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This disease rarely develops on its own and is more often a complication of viral infections such as influenza, parainfluenza, and can also be caused by bacteria.
Symptoms of pharyngitis in children
Typical symptoms of pharyngitis in children include:
- Sore throat;
- Tickle;
- Pain when swallowing;
- With the transition of the inflammatory process to the vocal cords – hoarseness of voice;
- An increase in temperature, especially at a younger age, as well as when the tonsils are involved in the process;
- Weakness, lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting.
With pharyngitis, tonsils may also be involved in the inflammatory process, in which case tonsillitis develops. In this case, the tonsils can be covered with plaque and purulent follicles (vesicles).
Types of pharyngitis in children
According to the duration of the course, pharyngitis is divided into acute and chronic.
Acute
Acute pharyngitis in children lasts no more than 2 weeks. Its symptoms begin to develop on the first or second day after contracting a virus or bacterial infection.
Chronic
Chronic pharyngitis develops in the absence or improper treatment of acute pharyngitis. Often parents are not very worried when a child has a sore throat and give him various lozenges, lozenges to soothe a sore throat. All this leads to the progression of the disease and its transition to a chronic form, which is fraught with more serious consequences and complications.
granulosa
Granular or hypertrophic pharyngitis develops with the growth and thickening of the mucous membrane of the pharynx. In this case, there is usually a thickening of the palatine arches, the appearance of nodules or granules on the back of the pharynx. Granular pharyngitis is one of the varieties of its chronic form. The cause of its occurrence is the improper treatment of acute pharyngitis.
Depending on the cause of the disease, pharyngitis is divided into viral and bacterial. If pharyngitis is caused by the herpes virus, it is called herpes.
Viral
Viruses are the most common cause of pharyngitis. Most often, viral pharyngitis develops as a complication of SARS, influenza and other viral infections. Most often, viral pharyngitis occurs in the cold season. The characteristic symptoms of viral pharyngitis are: fever up to 38 ° C, redness of the throat, dry cough and sore throat.
herpes
The cause of the development of herpes pharyngitis in children is the herpes virus, the infection of which occurs by airborne droplets, contact (through personal items, such as towels, dishes, etc.) or is transmitted from mother to child during passage through the birth canal.
Herpetic pharyngitis is acute with an increase in temperature to 38 ° C and above. On the back wall of the pharynx, a characteristic rash appears in the form of bubbles, resembling herpetic eruptions on the lips. The bubbles are filled with liquid. Rashes can also spread to the tonsils, tongue, oral mucosa. In their place, ulcers form in the future. At the same time, eating and swallowing is difficult, because it causes pain. The patient is also concerned about weakness, muscle pain, pain in the eyes. Lymph nodes are usually enlarged.
After 3-5 days after the onset of the disease, the temperature returns to normal, after another week, erosions on the back of the pharynx heal.
Treatment of pharyngitis in children
Treatment of pharyngitis is to eliminate the cause that caused the disease, alleviate symptoms and generally strengthen the body. The patient may be prescribed the following therapeutic measures:
- To moisten the mucous membrane of the pharynx, the patient can be prescribed inhalations with a nebulizer using alkaline solutions based on mineral water (Narzan, Borjomi). Depending on the severity of certain symptoms of the disease, it is possible to prescribe: antihistamines – to relieve swelling, hormonal – elimination of the inflammatory reaction, bronchodilators – reduction of bronchospasm);
- Gargling based on decoctions of herbs and antiseptic preparations for children from 3 years of age;
- Local treatment of pharyngitis consists of the use of absorbable lozenges, lozenges (Strepsils, DoctorMom), injection of antibacterial sprays;
- It is desirable to take liquid, non-irritating food for the throat;
- Voice rest, that is, the restriction of conversation, especially on the phone, do not shout, do not sing, do not speak in a whisper.
Can antibiotics be taken
The appointment of antibiotics for pharyngitis is indicated only if it is caused by bacteria. With viral pharyngitis, antibiotics are ineffective. Such pharyngitis often develops as a complication of tonsillitis and is accompanied by a high temperature of up to 40 ° C. The origin of pharyngitis is determined by taking a swab from the throat, followed by sowing. The selection of an antibiotic is made by a doctor. Children are usually prescribed antibiotics in the form of a suspension. The most effective are Augmentin, Sumamed, Amoxiclav.
Home recovery
To recover from acute pharyngitis, gargling with alkaline solutions and inhalations are prescribed for some time. Sufficient humidification of the air in the room in which the child is located is important. It is necessary to follow a diet, which consists in the rejection of salty, spicy, sour foods. Plentiful drinking is shown. Physiotherapeutic procedures such as UHF, ultraviolet irradiation and others are effective.
Prevention of pharyngitis in children
As a preventive measure, it is recommended to strengthen the body’s immunity through regular hardening, eating healthy foods rich in vitamins, and walking in the fresh air. Timely treatment of foci of infection in the oral cavity and respiratory tract (caries, stomatitis, sinusitis, otitis media), as well as diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, is necessary. In order to avoid the transition of diseases to the chronic stage, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner and prescribe adequate treatment.