CHICKEN POX

 

CHICKEN POX .

1.       MEANING

 It is a viral infectious disease of childhood. Usually mild its characterized by a very itchy rash that can spread over the whole body. Occurs during winter and spring .one time of chicken pox gives lifetime immunity.

2.       CAUSATIVE ORGANISM :

                Herpes varicella zoster .

3.       INCUBATION PERIOD :

7-21 days ,more common in children in age group of 2 years to 10 years.

 

4.       MODE OF TRANSMISSION :

v  Face to face contact

v  Sneeze

v  Cough

v  Contact with clothing .

      5.SYMPTOMS :

Ø  Fever

Ø  Sore throat

Ø  Stomach ache

Ø  Cough

Ø  Headache

Ø  Breathing difficulty

Ø  Drowsiness

Ø  Fit (convulsion )

Ø  Haemorrhagic rash .

   6.COMPLICATIONS :

ü  Pneumonia (inflammation of lungs )

ü  Encephalitis (inflammation of brain )

ü  Reye,s  syndrome (a very rare condition  with brain and liver )

ü  Myocarditis (inflammation of heart muscle)

ü  Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of kidney )

ü  Appendicitis (inflammation of appendix )

ü  Ataxia (problem co-ordinating movements)

ü  Orchitis .

ü  Arthritis .(inflammation of joints)

 

7. DIAGNOSIS :

o   Blood investigation

o   General physical examination to check rash on body .

                8. PREVENTION :

MMR vaccine is a combined vaccine for measles ,mumps,rubella and varicella                      vaccine .

             9. NURSING MANAGEMENT :

v  Protect rest

v  Emollient (A smoothing cream )e.g. calamine lotion.

v  Soft diet and increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration.

v  Pain killers

v  Avoid salty foods and citrus fruits.

v  Comfortable clothing

v  Cut short nails to avois scratching.