Myocarditis in Children

Myocarditis in Children

Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). When the heart muscle is inflamed, it cannot pump blood in an efficient way.

Severe cases of myocarditis can cause heart failure. A child’s age can affect the severity and outcome of the illness.

What are the causes?

This condition may be caused by:

  • An infection.
  • Allergic reactions to certain medicines.
  • Chemicals.
  • Radiation.
  • Diseases that cause inflammation throughout the body (autoimmune diseases).

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition depend on the child’s age. Children sometimes have cold or flu-like symptoms 1 to 2 weeks before they develop this condition.

Common symptoms in infants

  • High fever.
  • Irritability.
  • Difficulty feeding.
  • Poor appetite.
  • Sweating while eating.
  • Fewer wet diapers.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Bluish or grayish skin color.
  • Cold hands and feet.
  • Poor weight gain.
  • Fast heart rate and fast breathing.

Common symptoms in older children

  • Increased sleepiness (lethargy).
  • Fever.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Chest pain.
  • Fainting.
  • Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
  • Not being able to exercise as much as before.
  • Swelling in the feet, legs, or face.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

  • Your child’s symptoms. The condition is suspected if the symptoms appear after a recent infection.
  • A physical exam.
  • Tests, such as:
    • Blood tests to check your child’s organs and to check for signs of infection and inflammation.
    • An electrocardiogram to check the electrical patterns and rhythms of the heart.
    • A chest X-ray to look at the heart and lungs.
    • An echocardiogram or other imaging tests to look at how well the heart is working.
    • A test called cardiac catheterization to check for inflammation or infection.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition depends on the severity of the condition. Treatment of mild cases may include:

  • Bed rest.
  • Diet changes.
  • Activity restrictions.
  • Medicines.

If the condition is severe, it may be treated at the hospital. Medicines used to treat this condition include:

  • Blood pressure medicines.
  • Medicines to help the heart work properly.
  • Medicines that help the body to get rid of excess fluid (diuretics).
  • Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) medicine to slow down inflammation.
  • Medicines to prevent blood clots in the heart.
  • Medicines to treat inflammation, such as steroids.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Give your child over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by the health care provider.
  • Ask your child’s health care provider what activities are safe for your child. Some normal activities can make inflammation and heart problems worse. Your child may need to limit activity for several weeks to allow the heart to heal.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • Your child becomes more fatigued or sleepy.
  • Your child develops a worsening cough.
  • Your child has swelling of the legs, feet, or face.
  • Your child has no appetite.
  • Your child is breathing faster than normal.
  • Your child is not urinating or having bowel movements normally.

Get help right away if:

  • Your child has chest pain.
  • Your child has difficulty breathing.
  • Your child looks pale.
  • Your child has cold or blue hands or legs.
  • Your child faints.
  • Your child has a rapid heartbeat.
  • Your child has abdominal pain or vomiting.

These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.).

Summary

  • Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium).
  • Symptoms of this condition depend on the child’s age. Children sometimes have cold or flu-like symptoms 1 to 2 weeks before they develop myocarditis.
  • Treatment for myocarditis depends on the severity of the condition.
  • Have your child return to normal activities as told by his or her health care provider. Ask your child’s health care provider what activities are safe for your child.
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