Symptoms Of Fifth Disease

Abdominal Pain

As previously mentioned, fifth disease can bring a whole host of classic symptoms associated with a cold or flu, such as abdominal pain. Patients who are experiencing an upset stomach may also suffer from nausea and diarrhea as well. The severity of a child or adult’s stomach pain can vary, but the pain can range from a burning, gnawing, crampy, dull, or sharp sensation, and can either be intermittent or episodic, ongoing or chronic pain, or sudden or acute pain. Sometimes abdominal pain can be accompanied by swelling, bloating, dark or loose stools, constipation, fever, nausea, passing gas, or a rash, which are quite common symptoms individuals with fifth disease experience as well.

Just like many of the other cold and flu symptoms on this list, abdominal pain will pass within a few days as the virus takes its course or is being treated. A few ways to lessen abdominal pain is to avoid triggers that might make it worse such as certain foods, drinking more water, eating more fiber (if possible), a heating pad, and medications that relieve pain.

When To Contact A Doctor

Knowing when to contact a doctor is vital for getting a child or adult the proper diagnosis and starting treatment promptly. If a child has certain diseases, such as sickle cell anemia, other types of chronic anemia, or an impaired immune system and has been exposed to fifth disease and is beginning to exhibit its symptoms, the parent should take their child to a doctor immediately. If an adult begins to display common symptoms of fifth disease and are not sure if they are immune to parvovirus B19 (the virus that causes fifth disease) or comes into contact with another patient with this infection, they should also visit their doctor, as well as women who are pregnant and have been exposed to fifth disease. Also, if the patient has a painful rash that becomes purple and blistered that lasts longer than five weeks, they should also contact a doctor as soon as possible.