Consequences after the flu

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Adverse effects and possible complications of influenza

Adverse consequences of influenza in the form of various kinds of complications occur when the disease is untimely, incorrectly and incompletely treated.

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Influenza is commonly understood as an acute infection of the respiratory system that is viral in nature. However, susceptibility to the effects of viruses remains in people of any age. The disease is highly contagious and spreads almost every year to the point of epidemic. Adverse effects from the flu can be extremely serious, including death. According to statistics, during seasonal epidemics in the world, on average, about a thousand people die, whose bodies were unable to cope with the disease - this state of affairs is most typical for underdeveloped countries that do not have the resources to provide proper medical care. Along with this, even without taking into account the fatal outcome, complications of influenza can be extremely unfavorable. You are invited to learn about them further.

Basic information about the dangers of influenza

As noted, the human respiratory system is most affected by the flu. Along with this, all systems and organs can be exposed to the toxic effects of the virus. In accordance with the location of detection of complications, the dangerous consequences of influenza are classified into several main groups:

  • pulmonary complications. Often these are the following ailments and pathologies: lung abscesses, pleural empyema, pneumonia;
  • complications affecting the functioning of the cardiovascular system: myocarditis, pericarditis;
  • complications of ENT organs: tracheitis and otitis, rhinitis and sinusitis, etc.;
  • complications on the nervous system: neuralgia and neuritis, encephalitis, meningitis, etc.;
  • muscle disorders, etc.

In addition to all of the above, influenza can lead to exacerbation of asymptomatic diseases of the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

Next, you are invited to familiarize yourself in more detail with information about the dangerous complications of influenza.

Possible complications after the flu

  1. Pneumonia. One of the popular complications. As a rule, it develops as a secondary infection caused by staphylococci or streptococci. Less common are cases of combined pneumonia, caused simultaneously by bacteria and viruses. Primary viral pneumonia is even less commonly diagnosed. This dangerous disease has a high mortality rate. Develops when a person is infected with a highly pathogenic virus. The risk group includes patients with diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. When infected by a virus, the integrity of the walls of blood vessels that supply blood to the lungs is disrupted, which provokes pulmonary hemorrhage and can be fatal.
  2. Complications of the cardiovascular system. Against the background of infectious-toxic shock, there is an increase in heart rate, and pressure can drop to critical levels. Complications are especially common in older people. More rare are the consequences expressed in the form of diseases such as pericarditis and myocarditis. Heart failure may develop against the background of pericarditis.
  3. Complications affecting the organs of the ENT system. Against the background of intensive proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms in the respiratory tract, there are pronounced disturbances in the processes of cleansing the respiratory tract from fine dust and other foreign inclusions. In addition, the flu can lead to the development of various secondary infections, for example, otitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, etc. Complications in the form of otitis or rhinitis can result in inflammation of the brain.
  4. Complications affecting the nervous system. Influenza can cause exacerbation of diseases that previously occurred without pronounced symptoms: hypotensive or hypertensive crisis, neuropsychiatric diseases, radiculitis and other neurological disorders. At the same time, the causative virus has the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. This, in turn, can provoke damage to the meninges and walls of the brain vessels. The risk group includes patients who have suffered head injuries, concussions, and those suffering from alcoholism. The result of such lesions is often diseases such as encephalitis, meningitis, etc.
  5. Complications on muscles and kidneys. A feeling of aching muscles is one of the characteristic signs of the flu. A similar condition may persist for some time after recovery, indicating the presence of myositis, an inflammatory process that affects skeletal muscles. Most often, such disorders are diagnosed in young patients. In this case, there may be an increase in the concentration of myoglobin in the urine test, which indicates the presence of all the prerequisites for the development of acute renal dysfunction.
  6. Reye's syndrome. A rather rare complication, diagnosed mainly in young patients who have been infected with influenza type B. It is a consequence of improper treatment of influenza with medications containing acetylsalicylic acid. The disease is classified as acute encephalopathy, accompanied by cerebral edema and liver infiltration. To eliminate the risk of developing this complication, high fever in young patients is “brought down” by taking paracetamol, but not aspirin.

Consequences of influenza during pregnancy

During pregnancy, women are especially sensitive to the state of their health and the developing fetus inside. It is important to understand that no specialist can give a 100% reliable answer regarding the question of a child being affected by the flu. We can only say that the flu is most dangerous for the fetus during the first 12 weeks - it is during this period that the formation of tissues and organs of the developing baby occurs. After their formation is completed, the child simply grows, therefore, the flu is no longer capable of causing significant damage to the processes of formation of the organ structure.

In general, the statistics are not the most reassuring: if, after the mother suffered from the flu, the fetus developed significant developmental and formation abnormalities, a specialist may suggest termination of pregnancy. If the course of pregnancy after the flu remains in a normal state, and an ultrasound does not reveal any significant abnormalities, there is most likely nothing to worry about.

If the viral disease was characterized by a very severe course and was accompanied by complications, the risk of infection of the baby remains. Under such circumstances, they usually resort to using a “triple test”, the results of which determine the content of estriol, hCG and AFP.

Along with this, the results of the mentioned diagnostic measure are often not reliable, because indicators depend on many factors. In accordance with the study indicators (usually the test is taken several times for greater confidence), the specialist either draws conclusions that there is no risk for the child, or prescribes additional examinations. During additional tests, a procedure called amniocentesis is performed.

The amniocentesis procedure involves collecting amniotic fluid for testing for various pathologies in the fetus. Before prescribing the procedure, the doctor carefully examines the patient’s condition in order to determine the likelihood of subsequent complications - in 1-1.5% of cases there is a threat of premature delivery or miscarriage.

If a pathology is detected, the final decision about the fate of the fetus remains with the parents.

How to avoid complications: recommendations for patients

Firstly, do not engage in uncontrolled self-treatment. Secondly, do not endure the disease on your feet - strictly bed rest. Thirdly, do not try to “bring down” the temperature to less than 39 degrees if it does not cause you significant discomfort. Take antipyretic medications only as recommended by your doctor. Fourth, drink more fluid - it will be easier for the body to remove toxins and other harmful substances.

Contact your doctor in a timely manner, follow his recommendations and be healthy!

Complications after the flu: what to watch out for

First of all, it is worth noting that the flu itself is an extremely dangerous viral disease, which is not so rarely fatal. Hundreds of thousands of people die from it every year around the world. Last year, 27 people died from it in Russia.

The biggest problem is that there are a huge number of different strains that adapt quite easily to new conditions. It is this circumstance that prevents humanity from ending this disease once and for all.

However, that's not all - the flu can also cause serious complications if not treated properly. Those most at risk are citizens who prefer to carry the infection, which is called on their feet.

In 2016, doctors expect a surge in incidence at the end of November.

A little about the flu

As a rule, the infection is most widespread during the cold season - late autumn and winter. The disease is transmitted mainly from person to person through airborne droplets. Infection occurs extremely quickly. Moreover, the disease often affects the respiratory organs, which in turn leads to:

To reduce the risk to a minimum, it is necessary to get vaccinated first. If you suspect you have the flu, you should definitely call a doctor at home.

We can say with absolute certainty which categories of citizens are most at risk of encountering complications after the flu:

  • persons aged 50 years and older;
  • children from infancy to 4 years of age;
  • citizens suffering from various pathologies of the cardiovascular system and respiratory organs;
  • pregnant women;
  • everyone who has a too weak immune system.

Main symptoms of the disease

Most often, the infection manifests itself as follows:

  • temperature above 39 degrees;
  • severe headache;
  • weakness and general fatigue;
  • cough;
  • sore throat;
  • aching joints;
  • diarrhea;
  • vomiting.

If you have all of the above symptoms, you must definitely contact a specialist who, based on the results of the examination, will conclude about the severity of the infection and prescribe appropriate therapy.

In addition, the flu manifests itself in some difficult cases and:

  • fever accompanied by chills;
  • cough with phlegm and sometimes blood;
  • heavy frequent breathing;
  • shortness of breath;
  • pain in the chest area.

Most common complications

Flu often leads to the following dangerous disorders:

  • bacterial or viral pneumonia;
  • myositis;
  • various diseases of the central nervous system.

In addition, it can also cause complications in the heart, as a result of which the patient increases the risk of developing:

  • heart attack;
  • myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle);
  • pericarditis (the lining of the heart is affected).

At the same time, quite often people who have had the flu subsequently experience infections that affect the ears and sinuses. The latter is most often found in children.

In adults, due to dehydration, existing chronic pathologies are exacerbated, among which it is worth mentioning:

  • asthma;
  • congestive heart failure;
  • diabetes.

Treatment options for influenza

As a rule, therapy is carried out at home, with the exception of certain cases when hospitalization is advisable for the following indications:

  • epidemiological;
  • social;
  • clinical.

The first includes cases when the patient is in a closed institution (boarding school, camp, etc.).

Social factors are the inability to organize normal care for a patient for various reasons (for example, a person does not have a permanent place of residence).

Clinical reasons include:

  • influenza in severe, including hypertoxic form;
  • the presence of associated complications (encephalitis, pneumonia, meningitis);
  • infection of a newborn or infants.

Patients require bed rest for the entire period of the acute course of the disease. It is best to feed them plant foods and dairy products. Additionally, care should be taken to increase the proportion of vitamins in the diet. Drinking should be plentiful and hot. Suitable:

  • Tea with lemon;
  • various fruit drinks (cranberry or lingonberry are best);
  • alkaline mineral water.

At temperatures above 38 degrees, you should start taking anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as antipyretics.

It is safest to give Paracetamol to children. At higher temperatures, the patient is wiped with vodka. It is strictly forbidden to give the patient Aspirin - this medicine can provoke Reye's syndrome, which, in turn, often leads to death.

If you have a severe cough accompanied by thick sputum, you should drink:

For easier expectoration of mucus, extracts are prescribed:

Medicines

Depending on the symptoms accompanying the disease, appropriate medications are prescribed. In particular, antihistamines are indicated if:

Decongestants are prescribed when the patient feels:

  • discomfort in the nasopharynx;
  • congestion in the ears;
  • compression of the head.

Analgesics can relieve pain in joints and muscles.

Antipyretics – reduce the temperature.

Etiotropic drugs fight directly against the virus itself. At the same time, taking only such drugs is not enough for complete treatment. Immunomodulators are taken along with them.

As a rule, the following drugs effectively help treat influenza:

Treatment effectiveness

If therapy is started within the first 36 hours after infection, the duration of the disease is significantly reduced. This also allows you to reduce the risk of complications to a minimum. It should be remembered that anti-influenza therapy is most effective with an integrated approach.

It is important to avoid dehydration by drinking as much fluid as possible. It is correct to use disposable tissues. The room where the patient is located must be regularly ventilated.

Ways to protect yourself from the flu

First of all, it has been proven in practice that flu vaccinations are a very effective way to avoid illness. Their cost is not that high. In any case, the cost of treating the infection itself far exceeds the cost of vaccination.

After the flu has been cured, it is extremely important to be attentive to your health and, at the first suspicion of a complication, immediately seek medical help. If the problem is noticed in time, the danger will be significantly reduced.

Source: http://prostudnet.ru/oslozhneniya/oslozhneniya-posle-grippa-chego-sleduet-opasatsya.html

Consequences of the flu

Influenza is an acute viral disease that can cause extremely dangerous complications, including death. According to research, millions of people suffer from this disease every year. Let's take a closer look at what consequences of the flu can develop and how to avoid them.

Who develops complications?

Most often, the effects of influenza develop in the following groups of people:

  1. Young children aged six months to four years who do not yet have strong immunity to fight the influenza virus.
  2. Children and adults who have chronic heart, respiratory or kidney diseases.
  3. Women during pregnancy.
  4. People with diseases that suppress the immune system (HIV infection, tuberculosis, syphilis, hepatitis, etc.).
  5. Elderly people whose bodies can no longer resist the virus as well as before.

It should be noted that consequences after the flu can also develop in the following cases:

  1. With incorrectly selected drug therapy.
  2. Due to having the flu “on your feet”.
  3. In case of incorrect treatment and errors in therapy.
  4. In case of advanced disease, when a person did not consult a doctor in time, did not carry out diagnosis and treatment.

In the latter case, the risk of developing dangerous complications from the flu is very high.

Signs of the flu

The flu, the symptoms and consequences of which can be very different, can cause the following symptoms in humans:

  1. Chills and fever.
  2. Increased body temperature.
  3. Headache (sometimes very severe, similar to a migraine).
  4. Sore throat.
  5. Cough (first dry, and then with sputum).
  6. Weakness and pallor.
  7. Sleep disturbance.
  8. Body aches.
  9. Runny nose.

In young children, a sign of this disease may also be a bowel disorder (diarrhea, flatulence, colic).

Particularly dangerous manifestations of this viral disease are coughing up blood, shortness of breath and high fever. These are serious indications for calling an ambulance or urgently seeing a doctor.

Consequences of the flu

The following possible complications that may occur after influenza and ARVI are identified:

  • Pneumonia or pneumonia is one of the most common consequences. It usually occurs due to the progression of a secondary infection caused by staphylococcus. Somewhat less commonly, pneumonia is caused by viruses and bacteria.

It is important to note that pneumonia contributes to disruption of vascular function and blood supply to the lungs, which can lead to intrapulmonary hemorrhage and death of the sick person. This disease should be treated exclusively in a hospital setting.

  • Consequences expressed in deterioration of the cardiovascular system (See also: Complications of the heart after the flu). In this condition, the patient may experience an increase in heart rate, or, conversely, a sharp slowdown. Most often, this phenomenon is observed in elderly people who, for purely physiological reasons, have weak myocardium.

In addition, against the background of a malfunction of the heart, a person may develop myocarditis, pericarditis and general heart failure.

  • Inflammation of the brain. This can be caused by a consequence of the flu such as otitis media, which was not detected and treated in time.
  • Damage to the organs of the ENT system. This includes a high risk of developing sinusitis, rhinitis, sinusitis and other inflammatory diseases of the nose. Purulent forms of such conditions are considered especially dangerous. They require long-term treatment with antibiotics and a series of nasal rinsing procedures.
  • Damage to the nervous system can be expressed in the appearance of a hypertensive crisis, exacerbation of existing mental illnesses, as well as sleep disturbances. In more severe cases, the patient may experience encephalitis and meningitis, which are considered extremely dangerous diseases.
  • Reye's syndrome usually occurs in children who have suffered from influenza with the B genotype. In this condition, the patient may develop cerebral edema and liver dysfunction.
  • Complications in the musculoskeletal system can affect joints and muscles. This will lead to severe pain.
  • Impaired kidney function can lead to severe inflammation and pyelonephritis. In this condition, the patient may experience severe intoxication of the body, high fever and pain in the kidneys. Pyelonephritis requires immediate medical treatment.

In addition, it is worth mentioning separately about the risks of this disease during pregnancy. The influence of such a pathology is especially dangerous in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, when the foundations of the organs and systems of the fetus are laid.

In this condition, the unborn child can easily develop pathologies of the heart or liver. The nervous system may also be affected and the overall development of the fetus may deteriorate.

Mistakes leading to complications

The following are the most common mistakes made by patients that lead to the development of dangerous consequences from the flu:

  1. Incorrect treatment, namely taking antibiotics in the initial stages of the disease. It is worth knowing that this group of drugs is completely ineffective against the virus, because it has a completely different medicinal purpose. You can take antibiotics only when the virus is active and there is a risk of developing a bacterial infection.
  2. Installing compresses, performing hot baths and other thermal procedures at high temperatures. In fact, other than worsening the condition, these measures will not bring any benefit to the patient. Doctors warn that at high temperatures the body needs to be cooled, and not vice versa, warmed by all known methods.
  3. Drinking alcohol to warm the body will not actually have the expected effect. On the contrary, alcohol will further weaken the immune system, worsening the patient’s condition.
  4. Taking herbal tinctures without a doctor’s prescription can cause extremely negative consequences in the functioning of the heart and kidneys. In general, it is strictly prohibited to be treated with folk remedies without a doctor’s prescription. This is especially true for therapy in children and pregnant women.
  5. Refusal to take medications prescribed by a doctor can easily lead to otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia and other complications. Moreover, unmodern therapy can aggravate the course of existing chronic pathologies (kidney diseases, asthma, etc.).

Prevention of complications

To protect yourself from the negative effects of the flu, you should adhere to the following recommendations from your doctor:

  1. Do not underestimate the flu - the consequences of the disease can be very sad. For this reason, at the first manifestations of this viral infection, you should consult a therapist.
  2. You should not self-medicate without medical supervision.
  3. It is important to eat properly during treatment and enrich the body with useful substances. Additionally, you are also allowed to take vitamin complexes.
  4. In the presence of chronic pathologies, therapy should be carried out especially carefully. Serious illnesses must be reported to your doctor.
  5. Bed rest should be observed throughout the course of the disease.
  6. To maintain immunity (only as prescribed by a doctor), it is recommended to use immunomodulatory drugs.
Proper prevention allows you to avoid complications.

Source: http://gripptips.ru/oslozhneniya/oslozhneniya-grippa/posledstviya-grippa.html

What complications can result from improper treatment of influenza?

Influenza is caused by viruses types A, B and C. The most dangerous viruses are type A. Type B causes influenza with a more gradual progression. Type C causes a cold-like condition and is the least common.

After infection, viruses quickly invade the epithelium of the respiratory tract (nose, pharynx, trachea and bronchi) and multiply intensively there. This process takes 4-6 hours. During this time, epithelial cells are damaged (in children almost completely destroyed), which opens the way for microbes (most often pneumococcal infection, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus). And this leads to secondary bacterial infections.

Influenza virus model.

The influenza virus can enter the lungs with blood and cause inflammation, which leads to necrotic changes and hemorrhages. Sometimes it affects the nervous system, causing inflammation of the meninges or brain.

When can flu complications occur?

The period of development of the disease lasts from 2 to 3 days. Treatment of influenza without complications lasts about 7 days, but weakness can be felt even after several weeks.

If, despite treatment, flu symptoms persist, worsen, or develop additional symptoms, consult your doctor. Perhaps it has already reached the point of complications, which most often make themselves felt within 1-2 weeks of the disease.

Children, elderly people, chronically ill people, and people with weakened resistance are most susceptible to complications of influenza.

Sinusitis as a complication after the flu

Inflammatory changes in the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses are the most common complication of influenza.

  • pain in the forehead and nose, which is especially severe in the morning and intensifies with head movements;
  • feeling of tightness in the cheek area;
  • nasal congestion;
  • increase in body temperature.

If a bacterial infection is added to a viral infection, then a purulent runny nose, chronic headaches, and fever of unknown origin can persist for months!

Treatment : Inhalations with table salt and dry warm compresses (apply a hot towel to your forehead or cheekbones, then clean your nose) have an excellent effect. Drink marjoram infusion (a teaspoon in a glass of water), and your nose will unblock itself. If bacteria have joined the viral infection, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. The course of treatment lasts days.

Otitis as a complication after influenza

Inflammation of the middle ear leads to swelling of the mucous membrane, which impedes the outflow of secretions from the mucous membrane (with a viral infection) or mucopurulent discharge (with a bacterial infection), as a result, it accumulates in the middle ear.

There is pain, high body temperature, the patient hears worse, sometimes it comes to perforation of the eardrum and pus coming out. Neglect of infection leads to weakened hearing, inflammation of the facial nerve or brain.

Treatment : The viral infection is treated symptomatically (painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs). Warm dry compresses (hot towel, heating pad) relieve pain. If bacteria enters the ear following the virus, you need to take an antibiotic. Sometimes the eardrum needs to be cut to allow the pus to drain out.

Bronchitis as a complication after influenza

  • attacks of painful cough, first dry, then wet, associated with the production of sputum (transparent in case of viral inflammation, yellow or greenish in bacterial inflammation);
  • fever.

Treatment : For a viral infection, simply lie in bed, drink a lot and lower your temperature if it exceeds 38ºC. It is worth humidifying the bedroom - dry air aggravates the course of the disease and can lead to pneumonia. While the cough is dry, syrup helps, inhibiting the cough reflex, then it needs to be changed to an expectorant. When bacteria appear (fever, cough with purulent sputum, shortness of breath), you need to take an antibiotic.

Pneumonia as a complication after influenza

  • high fever
  • chills
  • headache
  • muscle pain
  • severe dry cough
  • a feeling of heaviness in the chest, sometimes chest pain that gets worse when breathing or coughing
  • abdominal pain
  • vomit
  • dyspnea
  • shallow breathing
  • wheezing
  • accelerated heart rate

The disease is life-threatening, especially for children and elderly people with reduced immunity.

Treatment : Pneumonia caused by influenza viruses, mainly types A and B, is treated symptomatically (cough syrup, antipyretic drugs). However, since viruses can open the door for bacteria, particularly dangerous pneumococci, antibiotics are sometimes used.

In the initial phase of the disease, medical cups can be useful (they mobilize the immune system, thereby inhibiting the development of infection and speeding up recovery).

You need to drink a lot to avoid dehydration. The developing inflammatory process disrupts gas exchange processes and can lead to very dangerous hypoxia of the body. To improve ventilation and heart function, as well as prevent fluid accumulation in the lungs, doctors recommend blowing through a straw into a glass of water.

If the disease is severe, hospital treatment is needed. The course of treatment lasts up to several days, but weakness may persist for several weeks.

Myocarditis as a complication after influenza

  • weakness
  • low-grade fever
  • shallow breathing, shortness of breath
  • accelerated heartbeat, rapid and disturbed heart rhythm, sometimes combined with fainting and even loss of consciousness
  • sharp, stabbing pains located deep in the chest, characteristic of coronary pain

Sometimes post-influenza myocarditis is asymptomatic and is recognized only some time after the flu.

Most often, the infection spreads to the entire heart muscle along with the membranes surrounding the heart (post-influenza pericarditis). Because of this complication, not only older people die, but also young people between 20 and 40 years of age!

Treatment : Cardiovascular complications of influenza require hospital treatment. The patient should rest and avoid stress. In more severe cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids and immunosuppressants are administered. If there is a bacterial infection, use an antibiotic. In case of heart rhythm disturbances, drugs with potassium and magnesium help; these drugs are also recommended in the treatment of arrhythmia. In case of cardiac arrest, medications that dilate blood vessels and improve heart function. In the case of some patients, it is necessary to increase blood circulation with the help of special equipment, and sometimes salvation is only a heart transplant.

Meningitis and other neurological complications

Various types of inflammation of the peripheral nerves, spinal cord, meninges, and brain are rare complications after influenza. High fever, severe headaches, nausea and stiff neck (you can't lift your head while lying on your back) may indicate that the influenza virus has entered the brain. The disease is confirmed through examination of the cerebrospinal fluid.

Treatment : Serious neurological complications require hospital treatment.

How to prevent flu complications

Flu is not a cold! It is one of those diseases that cannot be cured on your own; you need to call a doctor as soon as possible. It is better not to leave the house, because a cold with the flu increases the risk of complications. So, if the doctor gives you a release from work and forces you to lie in bed, then you need to do so.

The body needs rest and time to overcome the disease. Get into bed and cover yourself with a blanket - raising your body temperature blocks the ability of viruses to reproduce.

Home remedies will also help: fruit teas, milk with butter and honey, hot chicken soup - they warm up the body and mobilize the immune system to action, prevent dehydration and eliminate discomfort.

Anyone who is at high risk of contracting the flu should get vaccinated! Vaccines significantly reduce the risk of contracting influenza, and in case of illness, they alleviate the course of the disease and protect against complications.

Source: http://sekretizdorovya.ru/blog/oslozhnenija_posle_grippa/3

Complications after the flu

What other complications can occur after the flu? How to treat complications of influenza and how to avoid them? In this article we will answer these and many other questions.

Why do complications develop?

Influenza infection triggers a series of reactions in the body that increase the virus's ability to multiply and infect new cells. In this case, the patient’s normal functioning is impossible. The body suffers from intoxication - poisoning by waste products of the virus, particles of dead body cells, etc. After some time (usually 1-3 days), symptoms of inflammation of the upper respiratory tract are added to the symptoms of intoxication.

Influenza is characterized by a cough and sore throat, while a runny nose in patients with influenza is usually mild.

Disruption of the normal functioning of the body leads to a decrease in the resistance of the immune system. In such conditions, there is a risk of developing various complications.

Complication is a pathological process that develops against the background of the underlying disease. The risk of complications is associated both with the physiology of a particular person (presence of chronic diseases, susceptibility to certain diseases) and with the correctness of treatment (it is known that experiments with self-medication often lead to serious consequences).

There are several factors that create the risk of developing complications after influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections:

  1. Viruses disrupt breathing, especially nasal breathing, as the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract swells and secretes mucus. This mucus can thicken and clog the airways. All this creates the preconditions for the proliferation of bacteria that cause sinusitis, pneumonia, sore throat, etc.
  2. Swelling of the nasopharynx interferes with the outflow of fluid through the Eustachian tube, which connects the nasopharynx and middle ear. This liquid accumulates, and conditions are created for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. As a result, otitis media may develop - inflammation of the middle ear.
  3. Viruses affect the functioning of the immune system. This leads to a decrease in the body's resistance. Among the complications of influenza there are also autoimmune diseases associated with an inadequate response of immune cells to their own proteins. An example of such a disease is rheumatoid arthritis.
  4. Intoxication sometimes also leads to complications. Toxic substances accumulated in muscles, connective tissue, and nervous tissue are usually excreted by the kidneys within 10 days, but sometimes this process is long and difficult. A common complication after the flu is asthenia, a condition in which there is no strength, apathy and weakness, nervousness, and drowsiness overcome. This condition is caused by the consequences of intoxication.
  5. Taking various medications, as well as medical procedures, in some cases turn out to provoke the development of secondary diseases. First of all, this concerns incorrectly selected treatment, self-medication, as well as refusal of some or all medications and procedures. Premature refusal of treatment also often leads to complications, including early termination of bed rest.

At-risk groups

Some categories of the population are more prone to severe complications of influenza than others. Quite often, this infection leads to serious consequences in the following groups of people:

  • elderly (over 55 years old);
  • infants (from 4 months to 4 years);
  • people with chronic diseases of an infectious nature (having chronic otitis media, bronchitis, sinusitis, etc.);
  • those suffering from heart and lung diseases;
  • people with immune system disorders;
  • pregnant women.

These categories of the population are recommended to receive an annual flu vaccination, with the exception, of course, of those suffering from immunodeficiency. By getting vaccinated, you not only protect your own body from a disease that takes 30 thousand lives every year, but also prevent its spread. This way you help those people who cannot get vaccinated for health reasons (cancer patients, HIV-infected people, etc.).

Common Flu Complications

Among the pathologies that develop against the background of influenza infection, several of the most common can be identified:

  1. Pulmonary diseases, primarily pneumonia (pneumonia) and bronchitis (including obstructive). It is these complications that are observed most often and can lead to death. Pneumonia, like bronchitis, can be viral or bacterial in nature. They are almost always treated with antiviral drugs in combination with antibiotics, since the risk of bacterial infection is very high. In addition to systemic ones, local treatments, for example, inhalations, are also used. Pneumonia is a serious reason to see a doctor. You should not try to cure it with home remedies, especially if we are talking about an infant (the lumen of a child's airways is very narrow, which creates a risk of suffocation).
  2. Sinusitis - sinusitis and sinusitis. These are diseases caused by inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. They usually develop after the acute period. Feeling unwell after the flu begins to worry when the patient seems to be on the mend. This complication after the flu has symptoms such as headache, aggravated by bending over and sudden movements, a feeling of heaviness in the face, swelling of the mucous membrane (resulting in nasal congestion). There may not be a runny nose. Typically, sinusitis is caused by bacterial infections and develops against the background of various acute respiratory viral infections. Timely treatment of sinusitis has a favorable prognosis - a person feels well after 3-5 days of treatment. It is important not to deviate from the prescribed treatment at this time, because frontal sinusitis and sinusitis can become chronic, and it will be very difficult to cure them.
  3. Otitis is an inflammation of the middle ear. It is more common in young children, but can also develop in adults. Otitis media develops when the flow of fluid from the middle ear through the Eustachian tube into the nasopharynx is disrupted. Its symptoms are severe ear pain, nasal congestion, and high body temperature. Delaying treatment for otitis media can lead to hearing loss and even rupture of the tympanic septum.
  4. Pathological processes in the heart include inflammation of its various layers (muscle layer - myocarditis, membrane - pericarditis), autoimmune reactions, myocardial infarction, etc. Influenza affects the cardiovascular system, changing the activity of coagulation, disrupting microcirculation. Under conditions of hypoxia (lack of oxygen), the heart is forced to work harder. All this negatively affects his health. Typically, complications of influenza on the heart worry people with congenital defects or chronic diseases of this organ. Complaints of heart pain after suffering from the flu are a common reason for visiting a doctor in old age.
  5. Kidney disease is also associated with respiratory infections. Often after the flu, the lower back hurts, urination becomes more frequent, and the temperature may also rise. All this indicates the development of pyelonephritis or glomerulonephritis. Be sure to consult a doctor, because the inflammatory process in the kidneys threatens intoxication of the entire body.
  6. Neuroinfections are inflammatory diseases of the nervous tissue. Usually they are expressed in deterioration in concentration, drowsiness, regular dizziness and headaches. If you notice these symptoms and have recently had the flu (or other severe infection), rush to see a doctor.
  7. Complications after the flu on the joints (arthritis) usually worry people with chronic arthritis, or with a family predisposition to this disease. Its characteristic manifestations are stiffness in movements, joint pain, and slight swelling. There may also be systemic symptoms - fever, headache. The earlier treatment for arthritis is started, the easier the treatment will be and you will be able to avoid its consequences.
  8. Disruption of the gastrointestinal tract. Severe stress during illness can lead to lack of appetite, stomach pain, diarrhea or constipation after the flu. Consult a specialist - perhaps your stomach has become unaccustomed to heavy food during an acute period of illness, when you ate practically nothing. Go on a light diet and gradually introduce your favorite foods. It is also possible that you have developed dysbiosis, especially if you used antibiotics to treat bacterial complications of the flu. It is necessary to consume fermented milk products.

Preventing complications

To prevent the development of complications, always strictly follow the prescribed treatment, maintain bed rest during the acute period, and do not stop taking medications and treatment procedures prematurely.

Drink plenty of fluids - this helps clear the airways of thick mucus, prevents the growth of bacteria in it and speeds up the detoxification process. You should also eat well, rest, and not get too cold after illness.

Author: Tsiklauri Oksana

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From Virus.ru

Flu, sinusitis, sore throat

Causes and symptoms of complications after influenza

Among the many infectious colds that cause inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, influenza is isolated. It is very important to conduct a high-quality diagnosis of the disease, since these symptoms are often confused with a common cold out of ignorance. And this can only be done using laboratory methods. Otherwise, treatment may be prescribed incorrectly and recovery will not occur, since the remedies will be ineffective. It is worth noting that lingering flu is dangerous not only for its course, but also for the development of consequences, which can be quite severe and often act as separate ailments that require serious treatment. Complications after influenza in children deserve special attention.

About the complications and consequences of influenza

As mentioned above, an influenza infection without timely treatment is fraught with complications, and they can be completely unpredictable, and death is not excluded. During epidemics, people of different age categories are susceptible to the influenza virus, regardless of gender. The disease is highly contagious and in many cases poses a potential threat to human health and life. The topic of influenza complications in children and adults deserves special attention. According to WHO data, people die every year from influenza epidemics, the number of which can vary from 250 to 550 thousand people.

When this infection affects the body, the following complications may develop:

  • pneumonia;
  • pulmonary abscesses;
  • pleural empyema;
  • cardiovascular disorders: myocarditis;
  • ENT diseases: sinusitis, otitis, rhinitis;
  • mental disorders;
  • meningitis;
  • encephalitis;
  • myositis;
  • development of allergic reactions;
  • toxic poisoning of the body caused by the influenza virus.

In order to have a more specific idea of ​​what the consequences may be, their main symptoms should be studied in more detail. The most dangerous complications are diseases with an independent course.

Pneumonia

One of the most common complications after the flu is pulmonary inflammation or, as it is also called in medical terminology, pneumonia. The process involves the development of a secondary bacterial infection caused by Haemophilus influenzae. Viral pneumonia is somewhat less common and this pathology is characterized by an increased likelihood of death, since the virus has a high degree of pathogenicity.

Pneumonia can be contracted through airborne droplets during direct contact with an infected person. Bacteria contained in the discharge of a patient when he sneezes can enter the lungs of another person, as a result of which inflammation caused by infection actively develops in previously healthy organs. In addition, pneumonia can develop as a result of increased bacterial activity in the throat and nasal cavity.

When the functional characteristics of the immune system are disrupted, the human body loses its ability to resist and viruses receive a favorable environment for reproduction, after which they enter the lung tissue where they cause inflammation. The reason for this may be hypothermia or a viral infection.

As for the symptoms and signs of pneumonia, they vary. There is also an asymptomatic course of the disease: without fever and in the absence of cough and sputum discharge. Such inflammation is often diagnosed later than usual, which is fraught with the development of complications.

Typical manifestations of pneumonia are:

  • increased body temperature, from 37 to 39 degrees;
  • hard breathing, shortness of breath;
  • sputum discharge;
  • cough;
  • the occurrence of pain in the chest.

This consequence of the flu is very dangerous and requires a timely response.

Complications on the cardiovascular system

Against the background of influenza, toxic shock can develop, which often leads to complications of the cardiovascular system. Intoxication provokes an acceleration of heart rate and a decrease in blood pressure. Most often, these manifestations can be observed in elderly people. Pericarditis and myocarditis develop somewhat less frequently after influenza.

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, which can be infectious, post-infarction or rheumatic in nature. Manifestations of this disease include weakness, malaise, pain in the sternum, which tends to intensify when inhaling, and a dry cough.

Myocarditis is an infectious disease that is a lesion of the myocardium. The disease is inflammatory in nature and is caused by the negative effects of a wide variety of viruses, microorganisms, fungal infections and protozoa.

Depending on the nature of the course, myocarditis can take several forms:

Complications on ENT organs

Having its location in the respiratory tract, the influenza virus makes it difficult to clear the respiratory tract. In addition, against the background of influenza, ENT diseases such as rhinitis, tracheitis, sinusitis and bronchitis can develop. These pathologies are often the cause of brain inflammation. The symptoms of some of them can be seen in cross-section.

Rhinitis, for example, is nothing more than inflammation of the nasal mucosa, which can be caused by various microorganisms and viral infections. The occurrence of the disease is due to factors such as hypothermia of the body, as well as dustiness of the space. In addition, rhinitis appears against the background of influenza, measles and diphtheria.

Sinusitis is a disease caused by the development of inflammation in the maxillary sinuses. Activation of the process is explained by disruptions in the outflow of mucus from one or both nasal sinuses, resulting in the creation of a favorable environment for the spread of infection.

Signs of sinusitis include a feeling of tension and pressure in the sinuses. In case of a complicated course of the disease, the main symptoms may be accompanied by severe pain localized in the frontal or temporal regions. Sometimes these manifestations are accompanied by toothache, which intensifies with chewing movements.

In addition to the above-mentioned consequences, complications after influenza on the ears are also observed, which in medical terminology are called otitis media. So, if some time after recovery your ear hurts, you should immediately contact an otolaryngologist for help.

Complications on the nervous system

A disease such as influenza rarely goes away without consequences, especially in the absence of proper treatment. With this disease, neurological pathologies worsen, even those that occurred without severe symptoms. Against the background of influenza infection, a hypertensive crisis can develop, as well as hypotension, sciatica of the back and even mental disorders.

The influenza virus can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, resulting in damage to the vascular walls of the brain. People most susceptible to these ailments are people with a concussion, patients after a traumatic brain injury, as well as those who are prone to abusing alcoholic beverages of any strength. After the flu, meningitis, meningoencephalitis and a number of other serious pathologies can develop.

In addition to those described above, people experience complications after the flu on the kidneys, and an increased concentration of protein is detected in the urine.

Some patients experience aching in the skeletal muscles, which is caused by their inflammation.

The rarest complication of influenza, occurring mainly in children, is Reye's syndrome, which is nothing more than encephalopathy with cerebral edema. If a child gets sick with the flu, everything possible must be done to minimize the risk of developing this pathology.

It is quite possible to prevent complications after the flu if you start treatment on time and follow all medical recommendations: follow a sleep regime, drink plenty of fluids and pay enough attention to restoring the immune system.

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