Red throat in a child: symptoms, causes, treatment

Where does red throat come from?

A red throat is hyperemia of the pharyngeal mucosa - a symptom that accompanies various diseases of the pharynx in adults and children. Hyperemia can only be in the area of ​​the arches, tonsils or posterior wall of the pharynx; all areas can also be involved at once, including the soft palate. The process can also be one-sided or two-sided.

But it is worth noting that the assessment of this symptom is sometimes not objective, since it is influenced by the color perception of both the patient and the doctor, and external lighting. Therefore, the patient should consult a doctor in order to carefully collect the entire history of the disease and identify the cause of the red throat.

Symptoms to watch out for

The development of tonsillopharyngitis in a child is difficult to miss. Children are extremely sensitive to sore throats1,5,6. With its appearance, babies' sleep and appetite are disrupted, they become capricious and whiny1,6. Older children complain of a sore throat and sore throat when swallowing6,7. They develop a dry, superficial cough1,7.

A runny nose, red throat and fever in a child, especially in the autumn-winter period and early spring, most often indicate a cold, that is, ARVI1. The mucous membrane of the pharynx looks reddened, swollen, loose, dry or moist, covered with cloudy mucus1,2.

With an adenovirus infection, these symptoms include redness of the white membrane of the eyes, swelling of the eyelids, lacrimation, and “films” typical of adenoviral conjunctivitis appear in the eyes. 1.2. Lymph nodes enlarge. Sometimes nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain occur1. Upon examination, the pharyngeal mucosa appears slightly reddened, loose, with whitish deposits and lumps of thick mucus1,2.

The development of tonsillopharyngitis may be associated with enterovirus infection caused by Coxsackie viruses1,2. Enteroviral vesicular pharyngitis is called herpetic sore throat, since the rash resembles the blisters of herpes 2. Blisters filled with cloudy liquid appear on the reddened mucous membrane of the pharynx and oral cavity, and even on the plantar surface of the feet and palms. Possible muscle and abdominal pain1.

Fever, red throat and cough in a child may be manifestations of infectious mononucleosis associated with Epstein-Barr viruses1,2. In this case, in addition to redness and swelling of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, purulent “films” on the tonsils, all lymph nodes, liver and spleen are also enlarged1,2.

Tonsillopharyngitis caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcus is considered the most dangerous form of the disease2,3. This is due to the large number of complications that infection2 can lead to if it is not treated or treated incorrectly.

Streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis sometimes leads to the development of peritonsillar abscess, rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis, and bacterial endocarditis2.

The following symptoms will help you suspect that redness in the throat is the result of the activity of streptococci:

• high temperature (> 380 C);
• absence of runny nose and cough;
• severe sore throat, forcing you to refuse food;
• severe swelling of the tonsils;
• the appearance of pinpoint hemorrhages (petechial rash) on the mucous membrane of the tonsils, soft palate and pharyngeal walls;
• purulent plaque on the tonsils, tightly connected to the underlying tissues;
• the appearance of ulcers and erosions on the tonsils in places where plaque is rejected;
• enlarged cervical lymph nodes2,3,7.

If a child has a red throat, but no temperature, this is a reason to think about non-infectious causes. Redness of the pharyngeal mucosa in a baby can be caused by prolonged crying, staying in a smoky room, eating too cold or hot food, or trauma to the pharynx with sharp objects. Sometimes the mucous membrane is colored red by dyes found in foods. The doctor takes all this into account when diagnosing tonsillopharyngitis1,2.3.

Anatomy of the pharynx

The pharynx is located behind the nasal and oral cavities; begins at the base of the skull and reaches the lower edge of the 6th cervical vertebra, where it narrows in a funnel-shaped manner and passes into the esophagus.

There are three sections of the pharynx:

• upper – nasopharynx
• middle – oropharynx
• lower – laryngopharynx

Nasopharynx

In the nasopharynx there is an accumulation of lymphoid tissue, which forms the pharyngeal tonsil - adenoids. Also in the nasopharynx are the tubal tonsils, which are located around the pharyngeal openings of the auditory tube.

This part of the pharynx is visualized only with the help of instruments or video endoscopic examination.

Oropharynx

The oropharynx is precisely that part of the pharynx that attracts attention when examined by an otolaryngologist and is accessible for examination by the patient himself.
It is located behind the oral cavity and is delimited by the pharynx. The pharynx is an opening formed above by the soft palate and uvula, on the sides by the anterior and posterior arches, and below by the root of the tongue. Between the anterior and posterior palatine arches there are another lymphoid accumulations - the palatine tonsils.

The palatine tonsils, arches, and uvula are subject to friction at the time of swallowing, due to which their mucous membrane may appear redder (hyperemic), in contrast to the entire oral cavity, gums, etc. But this is just a physiological factor.

The mucous membrane of the posterior pharyngeal wall contains elements of lymphoid tissue that visually resemble granules. The mucous membrane of the oropharynx has a dense network of vascular and lymphatic capillaries with rich sensory innervation, and therefore pathological processes are accompanied by symptoms - pain and discomfort in the throat, sensations of dryness, etc.1

hypopharynx

The laryngopharynx begins at the level of the upper edge of the epiglottis and passes into the initial part of the esophagus.
This part is also visualized only using instrumental and video endoscopic methods. This area is visually inaccessible to the patient.

Diseases of the oral mucosa are accompanied by various pathomorphological changes. Inflammation is one of the most common pathological processes of the mucous membrane of the mouth and pharynx and is a manifestation of the body’s protective reaction to the influence of a pathogenic factor. The course and outcome of the inflammatory process depends on the reactivity of the body, localization, activity and duration of action of the pathogenic factor.2

Treating a red throat in a child

Drug treatment is prescribed only by a doctor. The task of parents in this case is to methodically implement the recommendations received.

The success of treatment depends 90% on how the baby is cared for at home. The room where the child is located must be wet cleaned and ventilated daily. The diet deserves special attention. If the neck is inflamed, food for the child should have a soft consistency and room temperature. You should not give your child crackers or irritating drinks; replace them with fruit drink or tea.

Many parents force their child to suck honey during illness - this is not always correct. The inflamed mucous membrane of the pharynx can be injured by grains of honey, and you will experience a worsening of symptoms. You can give honey if the redness of the throat is not accompanied by pain when swallowing.

To relieve pain, you can put a warm compress on the child's neck. But remember that this procedure is not carried out at high temperatures.

Causes of a red throat

In 70% of cases, inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa is caused by ARVI viruses (rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, coronaviruses, influenza and parainfluenza viruses), as well as other viruses (enterovirus, herpes virus, Epstein-Barr virus for infectious mononucleosis, and others).

The cause of inflammation can be bacteria:

• group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS)
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Haemophilus influenza

It should be remembered that a red throat can be a manifestation of infectious diseases such as measles, scarlet fever, and rubella. In some cases, differential diagnosis with other infectious diseases is required.

Possible reasons

• Mycoses. Most often, red dots in the mouth are symptoms of oral candidiasis. Fungi of the genus Candida are considered opportunistic. They live in the intestines and do not cause harm to the body. However, when they enter the oral cavity, they quickly multiply and provoke inflammation of the mucous membrane. Spots of different shades of red can form on the gums, palate, cheeks, tongue, and tonsils.
• Bacterial infections. One of the main pathogens is streptococci. They change the structure of the mucous membrane and lead to inflammation of the soft tissues. They provoke the development of pharyngitis and tonsillitis.
• Viral diseases. Acute respiratory viral infections can also be accompanied by the formation of red spots on the oral mucosa. Pathogens enter the oral cavity through the nose. The gums and palate become inflamed, local hyperemia appears. If the spots become covered with a white coating, we can talk about a fungal or bacterial infection.
• Neoplasms. Suspicious spots on the gums may turn out to be benign tumors. The most common include papillomas and granulomas. Also, the risk of malignant neoplasms cannot be excluded.

Diagnosis of red throat

To identify the cause of a red throat, the patient must consult an otorhinolaryngologist (ENT) or therapist.

If a child has a red throat, a pediatrician’s consultation is necessary.

To identify lesions of the oropharynx, certain rules must be followed. First of all, the inspection requires sufficient lighting (fluorescent lamp, frontal reflector, etc.). The doctor carefully collects anamnesis to make the correct diagnosis.

An otorhinolaryngologist may prescribe a consultation with other specialists: a gastroenterologist, a dentist, and others.

Various laboratory tests are performed: bacteriological examination (culture from the back of the throat and tonsils and PCR), blood tests (complete blood count, ESR, C-reactive protein).

What to do if the redness does not go away

It happens that a child has a constantly red throat. Most likely, chronic tonsillitis is occurring here - a disease that occurs as a result of untreated or improperly treated tonsillitis.

In the stage of stable remission, the red throat due to tonsillitis does not hurt, the child does not experience any discomfort. During this period, medications are not indicated. It is necessary to direct efforts to strengthen children's immunity, and this is achieved through hardening, balanced nutrition and normalization of the regime. During periods of exacerbation, consultation with a pediatrician is mandatory. Indeed, under the guise of exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis, a variety of pathologies can be hidden.

Dear parents!
Remember that only a qualified pediatrician can make an accurate diagnosis, determine the causes and nature of the disease, and prescribe effective treatment. You can make an appointment with our specialists or call a doctor at home by calling 8-800-700-31-69 Grow up healthy and happy!