What is the treatment for encephalitis in children?

It is normal for children to have a headache or fever sometimes. Because children are still young and their body resistance is relatively weak, it is inevitable to get sick, such as colds and fevers. As long as the condition is under control, there will be no problem. However, some diseases are more difficult to deal with, such as pediatric encephalitis. Some people find the name scary. So how should a child be treated if he or she suffers from pediatric encephalitis?

First, hospitalization

General treatment: Children with encephalitis should be hospitalized. After hospitalization, closely observe changes in consciousness and pay attention to changes in body temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure. Pay attention to pupil size at all times and take symptomatic treatment if any changes occur.

Second, symptomatic treatment

1. When the fever is high, the room temperature should be lowered and the patient should be cooled physically. If there is no effect, analgin can be used with nasal drops or intramuscular injection of bupleurum. If the fever persists or is accompanied by convulsions, sub-hibernation therapy can be used.

2. To control convulsions, antispasmodics such as sodium phenobarbital can be used, either intramuscularly or intravenously. In addition, if the convulsion is caused by cerebral edema, dehydration drugs should be given. If the convulsion is caused by insufficient ventilation due to blockage of respiratory secretions, brain cell hypoxia should be treated with suction of sputum and oxygen administration, and tracheotomy and pressurized respiration should be performed if necessary.

3. The treatment of respiratory failure should first analyze the cause of respiratory failure and take rescue measures. The airway must be kept open and oxygen must be given. Patients with respiratory failure due to brain parenchymal inflammation, cerebral edema, and brain herniation can use dehydrating agents, cortical hormones, respiratory stimulants, etc.

4. Notes:

Keep the airway open, clear the sputum blockage, thoroughly aspirate the secretions at any time, turn over regularly, and pat the back;

Central respiratory stimulants: They are more effective when used before spontaneous breathing stops;

Dehydrating agents: Dehydrating agents should be used immediately for children with intracranial hypertension or cerebral edema;

Corticosteroids: They can be used in the early stages of the disease in children with severe pediatric encephalitis or whose condition cannot be estimated.

In short, relatively speaking, pediatric encephalitis is a very serious disease in infancy and childhood, because if it is not treated in time, it can easily cause irreversible consequences and may also leave lifelong sequelae that are difficult to cure. Therefore, parents and friends must always be vigilant. Once such a situation occurs, they must be hospitalized in time to avoid delaying the treatment of the disease.