of influenza. Infection is facilitated by a decrease in the humidity of the air in the room. Fresh air prevents the virus from entering the respiratory tract, but low temperatures, about 0 ° C, against the background of hypothermia of the mucosa and dry air, the risk of contracting the flu increases.

For the spread of infection, it is important at what temperature the influenza virus dies. Different strains react differently to temperature changes, but heating above 70°C destroys the virus within 5 minutes, and boiling almost instantly. The virus can survive on household items for up to 7 days. High humidity also contributes to its death.

Clinical picture and severity of the disease

From the moment of infection to the appearance of the first symptoms of the disease, it can take from three hours to three days, usually the incubation period lasts 1-2 days. The disease begins acutely, the first signs of influenza are a sharp rise in temperature and symptoms of intoxication. The patient may complain of general weakness, headache, muscle pain. Often there is a runny nose, cough, this condition lasts 3-4 days, then if there are no complications, the symptoms gradually decrease.

There are 3 degrees of severity of the disease.

1. Easy degree. The temperature rises no higher than 38 ° C or flu without fever is observed. The patient has complaints, but more often the symptoms are mild or absent. The danger of this form is that the patient, being "on his feet", becomes a carrier of the influenza virus.
2. Average degree. The temperature is 38–39 °C, there are pronounced symptoms, intoxication.
3. Severe degree. The temperature is above 40 ° C, convulsions, delirium, vomiting may occur. The danger lies in the development of complications, such as cerebral edema, infectious-toxic shock, hemorrhagic syndrome.

With uncomplicated influenza, the symptoms gradually decrease from 3-4 days of illness, by the 7-10th day the patient recovers, but general weakness, fatigue can disturb him for 2 weeks.

flu symptoms

The first symptoms of influenza are subjective: weakness, fatigue, body aches. Then there is a sharp increase in temperature and symptoms of intoxication of the body appear. Patient complaints can be divided into several groups:

• symptoms of intoxication;
• catarrhal phenomena and lesions of the upper respiratory tract;
• abdominal syndrome.

Intoxication is expressed by headache, muscle pain, general weakness, temperature. How long the flu temperature lasts often depends on the serotype and the general immunity of the body. Its increase is accompanied by chills and increased sweating. High temperatures over 39 ° C are dangerous, as they can lead to seizures and swelling of the brain. In patients with high fever against the background of intoxication, delirium and hallucinations may occur.

The temperature continues for 2-4 days, then it decreases, and the patient gradually recovers. If the temperature lasts longer, or occurs again on the 5-6th day, this indicates the addition of an infection and the development of complications. In such cases, you need to urgently consult a doctor.

In young children, a high temperature is more dangerous, not only because of the possibility of convulsions and swelling of the brain, the child at a temperature very quickly loses fluid due to sweat. And when abdominal symptoms join (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain), fluid loss becomes even greater, dehydration occurs. Therefore, treatment severe flu in children, the administration of infusion solutions is usually accompanied.

When treating influenza at home, Special attention should be given to the drinking regimen. It is necessary to drink as much juice, tea as possible, and if symptoms of dehydration appear, this is dry skin and mucous membranes, this is especially noticeable on the tongue - consult a doctor immediately.

Objective symptoms of influenza in humans are often not expressed, except for temperature, you can notice pallor of the skin, redness of the throat, hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the eyes. There are types of infections that occur without a runny nose, but even with a “dry” flu, dryness and sore throat are often noted. The cough is dry at first, then it can become wet, in people with chronic lung diseases (bronchitis), the virus causes an exacerbation of the process.

Treatment

Treatment of influenza in adults and children follows the same principles, but the likelihood of complications in children and the elderly is much higher. This is due to reduced immunity. In the elderly, it decreases against the background of aging of the body, a decrease in reparative processes. AT childhood Immunity is still developing, which often leads to various diseases.

Antivirals

Treatment for infection should begin as early as possible. This also applies to antiviral drugs for influenza, which are almost useless to take on the third day of illness. Therefore, at the first symptoms, and even better before their manifestation, when there was contact with a flu patient, you need to take an antiviral drug, for example, amantadine ("Midantan"), "Rimantadine", "Tamiflu"; interferon preparations ("Interferon", "Aflubin"). This allows you to prevent the disease, or reduce the duration of the disease by 1-3 days.

Taking antiviral drugs for influenza will help not only shorten the duration of the illness, but also prevent the development of complications, so they should be used in people with reduced immunity. In the treatment of complications, antiviral drugs are also used.

Mode

In the treatment of the disease, it is important to observe bed drinking regimen. Bed rest is necessary even with mild flu, since complications often arise precisely against the background of non-compliance with bed rest. In patients with influenza moderate bed rest greatly facilitates the patient's condition. It is desirable to create a comfortable environment, subdued light, silence, as bright light and noise often irritate influenza patients.

Bed rest is also needed in order to limit the communication of the patient, and reduce the risk of infection to others. Carers should use personal protective equipment (mask) for the purpose of prevention.

To reduce the risk of infection, it is necessary to carry out wet cleaning of the room, ventilate it, since high humidity and fresh air cause the death of the virus. Items for individual use, dishes, linen, toys in children should be treated with disinfectant solutions or detergents.

Symptomatic therapy

Medicines for the treatment of influenza can be divided into several groups:

Symptomatic treatment consists in the fact that each type of drug is taken for certain symptoms.

Features of the disease during pregnancy and lactation

The influenza virus can affect the course of pregnancy, especially when a woman becomes infected with it in the first trimester. The likelihood of pathologies in the fetus increases, and since immunity decreases during pregnancy, complications occur more often.

Therefore, pregnant women should try not to get infected:

• wear a mask when going out;
• you can lubricate the nasal mucosa with oxolinic ointment;
• it is advisable to get vaccinated in a timely manner.

Even if a pregnant woman does not leave the house, the virus can be brought by those close to her.

If infection has occurred, then it is imperative to observe bed rest, drink more juices containing vitamins. The lack of vitamins can be filled with drugs. It is advisable for pregnant women to take antiviral drugs.

Treatment of influenza during pregnancy should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, and drugs should be used, including medicinal herbs, folk methods.

Influenza is dangerous not only during pregnancy, but also during breastfeeding. In this case, it is important to observe the rules of hygiene. It is not necessary at this time to wean the baby from the breast. Feeding can be continued provided that no medications that can penetrate into breast milk and mother will try to prevent infection of the baby during feeding. You need to use a mask, wash your hands and chest thoroughly before feeding.

Influenza treatment for breastfeeding should be carried out with preparations that include natural substances. Now drops against the common cold are produced, which contain only natural ingredients, herbal teas against cough. Treatment during feeding should be prescribed only by a doctor.

Complications

Influenza can lead to complications from other organs and systems of the body, and they can develop immediately or as a result of the addition of a bacterial infection. So, a severe form of the disease can be complicated:

The cause of these complications is the entry of the virus into the bloodstream and its spread throughout the body. If a patient has symptoms such as convulsions, rash, hemodynamic disturbances (fall blood pressure, violation of the frequency of heart contractions), loss of consciousness - you should urgently call an ambulance.

Late complications are:

• otitis media, sinusitis (frontal sinusitis, sinusitis);
• bronchitis, pneumonia, pleurisy;
• meningitis, encephalitis;
• endocarditis, myocarditis.

Usually, late complications of influenza are associated with the addition of a bacterial infection, which requires connection to antibiotic treatment.

Prevention

Features of this infectious disease, its rapid spread, complications during the course, became the reason for the development of a flu vaccine. Children are now being vaccinated against many viral infections, and the development of a flu vaccine should not have been difficult for the pharmaceutical industry.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to develop a universal vaccine, since influenza is represented by different groups, serotypes of viruses. Currently, a vaccine containing group A virus antigens is used for influenza vaccination. Its timely introduction can prevent infection, but since the B and C viruses are often detected during the period of the A virus epidemic, it is impossible to completely exclude influenza.

Another problem is the short duration of the vaccine. Immunity against influenza is short-lived, often protecting against infection for only 6-8 months. Therefore, it is better to vaccinate in the fall, so that antibodies against it circulate in the blood throughout the cold, winter period.

Influenza prophylaxis for children and the elderly is free of charge, as they are at risk, and influenza can cause complications leading to death in them. Vaccination is contraindicated if you are allergic to chicken protein, or if you have had allergic reaction for a previous vaccination.

There are many influenza vaccines of foreign and domestic manufacturers on the Russian pharmaceutical market:

In addition to vaccination for prevention, antiviral drugs are used. What antiviral agent is better to choose for the prevention of influenza? - the most commonly used products, including natural substances. Their use does not cause adverse side effects in immunocompromised people. These include Arbidol, Immunal, Kagocel, Cycloferon and others. The development and research of drugs against this infection continues.

Non-specific prophylaxis of influenza includes:

• the use of immunostimulating drugs for the prevention of influenza ("Anaferon", "Immunal");
• during an epidemic, means of protection against influenza;
• Improving immunity and maintaining hygiene rules.

Antiviral drugs are used daily, according to the instructions ("Arbidol", "Amiksin", "Cycloferon").

The best remedy for the flu is to increase the overall immunity of the body. Immunity increases hardening, the use of vitamins of group C. We must not forget about personal hygiene and products traditional medicine to prevent infection. So, during a flu epidemic, it is recommended:

• avoid crowded places (public transport, events);
• use personal protective equipment (mask);
• keep hands clean;
• avoid contact with patients;
• increase the amount of foods containing vitamin C in the diet.

Summing up, we recall that the flu is an infectious, contagious disease that can lead to various complications. The likelihood of infection increases in autumn and winter. Influenza most often affects children and the elderly, who are at risk. Timely vaccination helps to prevent the disease, against the most likely serotypes that cause the epidemic.

A very detailed article. Thank you.

We were taken aback today, saying that in general, we were vaccinated against the flu in vain, since the flu was not at all the one that we expected. So what's the point of doing it? My husband takes antiviral drugs, it helps him not to get sick. Now I will do it, no vaccinations.

FLU- an acute infectious disease that occurs with a predominant lesion of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and symptoms of intoxication - chills, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pain. It is the most common epidemic disease.

Influenza viruses are orthomyxoviruses and are divided into 3 serological types. The type A virus is characterized by significant antigenic variability, which has led to the emergence of new strains that cause epidemics every 2–3 years and pandemics once every 10–30 years. Viruses of type B and C are characterized by greater stability. Type B virus can cause an epidemic usually after 3 to 4 years, influenza C virus - only sporadic diseases or limited outbreaks. The persistence of influenza viruses in the environment is low. high temperature, drying, sunlight quickly kill them. Influenza viruses are more resistant to low temperatures.

The source of the infectious agent is a sick person, especially in the first 5 days of illness. Infection occurs more often by airborne droplets, the virus is released into the air by patients from damaged epithelial cells of the respiratory tract with drops of saliva, mucus, sputum, when breathing, coughing, talking, crying, coughing, sneezing; less often, the transmission of the virus occurs through household items (towels, handkerchiefs, dishes, etc.) contaminated with the patient's secretions containing the virus. Susceptibility to influenza is very high. The frequency of epidemics depends on the level of immunity of the population and the variability of the antigenic properties of viruses.

clinical picture. The incubation period lasts from 12 hours to 3 days, usually 1-2 days. In typical cases, the disease begins suddenly. Chills appear, the temperature quickly rises to 38-40 0C. Patients complain of severe headache, sleep disturbance, pain on movement eyeballs, aches all over the body, weakness, weakness, nasal congestion, lacrimation, sore throat, lethargy, drowsiness,. In severe cases, fainting, loss of consciousness, pronounced, decrease in blood pressure, muffled heart sounds, pulse lability are possible. There may be meningeal phenomena. Hyperemia and puffiness of the face, hyperemia of the conjunctiva are characteristic. The duration of fever in uncomplicated influenza is 2-5 days, rarely more.

After 2-3 days, serous-purulent discharge from the nose appears. When examining the pharynx, hyperemia with a cyanotic tinge, swelling of the soft palate, arches, and tongue are noted. Fine granularity of the soft palate, injection of blood vessels, petechial hemorrhages are also characteristic. In most patients, it is observed due to the development of tracheitis and tracheobronchitis, and the phenomena of tracheitis predominate, therefore, with influenza, painful, dry (“scratching”), sputum appears after a few days. Sometimes the flu occurs without fever or without signs of damage to the respiratory tract.

The most common complication is, which can be early (first days of illness) and late. The development of pneumonia is accompanied by worsening general condition, increased shortness of breath, cyanosis, fever. Often there are pains in the chest, with sputum, in which there may be an admixture of blood; physical data are usually scarce.

Terrible complications are hemorrhagic pulmonary edema, cerebral edema, hemorrhagic. Hemorrhages in the brain are possible, etc. Frequent complications flu -, eustachitis,. Influenza often leads to exacerbation of various chronic diseases.

Diagnosis based on epidemiological anamnesis data (indication of contact with febrile patients, the presence of disease outbreaks, epidemics), clinical picture and results laboratory research. In the blood it is found with relative lymphocytosis and monocytosis. ESR - within the normal range or moderately elevated. With the addition of complications caused by the bacterial flora, neutrophilia and a significant increase in ESR are observed.

Treatment. Patients with a severe course of the disease and complications, as well as those suffering from severe chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system, respiratory organs, etc., are subject to hospitalization; the rest of the patients are treated at home. Patients must comply with bed rest during the entire febrile period. The room where the patient is located should be warm and well ventilated. The patient should be warmly covered, as necessary (in case of sweating), change bed and underwear, give plenty of warm drink with raspberries, honey, lime blossom (in order to increase sweating and detoxification), as well as warm milk with alkaline mineral water or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to reduce a scratchy throat. A seriously ill patient must be turned in bed, offered to take deep breaths so that there is no stagnation in the lungs, and toilet of the oral cavity and skin should be carried out. Recommended dairy-vegetarian diet rich in vitamins, drink plenty of water.

Patients with severe intoxication, regardless of the day of illness, are administered intramuscularly with a donor anti-influenza (gamma globulin). In the absence of anti-influenza immunoglobulin, normal human (anti-measles) is administered. For the purpose of detoxification, hemodez or reopoliglyukin is also used. Intravenous administration of 5% glucose solution, saline solutions carried out carefully in a volume of not more than 500 ml. At the same time, Lasix is ​​used to prevent the development of pulmonary or cerebral edema.

At the onset of the disease, a human leukocyte is used in the form of a solution, which is instilled 5 drops into the nasal passages every 1 to 2 hours for 2 to 3 days, or as an aerosol used for inhalation.

A pronounced therapeutic effect at the onset of the disease, especially with influenza A, gives. On the first day of treatment, adults are prescribed 300 mg of rimantadine: 100 mg (2 tablets) 3 times after meals; on the second and third day - 200 mg (100 mg 2 times a day); on the fourth day - 100 mg 1 time per day, contraindicated in acute diseases liver, acute and chronic diseases kidneys, thyrotoxicosis and pregnancy. Oxolin is used in the form of a 0.25% ointment, which is lubricated with the mucous membrane of the nasal passages 3-4 times a day. Persons who have allergic manifestations should not use oxolin.

With nasal congestion, 2-3 drops of a 2-3% solution of ephedrine or 1-2% solution of menthol oil are instilled, etc. The use of antipyretics (acetylsalicylic acid, analgin, etc.) is indicated only for hyperthermia.

In order to reduce vascular permeability, calcium preparations, ascorbic acid, are prescribed. Oxygen therapy is indicated. According to the indications, corglicon or strophanthin is administered. With insomnia, arousal, sedatives are used. When coughing, expectorants, mustard plasters, alkaline warm inhalations, as well as solutan, etc. are prescribed. According to indications, antihistamines are used -, tavegil, etc.

Antibacterial drugs (sulfonamides and antibiotics) should not be prescribed for uncomplicated influenza, since they do not act on influenza viruses and do not prevent complications, in particular pneumonia. On the contrary, developed against the background of taking antibiotics, it is worse to treat.

Antibiotics for influenza are used only in cases of development of prolonged bronchitis, pneumonia, otitis media and other complications caused by a secondary bacterial infection, or with exacerbation of concomitant diseases requiring antibiotics.

Forecast favorable, but in severe cases and complications, serious, especially in the elderly and children.

Prevention. Patients undergoing treatment at home must be isolated (in a separate room, behind a screen). When caring for the sick, a mask of 4-6 layers of stretched and ironed gauze should be worn. The room where the patient is located should be ventilated, wet cleaned with a 0.5% solution of chloramine, disinfect dishes, towels, handkerchiefs and other items used by the patient. For air disinfection, it is recommended to irradiate the premises of hospitals and polyclinics (wards, doctor's offices, corridors, etc.) with bactericidal ultraviolet lamps. Flu patients should not visit the clinic. During epidemics, restrictive measures are taken: nurseries and kindergartens are transferred to round-the-clock work, schools are closed, mass entertainment events are prohibited, visits to patients in hospitals, etc. Mandatory wearing of gauze bandages by employees of medical, transport, trade, household and other enterprises associated with service to the population.

Specific prevention of influenza is carried out by vaccinating in the pre-epidemic period, as well as prescribing antiviral drugs to persons who have been in contact with patients (emergency prevention). For the specific prevention of influenza, inactivated and live vaccines are used.

For emergency prophylaxis, it is used, which has a pronounced effect on influenza A. is prescribed to adults who have been in close contact with a sick flu (in families, hospital wards of any profile, office buildings, etc.), 50 mg 1 time per day for 2 days if the patient was isolated immediately, or 5 to 7 days if contact continues (eg, in families leaving the patient for home treatment). For prophylactic purposes, dibazol is often used in small doses (for example, 1 tablet per day), sometimes - leukocyte and donor anti-influenza gamma globulin, for example, in seriously ill patients with non-communicable diseases who have been in contact with a patient with influenza, especially if there are contraindications for the use of rimantadine .

Important measures to prevent influenza are hardening of the body, exercise physical education and sports timely treatment diseases of the paranasal sinuses.

Fainting is a short-term loss of consciousness. The cause may be a short-term decrease in cerebral blood flow.

What is fainting? Often this is an indicator of some kind of disease. Medicine has studied a variety of conditions in which fainting may occur:

• diseases manifested in a decrease in cardiac output: cardiac arrhythmia, stenosis of the aorta, pulmonary arteries, angina attacks;
• pathological conditions: fainting when swallowing, with a sharp rise from a prone position;
• with a sharp decrease in the oxygen content in the blood, other problems with the blood, with anemia, in stuffiness.

Causes of fainting

Fainting most often occurs in the following cases:

• increased intracranial pressure;
• brain pathology;
• a sharp drop in blood pressure;
• increased sensitivity of the carotid sinus (sinocarotid syncope);
• open and closed skull injuries;
• pain shock;
• vertebral pathologies caused by osteochondrosis, congenital cervical pathologies;
• problems of brain tissue metabolism during hypoglycemia, infections, chemical poisoning;
• seizures accompanied by hysteria;
• autonomic disorders in children and adolescents.

Very often it is a consequence of a sharp decrease in blood pressure, if the internal organs of a person did not have time to adapt to changes in blood flow. In such cases, there is a feeling of malaise, lack of oxygen. This type of fainting is provoked by physical exertion.

Fainting occurs with a sharp decrease in blood flow during bleeding, injury, due to dehydration.

Before the onset of fainting, a person feels weakness, a buzzing in the ears, cold sweat, darkening in the eyes, and impaired coordination of movements.

In the absence of any serious pathologies, fainting proceeds safely.

Fainting in children

In babies under the age of 2 years, convulsive fainting may occur due to fright, pain. The reason is often the increased excitability of the nervous system. Any external stimulus can cause a cry, which leads to a delay in breathing, a short loss of consciousness occurs.

There are cases when a convulsive seizure develops at a high temperature in a child, with the flu, fainting with convulsions may occur. The body of a teenager is prone to such manifestations. Blood vessels do not always have time to tune in to the growth of body parts. Very often, adolescents experience fainting with VVD (vegetovascular dystonia). In adolescence, it is often observed in girls. A single case of fainting is not a sign of a serious illness, but it would be better to consult a pediatrician.

What types of fainting are most common, consider in more detail.

Fainting with epilepsy

The patterns of convulsive syncope and syncope in epilepsy are significantly different. Both are characterized by loss of consciousness, convulsive manifestations, changes in blood pressure, dilated pupils.

There are a number of distinguishing features by which you can determine the type of fainting.

Before losing consciousness, there is a feeling of weakness, dizziness, buzzing in the ears, sometimes you can just lie down to restore the body's strength. Patients with epilepsy usually feel the onset of an attack, but often an attack can begin suddenly, a person runs the risk of falling on the spot while walking, while changing the position of a person during an attack does not normalize the condition.

Seizures can also occur in the supine position, even during sleep, and the most common syncope very rarely occurs in the supine position.

Loss of consciousness is caused by external factors, for example, psycho-emotional stress.

There are significant differences in convulsive movements. In fainting, the muscles contract and relax alternately and abruptly. Epileptic seizures are characterized by generalized forms, when the muscles are blocked by a spasm for several minutes, a clonic spasm occurs.

Usually the phenomenon lasts a matter of seconds, the victim remembers the events taking place around him.

Overexcitability of the nervous system leads to hysterical seizures, which can quite realistically end in fainting.

Vasovagal syncope

Medical practice shows that of all syncope, about half are vasovagal syncope. It manifests itself in perfectly healthy people, sometimes it can be repeated.

It can occur in a state of excitement, fear, severe fatigue, severe pain. Accompanied by arterial hypotension, bradycardia, pallor.

The phenomenon proceeds as follows. The sympathetic tone increases sharply, in some people such an increase in sympathetic tone is excessive and can provoke a sharp increase in heart contractions. Nerves supply intense impulses to the brain, this is accompanied by a decrease in sympathetic and an increase in parasympathetic tone. As a result, bradycardia develops, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure and fainting. Consciousness is restored if the patient is placed in a supine position and his legs are raised.

Vasodepressor syncope is noted by physicians as a common cause of loss of consciousness. The main causes are severe pain and emotional stress. The muscular artery expands, the frequency of contractions of the heart muscle falls, and blood flow decreases. It often occurs in men with severe pain.

The onset of an unconscious state does not occur immediately, initially there is weakness, a hum in the ears, enlarged pupils, blurred vision, dizziness, and excessive sweating. Then the patient loses balance and loses consciousness. The unconscious patient is immobilized, he has convulsions.

BP often drops to 60 mm. There is bradycardia. The skin is pale.

orthostatic syncope

Such fainting develops with a sharp rise, the transition from a lying position to a standing position. The reason is the violation of the reflex mechanisms that ensure the maintenance of blood pressure during the transition to a standing position. In healthy people, blood pressure drops by 10 mm Hg. Art. the heart rate increases by 15 per 1 min, but the state of the body quickly normalizes due to the reflex constriction of the blood arteries.

There are two variants of such fainting.

Hyperdrenergic orthostatic syncope occurs in patients with autonomic dysfunction, their manifestation is. Fainting is characterized by pronounced tachycardia.

Loss of consciousness in such a patient occurs abruptly, usually it is preceded by a short fainting state. In the supine position, consciousness quickly returns. A further change in the position of the patient does not cause repeated fainting.

Hypoadrenergic orthostatic syncope develops with orthostatic hypotension, which is based on autonomic polyneuropathy with progressive autonomic failure, which occurs primarily or secondary (in diabetes mellitus, other pathologies).

In the supine state, blood pressure in the victim is often overestimated. The heart rate remains unchanged.

A frequent cause of such conditions can be a long-term stay in a lying position or stay in weightlessness (during space flight).

Help with fainting

In a person in a state of loss of consciousness, the muscles of the tongue are relaxed and asphyxia may occur. It is strongly recommended to provide emergency assistance to the victim: he is shifted to his side and the tongue is fixed so that it does not fall into the larynx.

It is necessary to free a person from constraining clothing. It is very important to ensure blood flow to the brain. Next, an ambulance call is required, because it is impossible to clearly recognize the cause of the unconscious state, for example, to distinguish fainting from coma. Very often, ammonia helps well, which is given to the victim to smell.

There are 2 main forms of cerebral lesion in influenza- encephalic reactions and toxic-hemorrhagic encephalitis.

Encephalic reactions characterized by the presence of mainly cerebral disorders. At the height of influenza infection, vomiting, headache, convulsions, blackout or loss of consciousness occur. Convulsions are more often generalized, clonic or clonic-tonic in nature.

Perhaps the appearance of meningeal symptoms in the form of hyperesthesia of the skin, bulging of a large fontanelle, slight stiffness of the muscles of the neck. These symptoms do not last long, the general condition improves, consciousness clears up. Lethargy or agitation may persist for a longer time. In some cases, cerebral and meningeal symptoms are more pronounced: the duration of loss of consciousness can be up to 1-172 days, it is deeper, convulsions are repeated, meningeal symptoms are more distinct.

Such a course may be accompanied by respiratory distress and cardiovascular disorders, severe muscle hypotension, increased or suppressed tendon reflexes, decreased pupillary response to light, corneal and conjunctival reflexes. Some patients have hyperemia and swelling of the nipples of the optic nerves. After clarification of consciousness, lethargy or agitation persists for a long time.

CSF pressure increased. Its composition is normal or there is a slight lymphocytic pleocytosis - up to 30-40 cells in 1 mm 3.

Toxic hemorrhagic encephalitis characterized by acute, sometimes rapid apoplektiform development on the 2nd-7th day from the onset of influenza. In this case, there is a high rise in temperature, chills, convulsions, loss of consciousness. There may be psychomotor agitation, delirium.

depending from the localization of focal symptoms in children early age the following forms of toxic-hemorrhagic influenza encephalitis are distinguished: cortical, in the symptoms of which pronounced psychomotor agitation predominates; cortical-subcortical with mono- and hemiparesis, hyperkinesis; stem with hemi- or tetraparesis, severe oculomotor disorders, ataxia. Neurological disorders may persist for a different time depending on the depth of the lesion and the severity of the disease.

It is most difficult for children of the first years stem form flows, in which there is a disorder of breathing, thermoregulation and cardiac activity. Prognostically unfavorable is a prolonged shutdown of consciousness.
After encephalitis persistent consequences are possible: oculomotor disorders, various motor disorders, psychomotor retardation, convulsions.

Prevention and treatment of influenza complications

During outbreaks flu epidemics in order to increase the body's resistance, ascorbic acid is prescribed at a dose of 0.3-1 g, depending on age. There are preliminary data on the effectiveness of the use of interferon in groups where there were cases of influenza, but the main importance is preventive actions to reduce the spread of airborne infection.

If there are symptoms nervous system damage dehydrating drugs, lytic mixtures, anticonvulsant therapy are indicated. Measures are being taken to normalize breathing and blood circulation. Antibiotics are prescribed to treat and prevent secondary infections.