Children's Inflammatory Illness Associated with COVID-19
- Category: Ask the Expert
- Posted On:
- Written By: Brittany Garcia
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a condition where different body parts and organs become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes or gastrointestinal organs. The cause is still unknown, but studies show that many children with MIS-C have also had the COVID-19 virus or had been around someone with COVID-19. Most children who’ve been diagnosed have gotten better with medical care, however MIS-C can be serious or even deadly.
What are the symptoms of MIS-C?
- Fever
- Abdominal Pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Neck pain
- Rash
- Bloodshot eyes
- Fatigue
If your child is experiencing any of the above symptoms, call your pediatrician right away. If your child shows any of the more severe signs below, seek emergency care immediately:
- Trouble breathing
- Pain or pressure in the chest that does not go away
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
- Severe abdominal pain
Doctors will perform certain tests to look for inflammation and other signs of the disease which may include blood tests, chest x-ray, heart ultrasound (echocardiogram) or abdominal ultrasound.
Treatment involves supportive care of symptoms such as medication or fluids and will need to be administered in the hospital. Marshall is ready, safe and prepared to receive you at any stage of this process. Here are some helpful phone numbers you can call:
Marshall Pediatrics – 530-626-1144
Marshall Emergency Department – 530-626-2717