What Are the Possible Complications of Chicken Pox?
Chicken pox is a common disease that is mostly observed in children that are below ten years of age. Despite the vaccine being introduced to prevent the disease from occurring, it usually does affect people once in their lifetme. When the virus stays in the body for a prolonged period of time, complications usually arise. These complications of the chickenpox virus are not as common in a healthy person. Most complications usually result from the infection of bacteria on the open blisters on the skin. The surrounding skin then appears red and sore to show that the blister has been infected. When an individual notices that the blister has started feeling sore due to the infection, a doctor should be contacted immediately. In most cases, the child is given antibiotics to treat the disease.
Sometimes chicken pox can be so serious in children that it affects the nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord. Some diseases that arise from the infections of the brain in the children include the encephalitis, infections that affect the membranes protecting the brain, like meningitis, or an infection that affects the cerebellum, like cerebellitis. Some of the signs displayed by a person suffering from any of these infections are:
Once a parent observes these symptoms on his or her child, they should seek medical help immediately.
Not all people have issues with chicken pox. It is mostly adults that suffer from chicken pox complications, along with pregnant women, newborn babies, and those with weak immune systems. For adults that contract the disease, it can much more severe than for the children. Some adults end up in hospital to receive medication. This affected adult can catch pneumonia or develop lung problems. The probability of getting lung issues when one smokes is heightened. Despite being very contagious, chicken pox usually subsides when given medication.
For pregnant mothers, chicken pox normally does cause some side effects. For instance, one can develop pneumonia if she is a smoker or drinks alcohol. The further along in the pregnancy the mother is, the higher the chances of contracting pneumonia. Sometimes when one contracts the chicken pox virus while pregnant, there is a small chance that the unborn baby can acquire the disease. The baby might receive the foetal varicella syndrome from the pregnant mother. A few more serious cases have resulted in the scarring of the skin, eye issues, shortened limbs and brain damage. The disease can lead to a child being born prematurely. Prior to delivery, a pregnant woman should visit the doctor if she feels any signs of the virus surfacing.
When one's immunity is poor, they are more susceptible to disease. Sometimes a poor immunity can result from various immunosuppressing factors. This includes the drugs for arthritis, lupus and any other blood issues. These complications usually result in one developing meningitis, pneumonia and blood poisoning issues. Someone with weak immunity who has been exposed to chicken pox should see a doctor immediately.
