Doctor's Notes on Coxsackievirus Infection
Coxsackieviruses are enteroviruses. There are numerous serotypes. Signs and symptoms vary; many infections may not cause any symptoms while other infections may cause the common cold, a reddish rash, sore throat, or diarrhea. Less common but more severe signs and symptoms include meningitis (a stiff neck, chest pain, and fever), upper respiratory tract infections that may include cough, weakness, and fatigue. Toward the end of some infections, a sunburn-like rash may occur.
The virus may also cause hand-foot-mouth disease (commonly seen in children) and cause characteristic red spots and blisters on the soles of the feet, the palms, and/or inside the mouth. In some children, the tender blisters occur only inside the mouth with fever and sore throat (herpangina). Other Coxsackieviruses may cause conjunctivitis with swollen eyelids and red hemorrhages in the whites of the eye.
Rarely, some viral types may cause paralysis and/or weakness that is usually not permanent. Other rare signs and symptoms are pleurodynia (sharp chest pain and possibly abdominal pain), myopericarditis (shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling and fatigue), severe infections of the newborn (child becomes listless and/or unresponsive), and orchitis in young boys (inflammation and swelling of one or both testicles with severe pain).
The cause of the above symptoms and signs is infection with Coxsackieviruses.
What Are the Treatments for Coxsackieviruses?
There are no specific treatments for infections caused by these viruses. They usually occur in children and resolve themselves in about 1 week. Most pediatricians recommend the following for symptomatic treatment:
- Rest
- Fluids to avoid dehydration
- Over-the-counter pain and fever reducers (Do not use aspirin for children 18 years of age or younger.)
However, if your child develops severe symptoms like high fevers or joint pain and/or very painful headaches, see a medical caregiver immediately.
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Chronic and Acute Coughs
A cough is a symptom of an underlying disease or condition. A chronic or persistent cough may signal certain lung conditions that should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Common causes of coughs include infection, allergies, lung disease, medications, and GERD (reflux). Acute coughs are categorized as infectious or non-infectious. Chronic cough (persistent cough) have a variety of causes and should be evaluated by physician. Treatment of cough, acute cough, chronic or persistent cough depends on the cause of the cough. -
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, parasites, intestinal diseases or conditions, reactions to medications, and food intolerance or allergies. Symptoms of diarrhea include watery stools, abdominal cramping, fever, and dehydration. Most cases of diarrhea can be treated at home. In some cases (in the elderly, small children, or those with severe or chronic medical conditions) may need to be hospitalized due to dehydration. -
Sore Throat
Sore throats are generally named for the anatomical site affected, such as: the pharynx, tonsils, adenoids, larynx, and epiglottis. Sore throat treatment depends on the cause, infection, viral, or fungal.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.