Symptoms of Chlamydia infection in children

The main symptom of chlamydia infection in children is chlamydial pneumonia. If a child develops this condition, it is possible that the child was directly infected by the mother. If it is a newborn, the impact can be imagined. Therefore, we must be aware of the symptoms of chlamydia infection in children and provide timely treatment when any abnormalities are found. So, what are the symptoms of chlamydia infection in children? Let’s take a look below.

Clinical manifestations

1. Chlamydia trachomatis pneumonia

Symptoms usually appear 2 to 12 weeks after birth, with a slow onset, usually without fever or occasional low fever, mild respiratory symptoms, followed by cough and shortness of breath, often with fine moist rales or crackles during inhalation, and a few have expiratory wheezing. About 50% of children also suffer from conjunctivitis or have a history of conjunctivitis.

2. Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia

The incubation period is 6 to 14 days. The disease presents with cold-like symptoms, often with fever. The cough is dry at the beginning, followed by sputum, and the breathing difficulty may be mild or severe. There are relatively slow pulse, myalgia, chest pain, loss of appetite, and occasionally nausea and vomiting. If it is a systemic infection, there may be symptoms of central nervous system infection or myocarditis, jaundice may be seen occasionally, and liver and spleen enlargement may be common.

3. Chlamydia pneumoniae pneumonia

The clinical manifestations are nonspecific and similar to those of mycoplasma pneumonia. The disease has a slow onset, a long course, and generally mild symptoms, often accompanied by pharyngitis, laryngitis, and sinusitis. After the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection subside, symptoms of bronchitis and pneumonia such as dry and wet rales appear. Cough symptoms may last for more than 3 weeks.

examine

1. Chest X-ray findings

(1) Chlamydia trachomatis pneumonia: Extensive interstitial and alveolar infiltrations in both lungs, hyperinflation signs are common, and lobar consolidation is occasionally seen.

(2) Psittacosis Chlamydia pneumonia: From the hilum to the periphery, especially in the lower lung field, ground-glass shadows with dot-like shadows in the middle can be seen.

(3) Chlamydia pneumoniae pneumonia: It is non-specific, mostly presenting as unilateral lower lobe infiltration, manifesting as segmental pneumonia, and in severe cases, extensive bilateral pneumonia.

2. The total white blood cell count is generally normal, but the eosinophils are increased.

3. The diagnostic criteria for Chlamydia antibodies is a 4-fold or more increase in the antibody titer of two serum samples.

treat

1. Symptomatic treatment

Antipyretic, oxygen therapy, nebulization, fluid replacement, and sedation.

2. Antibiotic treatment

Macrolides are the first choice. The course of treatment is generally not less than 2 to 3 weeks. Stopping the drug too early is prone to relapse. Azithromycin: Dissolve in 5% glucose solution and administer statically. Erythromycin: dissolved in 5% glucose solution and administered intravenously.

3. Treatment of extrapulmonary complications

Provide symptomatic and supportive treatment.