Contents
Angina in a child (acute tonsillitis in medical practice) is an inflammation of the tonsils caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
In children, acute tonsillopharyngitis and strep throat are caused by bacteria in 30–40% of cases, viruses in 15–40%, and idiopathic (not well-established) causes account for 20–25% (1). Surprisingly, less often children get angina in winter – in 17% of cases. More often in autumn – with a probability of 36% (2).
Typical symptoms:
- pain when swallowing in the throat,
- a pronounced increase
- swelling and soreness of the tonsils,
- difficulty swallowing,
- fever,
- swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Treatment will differ depending on whether the cause of the inflammation is bacterial or viral. In some cases, if sore throats recur several times a year, surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be recommended. The tonsils can be seen behind the palatine arches, at the back of the throat. They are part of the immune system. But there is no evidence that tonsillectomy lowers a person’s immune system.
Tonsillitis or tonsillitis occurs mainly in children, but rarely in babies under 2 years of age. Causes can be viral or bacterial.
In 70–80% of cases, the causative agent of primary angina (a milder form) is beta-hemolytic streptococcus group A (3). And in catarrhal forms of acute tonsillitis and pharyngitis in children, the leading pathogens are viruses (for example, rhinovirus, rotavirus, parainfluenza, Epstein-Barr virus, and others) (1).
Treatment of viral tonsillitis primarily includes:
- relaxation,
- bed rest,
- symptomatic remedies to relieve symptoms.
It is also important to drink plenty of fluids and, if possible, limit the menu to foods that do not irritate the throat, warm and soft.
If a bacterial infection is confirmed by examination and cultures from the tonsils, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics to prevent complications. It is important to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed to prevent a return of the infection and reduce the chance of developing rheumatism or glomerulonephritis.
Over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help relieve pain and lower fever. The doctor also prescribes local drugs with antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory components. The child may suck on lozenges or throat lozenges containing ingredients with a cooling, analgesic, antiseptic, or anti-inflammatory effect.
Corticosteroids are sometimes prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling of the tissues, especially when enlarged tonsils make swallowing and breathing difficult.
Rating of the top 5 tablets for sore throat according to KP
In the case of angina in children, only a specialist – a pediatrician or an ENT doctor – should deal with its treatment. The doctor will be able to choose the best pills for sore throats. This is important, among other things, because in some situations antibiotics are needed. They are sold by prescription, and monitoring of treatment is necessary to prevent complications.
1. “Imudon”
The drug is available in the form of lozenges. “Imudon” refers to immunostimulating agents of bacterial origin. In addition to treating tonsillitis and other infectious and inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity and pharynx, it is also used in otorhinolaryngology and dentistry to get rid of infections.
The main active ingredient is a mixture of bacterial lysates, which helps to increase the number of immune system cells, increase the production of lysozyme and interferon – substances that protect the body.
“Imudon” should not be taken by those who have autoimmune diseases, as well as children under 3 years old.
Drug indicated for:
- the pharynx,
- chronic tonsillitis,
- preoperative preparation and postoperative period after tonsillectomy,
- erythematous and ulcerative gingivitis.
Children under the age of 3 years are strictly contraindicated in the use of the drug. From 3 to 6 years old, the child can dissolve the tablets under the supervision of adults. Remember that the doctor prescribes the drug, and you need to take the medicine in accordance with the instructions and under the supervision of a specialist.
Important! In children with bronchial asthma, the drug can cause an exacerbation of the disease – care must be taken.
Main characteristics
| Active ingredients | mixture of bacterial lysates |
| For what age | from 3 years |
| Противопоказания | autoimmune diseases, children under 3 years of age |
Advantages and disadvantages
2. “Strepsils”
Antimicrobial and antifungal spectrum tablets containing 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol and amylmetacresol. Used for the complex treatment of angina.
In pharmacies, the drug is dispensed without a prescription, and it is easy to use: you need to dissolve the tablet in your mouth until completely dissolved. On sale, by the way, you can find different tastes.
Strepsils should not be given to children under 5 years of age, as well as to those who have a sucrase / isomaltase deficiency, fructose intolerance or glucose-galactose intolerance.
Assign for:
- prevention of chronic tonsillitis
- symptomatic treatment of sore throat in infectious and inflammatory diseases.
Among the side effects: pain in the gastrointestinal tract and skin allergic reaction. The dosage of the drug is the same for children over 5 years old and adults: one tablet every two hours. In this case, you can not take more than 8 tablets per day.
Main characteristics
| Active ingredients | 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol and amylmetacresol |
| For what age | from 5 years |
| Противопоказания | sucrase/isomaltase deficiency, fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose intolerance, children under 5 years of age. |
Advantages and disadvantages
3. “Grammydin”
The drug is produced in the form of a solution for irrigation of the oropharynx and lozenges, there are separate children’s forms of the drug. It is released from pharmacies without a prescription. It has an antiseptic effect due to the main active ingredients: cetylpyridinium chloride and gramicidin C.
Shown at:
- symptomatic treatment of pathologies of the nasopharynx, including the treatment of acute tonsillitis;
- treatment of chronic tonsillitis in the acute stage.
Contraindicated in children under 4 years of age, with allergies to components and with open wounds in the oral cavity. Side effects include rashes and digestive upset.
Main characteristics
| Active ingredients | cetylpyridinium chloride and gramicidin C |
| For what age | from 4 years |
| Противопоказания | allergy to components, the presence of open wounds in the oral cavity |
Advantages and disadvantages
4. “Faringosept”
The drug is available in the form of tablets that need to be sucked, the taste can be chosen at the pharmacy according to your preferences.
It is sold without a prescription, refers to local antiseptic preparations, the main active ingredient is ambazon. It has antimicrobial and bacteriostatic effect. It is used in complex treatment, can be combined with antibiotics.
Indications for admission:
- complex treatment of inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity, nasopharynx (tonsillitis, pharyngitis);
- therapy of exacerbations of chronic tonsillitis;
- prevention of exacerbations of tonsillitis.
The list of contraindications is small: hypersensitivity to the drug and age up to 3 years (it is difficult for young children to dissolve tablets).
Main characteristics
| Active ingredients | Ambazon |
| For what age | from 3 years |
| Противопоказания | hypersensitivity to ambazon, age up to 3 years |
Advantages and disadvantages
5. Tantum Verde
The drug is available in the form of powder, spray or lozenges. The main active ingredient is benzydamine. It belongs to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Allocate anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the drug, it is active against many pathogens.
Indications:
- pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis;
- after dental treatment;
- periodontal disease;
- stomatitis.
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to exclude possible contraindications: fructose intolerance and hypersensitivity to the components. Caution should be used for those who have been diagnosed with asthma or hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid.
It is contraindicated to use tablets up to 6 years of age, at the age of 6-12 years – under the supervision of parents. It is better to dissolve the tablets after meals 3 times a day.
Main characteristics
| Active ingredients | benzydamine |
| For what age | from 6 years |
| Противопоказания | hypersensitivity to benzydamine and fructose intolerance |
Advantages and disadvantages
How to choose sore throat pills for children
Treatment and choice of tablets for sore throat depends on the symptoms, age and general health of the child. You also need to consider how the disease progresses. In acute tonsillitis, treatment should only be carried out by a doctor. He will select combinations of drugs depending on changes in the tonsils, the possible nature of the infection.
With a bacterial infection, the use of antibiotics is indicated. If the cause of the disease is different, treatment will be aimed at alleviating the condition of the child. Treatments may include:
- antipyretic based on paracetamol or ibuprofen;
- sore throat sprays or lozenges (for older children);
- rinse solutions;
- antihistamines;
- vitamin and mineral complexes to stimulate and maintain immunity.
– It is important for parents to understand that tonsillitis is a serious disease that threatens with complications. Therefore, in no case should it be left unattended, – notes Elena Panasenkova, PhD, pediatrician. – The first symptoms of a sore throat may be a change in voice, hoarseness; the child complains that it is difficult for him to swallow. Parents should contact a pediatrician or ENT doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will diagnose, ask for a clinical blood test and, based on the results, make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. If you can not immediately consult a doctor, on the first day you can use drugs to reduce symptoms. In addition, the child should not visit public places. Remember that only timely diagnosis and well-prescribed treatment will help cure angina in a short time and avoid complications.
Popular questions and answers
Questions regarding the treatment of angina in children and the management of young patients are answered by pharmacist, teacher of pharmacology, editor-in-chief of MedCorr Zorina Olga.
Why can there be angina?
Most cases of bacterial tonsillitis are due to a bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes, which is the most common cause of sore throat. If the cause is bacterial, tonsillitis can be contagious; if the cause is viral, contagiousness depends on whether the person has been previously exposed to that particular virus.
What to do if you have angina?
Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, which can cause sore throat (and associated bacterial tonsillitis), can lead to serious complications in the form of rheumatic fever (which can damage the heart) and kidney disease. For this reason, it is important to seek medical attention and treatment if acute pharyngitis and sore throat are suspected.
The most common complication of viral tonsillitis occurs when the infection takes root deep in the tonsils, leading to a peritonsillar abscess (a collection of pus near the tonsil). Peritonsillar abscesses are extremely painful and, if left untreated, can spread to the neck, blocking the airways and being life threatening. They usually occur in teenagers and young adults, but can also occur at an earlier age.
Tonsillitis can also cause blockage of the eardrum, leading to middle ear infections and hearing loss.
When should you call an ambulance?
• sore throat, especially if it doesn’t go away after a few days;
• other symptoms such as fever.
Call XNUMX if your child has:
• labored breathing;
• severe sore throat and trouble swallowing or breathing;
• salivation or numbness;
• swelling of the neck.
Can I treat myself?
• regular and thorough washing and drying of hands;
• use of tissue when coughing and sneezing;
• individual appliances and utensils for each family member;
• refusal of smoking at the child;
• regular vaccination of children.
Sources of
- Angina in children and their systemic antibiotic therapy. T.I. Garashchenko, 2008. URL: https://omnidoctor.ru/upload/iblock/f3b/f3b2924fc1191c916fc368c5269ee94d.pdf
- Modern features of the treatment of angina in children, Belyatskaya M.A., Smolensk Medical Almanac, 2021. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/sovremennye-osobennosti-techeniya-angin-u-detey/viewer)
- Angina / M.T. Galchenko, M.V. Saturday. – Irkutsk, 2009. – 60 p.