#HealthInfo: Signs And Symptoms Of The Adenovirus Infection

The Adenovirus can affect different parts of the body in different ways. The adenovirus is essentially a group of viruses that affect the tissue linings of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, upper and lower intestines, and the eyes.

Adenovirus Symptoms 
The adenovirus is a multi-faceted virus that can present with many diverse symptoms.  Some of the adenovirus symptoms are similar to those of the common cold and influenza, and are listed here:

• Runny nose
• Bad cough
• Fever
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sore throat

In addition to the symptoms listed above, the patient may encounter any of the following manifestations of the adenovirus infection:

Gastroenteritis 
Gastroenteritis manifests itself as an inflammation of the stomach and its associated counterparts. The small and large intestines are commonly affected and symptoms include watery diarrhoea, headache with or without fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, abnormal flatulence, fainting and weakness, and abdominal cramps. The diarrhoea that a patient will experience is often acute and can last up to 6 days. Gastroenteritis is usually prevented through proper immunisation, however.




Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary Tract Infection is also commonly caused by the Adenovirus and affects any part of the urinary tract. Symptoms of a UTI are frequent and excessive urination, burning, pain, cloudy urine and sometimes blood in the urine. Antibiotics are usually used to treat these types of infections.


Febrile Respiratory Disease 

This is the most common manifestation of the Adenovirus in children. Febrile Respiratory Disease is an infection of the respiratory tract accompanied by a fever. It can be mistaken for influenza (the flu) as the symptoms are essentially identical. Symptoms can include a sore throat, runny nose, cough, and is usually accompanied by swollen lymph nodes. Occasionally the virus will cause a middle ear infection which can result in pain and dizziness. A dry, rough cough can also be observed and can cause viral pneumonia in infants.

Various Eye Infections

Conjunctivitis, also commonly referred to as pinkeye, can also be caused by an adenovirus infection. This mild inflammation of the inner lining of the eyelids can produce symptoms such as red eyes, discharge, watering, irritation, and the general feeling that something is in the eye.

Pharyngoconjunctival fever can be observed in schools and can cause mild outbreaks among students. The symptoms include red eyes along with a very sore throat. Other symptoms can include a fever, runny nose, and swollen lymph nodes. The respiratory tract is also affected with this infection and so multiple symptoms can be observed.

Keratoconjunctivitis is a severe infection that is extremely contagious. Symptoms are the same as the above but with the addition of discomfort when the eyes are exposed to light.

In all of the above eye conditions the infected person should observe improvement within 2 to 5 days. Antibiotic eye drops and artificial tears can sometimes be prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Diarrhoea

Another common condition seen with an adenovirus infection is diarrhea.  Characterized by loose stools, diarrhea can be caused by a virus which can infect the lower intestine.  The patient will often feel cramps and bloating with a slight fever and may feel dehydrated.  Diarrhea usually passes on it’s own when caused by the adenovirus, but plenty of rest and fluid intake are vital to a speedy recovery.

All of the above adenovirus symptoms and conditions should be properly diagnosed by a medical professional.

Information from Aadenovirus.com