Did your little one recover from COVID-19? A few weeks after recovering, some children may develop strange symptoms. This is what we call MIS-C (Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children) . It can be a serious condition, so it's important to be aware of it. Let's talk about it in detail today, shall we?
What is MIS-C? Let's understand it simply.
Simply put, MIS-C is a rare condition that occurs in some children after COVID-19. It is characterized by inflammation in multiple areas of the child's body, not just one. It is characterized by redness, swelling, and warmth inside the body. This inflammation can mainly affect:
- To your child's heart
- To the lungs
- For the kidneys
- To the brain
- To the skin
- For the eyes
- To the organs of the gastrointestinal system
This condition is usually accompanied by a fever that lasts for more than 24 hours. MIS-C is a serious condition that can sometimes be life-threatening. Therefore, if your child shows symptoms such as difficulty breathing or severe chest pain, you should take him to the hospital immediately.
How common is MIS-C?
MIS-C is actually a very rare condition. It is currently estimated that only one in 3,000 to 4,000 children infected with the COVID-19 virus will develop this condition. This means that not everyone will develop it, but we should remember that the risk is there.
What is the difference between MIS-C and MIS-A?
These are both essentially the same condition. The difference lies in the age of the person diagnosed.
- MIS-C is for children and young people under the age of 21.
- MIS-A is for people over 21 years old.
Although MIS-C is more common than MIS-A, symptoms may be slightly more severe in MIS-A.
What are the symptoms of MIS-C? Let's get to know them better!
A key feature of MIS-C is a fever that lasts for at least 24 hours. In addition, more than one of the following symptoms may be present:
- Stomach ache or abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (vomiting)
- Vertigo (feeling like you're spinning)
- A skin rash (sometimes as red spots)
- Redness of the eyes (appearing bloodshot)
- Appetite
Imagine, your child got COVID-19 and got better. After two or three weeks, he suddenly developed a fever that wouldn't go down for two or three days. He also complained of stomach pain, and he had red spots on his body. He wouldn't eat. At a time like that, you have to think a little about MIS-C.
Symptoms of an emergency - these are definitely something to be aware of!
If your child shows any of the following symptoms, you should immediately take him to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call 1990:
- Difficulty breathing (breathing labored, rapid)
- Chest pain that doesn't go away (the child is holding the chest and saying it hurts)
- Confusion (loss of memory, slurred speech)
- A severe stomach ache
- Difficulty staying awake or inability to wake up (excessive sleepiness, unable to wake up even when spoken to)
- Blue, gray, or pale skin, lips, or fingernails (this indicates a lack of oxygen)
Important: These symptoms can occur not only in MIS-C, but also in other serious medical conditions. Therefore, if you see something like this , you should see a doctor without delay.
What causes MIS-C?
The exact cause of MIS-C is still unknown. Since the disease was first identified in early 2020, research has continued to investigate what causes it and whether it has long-term effects on children. One thing is clear: this condition is a side effect of COVID-19 infection. So if your child has COVID-19, there is a risk of developing MIS-C.
Studies suggest that this may be because the child's immune system starts to overreact after a COVID-19 infection. Simply put, after our body's defenses against disease are done fighting the COVID-19 virus, it's as if they get a little confused and start attacking their own organs. This is what causes inflammation.
There is also a belief that genetic factors may contribute to the development of this condition in some children.
Is MIS-C contagious?
No, there is no evidence that MIS-C is transmitted from one child to another. However, COVID-19, which occurs in children before MIS-C develops , is highly contagious.
How is MIS-C disease diagnosed?
A doctor will examine your child and run a few tests to determine if they have MIS-C. The doctor will ask about your child's symptoms, how long they have had the fever, whether they tested positive for COVID-19, and when it happened. If your child has active COVID-19 at the time, you should tell the medical team right away.
Tests can confirm the diagnosis and determine exactly which organs in the child are affected by the inflammation. Some of the tests that are done for this purpose are:
- Heart scan (Echocardiogram) : Checks heart function and inflammation.
- Chest X-ray : Check the condition of the lungs.
- Abdominal ultrasound : To check for inflammation of the organs inside the abdomen.
- CT scan (Computed Tomography - CT scan) : If necessary, see different parts of the body more clearly.
In addition to this, the doctor will often test the child for COVID-19. They may also do other things, such as blood tests, depending on the child's symptoms.
Other conditions similar to MIS-C (Differential Diagnosis)
The doctor will also consider other conditions that could be causing your child's symptoms. This is called a differential diagnosis . The symptoms of MIS-C can sometimes resemble these conditions:
- Kawasaki disease
- Toxic shock syndrome
That is why tests are important to accurately identify the disease.
How is MIS-C treated?
The main focus of treatment for MIS-C is to reduce inflammation and control potentially life-threatening symptoms. Treatment options include:
- Giving saline into a vein (IV fluids) : Maintain fluid levels in the body.
- Anti-inflammatory medications (oral or IV) : Medications such as corticosteroids , immune globulin (IVIG) , and glucocorticoids are used for this purpose.
- If the child has an active COVID-19 infection, antiviral therapy , such as remdesivir, can be given to treat it.
- If there is difficulty breathing, oxygen is given using a breathing support device (ventilator) .
If your child has MIS-C, depending on the severity of their symptoms, they will be treated in a hospital or a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) . This allows doctors and nurses to monitor your child closely and provide the necessary treatment quickly.
How quickly will I recover after treatment?
It can take anywhere from three days to two weeks for a child to feel better after starting treatment. The child will often have to stay in the hospital for a few days, as doctors monitor the child's condition closely.
Can a baby be prevented from having MIS-C?
The best way to prevent your child from developing MIS-C is to protect them from COVID-19 infection. You can keep your child safe by doing these things:
- COVID-19 vaccination (including booster shots, if recommended by the child's doctor).
- Teach your child to wear a face mask that covers their mouth and nose well.
- Tell your child to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent the spread of germs.
- Teach your child to wash their hands often with soap and water. If there is no sink nearby, you can use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid close contact with people who are suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19.
- Maintain social distancing from others (at least 6 feet).
- Keep frequently touched surfaces and items clean and disinfected.
Remember, these safety measures will help protect you and your child not only from MIS-C, but also from many other diseases, including COVID-19.
What can I expect if my child has MIS-C?
Most children diagnosed with MIS-C recover completely. However, as mentioned earlier, in very rare cases, it can be life-threatening or serious. The child will need to be hospitalized. Even after treatment for MIS-C is complete, the child will need to see their pediatrician . Since research is still ongoing on whether this condition has long-term side effects, the doctor will check the child several months after treatment to make sure they are doing well.
How long does the MIS-C condition last?
Your child may be sick for about two weeks with MIS-C. This will vary depending on the severity of your child's diagnosis. Treatment can improve your child's recovery time and outcome.
When should I see a doctor?
If your child has symptoms of MIS-C, whether or not they have a history of COVID-19 infection, contact your child's doctor immediately. The doctor will tell you whether you need to go to the emergency room and can answer any questions you may have about this condition.
If the child has severe symptoms, go to the hospital emergency department immediately or call 1990.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
When a child is sick, especially in a situation like MIS-C, it's normal for you as a mother to have many questions. You may ask the doctor things like:
- Should I keep my child in the hospital?
- What symptoms should I continue to watch out for?
- Are there any side effects of the treatment?
- What should I do to make my child comfortable when he has COVID-19?
Having to take your child to the hospital for treatment for MIS-C can be scary. However, doctors and nurses will monitor your child closely around the clock and treat the symptoms so that they are not life-threatening. Some children may have mild symptoms, while others may have serious complications. However, studies show that most children recover completely. Research is still being done to see if MIS-C and COVID-19 have long-term effects on children.
In summary, things we need to remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so let's recap the most important points from what we've talked about:
- MIS-C is a rare but potentially serious condition that can occur in some children after COVID-19.
- Be aware of symptoms such as fever lasting more than 24 hours, stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, and red eyes .
- If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or blue/gray skin, seek immediate medical attention.
- Since COVID-19 is the main cause of MIS-C, the best thing to do is to protect your child from it. Be sure to follow vaccinations, face masks, and hand washing.
- Most children recover completely from MIS-C, but it is very important to follow medical advice.
Taking care of your child's health is the most important thing. Knowing this kind of information will help you take action quickly when needed.
` MIS-C, COVID-19, pediatrics, inflammation, fever, multisystem infection, post-COVID complications
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