Chickenpox is often considered as a benign disease among children but it can occur in both children and adults including pregnant women with disturbing effects. Chickenpox involves a blistering rash that is triggered by the varicella zoster virus and considered highly communicable.
Prior to the availability of the chickenpox vaccine, millions of individuals all over the world acquire the disease yearly and many children have the disease by 10 years old. The complications of chickenpox can occur most often among adults and small children but can occur at any age. Birth defects, permanent brain damage and even death can occur. If you want to learn more about the possible dangers of chickenpox, click here.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia will complicate chickenpox more often among adults, infants and those who have immune system problems. Children without immune issues are less likely to develop pneumonia. About 20% of adults with chickenpox can develop pneumonia. Pregnant women who acquire chickenpox are more prone to develop pneumonia. The symptoms of pneumonia include difficulty breathing, cough, fever, shortness of breath and malaise. Even though rare, those who have pneumonia due to chickenpox can die from the infection.
Neurological complications
It is important to note that chickenpox can cause neurological complications. In some cases, acute post-infectious cerebellar ataxia can occur but uncommon. Encephalitis which is an infection of the brain can also occur.
The encephalitis linked to chickenpox typically manifests at the end of the acute disease phase or within 2 weeks after the start of the symptoms. Even though most can recover completely, permanent brain damage or death can occur. The indications of encephalitis include severe headache, fever, drowsiness, lethargy and confusion. Stiff neck, vomiting, nausea and seizures can also occur.
Restlessness, personality changes and hallucinations can be part of encephalitis. In rare cases, the individual might go into a state of coma or end up with permanent learning disabilities. The treatment for encephalitis due to chickenpox involves intravenous or oral antiviral medications. These are effective if started early in the infection.
Bacterial infection
The rashes in chickenpox involve hundreds of clear blisters than later on break and crust over. These blisters can become infected with bacteria, oftentimes resulting to a streptococcal group A infection or known as the flesh eating bacteria. This is considered as a serious, life-threatening infection that requires the administration of intravenous antibiotics in the hospital.
Complications during pregnancy
Chickenpox that occurs during pregnancy affects both the mother and child. When the mother develops pneumonia, the disease can rapidly progress to respiratory failure within 36-48 hours. Birth defects can occur to the child that include mental retardation and limb malformations.
The damage on the fetus depends on the stage of pregnancy when the disease started. During the first and second trimester, maternal chickenpox can lead to congenital varicella syndrome in some women. Stillbirth, scarring, shortened limbs, eye issues and brain damage can occur. If the chickenpox started after 37 weeks, it increases the risk for preterm delivery.