Measles Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Natural Health News January 1, 2015

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What Is Measles?

It is a contagious infection characterized by blotchy, red skin rash. It is triggered by a virus whereas some of its other symptoms include fever, sore throat, inflamed eyes, cough and a runny nose. Measles is preventable; since it is a childhood infection, MMR vaccine can help your child protect against measles.

Another name for measles is rubeola. In addition to this, it can be serious for small children, whereas life-threatening for some. Thankfully, death rates are considerably falling across the globe as more and more children are getting its vaccine.

What Are The Symptoms Of Measles?

Symptoms of measles often start 10 to 14 days after being exposed to the virus. As mentioned earlier, rash is the prominent symptom of measles. The rash can persist for a week and can cause itching. Besides, few common symptoms of measles are:

Muscle pain.
Photophobia.
Fever.
Cough.
Bloodshot eyes.
Sore throat.
Runny nose.
Irritation and redness of eyes.
Tiny spots that may appear inside your mouth.

When Is The Best Time To Seek Medical Assistance?

In case you notice the above mentioned symptoms of measles in your child, do not delay to seek medical assistance.

What Causes Measles?

A virus is responsible for instigating measles that replicates in the throat and nose of an infected adult or child. Furthermore, when an infected individual talks, sneezes or coughs, infected droplets scatter into the air. These droplets can be inhaled by healthy individuals. They can even set down on the surface, where they can stay contagious and active for some hours.

What Are The Possible Complications Of Measles?

Few complications associated with measles infection are:

Pneumonia.
Ear infection.
Encephalitis.
Bronchitis.

How Is Measles Diagnosed?

Measles is diagnosed on the basis of following:

Viral culture.
Measles serology.

What Are The Differential Diagnoses Of Measles?

Differential diagnoses of measles are:

Drug eruptions.
Toxic shock syndrome.
Rubella.
Kawasaki disease.
Pediatric sepsis.
Meningitis.
Infectious mononucleosis.
Pediatric fever.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Enteroviral infections.

How Is Measles Treated?

Clearly, there is no particular treatment that can help treat measles. However following can help ease its symptoms:

Humidified air.
Best rest.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Some children are advice to take vitamin A supplements. It can help minimize the risks of complications and death in patients who lack vitamin A needed by our body to fight against infection.

What Is The Prognosis Of Measles?

The one who does not have possible complications for example pneumonia does quite well.

Prevention:

In order to protect your child against measles, get your child vaccinated. The chances of contracting the virus increase if one is not immunized.
In case you or your child has measles, then bed rest is very important.
Drink enough water, herbal tea and fresh juices. This will help restore the fluid, lost due to sweating and fever.
Wear sunglasses or keep your lights very low if bright light is bothersome. Also avoid watching TV and reading books.

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