The powerful lymph nodes located around the pharynx cannot cope with the attack of the pathogen, so the body begins to produce antibodies that can find pathogenic bacteria, paralyzing their activity.
As a result, streptococci are defeated, but the child’s body produces so many antibodies that, in addition to foreign cells, the body’s own tissues, primarily the heart and joints, begin to suffer. Therefore, it is always better to entrust the treatment of sore throat in a child to a qualified doctor.
In 10% of cases, sore throat in children can be caused by Staphylococcus aureus, rarely pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, chlamydia and fungal flora. Viral pathogens (adenoviruses, herpes virus) more often attack the body of children under 3 years of age.
How and why does infection occur?
Infection occurs by airborne droplets, from a sick person, by using shared utensils and eating contaminated food, as well as by a number of other factors:
- weakened immunity;
- hypothermia or consumption of cold foods and drinks;
- mouth breathing (for chronic adenoiditis, deviated nasal septum);
- irritation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa with a runny nose;
- recent viral diseases;
- inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs (sinusitis, sinusitis, otitis);
- caries and other oral infections.
Secondary tonsillitis in children can occur against the background of scarlet fever, diphtheria, mononucleosis, as well as blood diseases.
In any case, a sore throat develops rapidly, in a matter of hours, and is especially acute in children, accompanied by the main symptoms—a sore throat when swallowing and an increase in body temperature.
How to distinguish herpes from stomatitis?
Many patients try to find an answer on the Internet to the question: “Do I have stomatitis or herpes? How to recognize? Herpes stomatitis can be easily distinguished from ordinary stomatitis by 3 key signs.
- With herpes infection, the rash is localized in the gum area. Whereas with stomatitis - on the soft tissues of the oral cavity (tongue, cheeks).
- A herpes rash first appears as blisters, which then ulcerate, while stomatitis begins with the appearance of ulcers.
- Herpetic stomatitis is characterized by a stable appearance of the rash in the same places, and with ordinary stomatitis its location often changes.
Sore throat in children: forms and clinical manifestations
Depending on the nature of the change and the degree of damage to the tonsils, several forms of angina are distinguished.
Catarrhal sore throat
A mild form, characterized by enlargement and redness of the tonsils, as well as the absence of purulent lesions. The child feels dry mouth, a whitish coating appears on the tongue, and the cervical lymph nodes are slightly enlarged. In addition to a sore throat that gets worse when swallowing, the child feels a sore and burning sensation. The temperature rises to 38 degrees, children complain of weakness and headache.
Follicular tonsillitis
A serious disease in which the tonsils become covered with purulent pinpoint follicles. On days 2-3, the ulcers open, leaving wounds that heal quickly. There is severe pain in the throat, radiating to the ear, making it difficult to swallow, children refuse to eat and drink. The lymph nodes are enlarged and painful when pressed lightly. Fever and chills are accompanied by a temperature of up to 40 degrees, vomiting, convulsions and fainting are possible.
Lacunar tonsillitis
In the lacunae, between the lobes of the tonsils, islands of yellow purulent plaque appear, which tend to unite into wide purulent foci. The symptoms are similar to those of purulent follicular tonsillitis, but are more pronounced and are accompanied by severe intoxication of the body. It hurts the child to turn his head, his mouth opens with difficulty, which makes speech slurred.
Viral (herpetic) sore throat
Most often, the development of the disease is facilitated by vitamin deficiency and weakened immunity. The tonsils become covered with red blisters, which burst, leaving small ulcers in their place. In addition to a sore throat, symptoms are acute respiratory in nature: cough, runny nose, abdominal pain, indigestion, as well as stomatitis and conjunctivitis. Lack of timely treatment of herpetic sore throat in children can lead to serous meningitis.
Fungal tonsillitis
A relatively mild form of sore throat that occurs in children under 3 years of age. It is distinguished by a coating of white, curdled flakes on the tonsils and, with proper treatment, goes away within a week.
What causes the disease
In adults, in most cases (from 50 to 80%) sore throats are caused by viruses. And in children, bacterial sore throats are more common. They are more severe and often lead to complications. It's all about a harmful microorganism called "group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus." When it “sticks” to the tonsils and interacts with the lymphoid tissue, a new substance is formed, the structure of which is similar to our own tissue. The body understands that something foreign has entered it and needs to be dealt with. But in the end, it produces antibodies against its own tissues, which are similar to the structures that appeared as a result of the activity of the microbe. It kind of confuses them. That is why, as a result, not only the throat suffers, but also the joints, heart, kidneys and other organs and systems. Therefore, angina is considered a general disease with a predominant lesion of the palatine tonsils. And if hospitalization is necessary, a patient with a sore throat is sent to the infectious diseases department, not the ENT department of the hospital.
Why is a sore throat dangerous?
As practice shows, only in half of the cases are enlarged tonsils and sore throat caused by purulent sore throat. Many diseases, such as diphtheria or Epstein-Barr virus, have symptoms similar to sore throat. Therefore, only a qualified doctor with modern diagnostic equipment and a well-equipped laboratory can accurately determine the disease and prescribe the necessary treatment.
Each causative agent of sore throat is sensitive to a certain type of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor depending on the diagnosis.
Remember!
Incorrect or untimely treatment of sore throat in children, as well as relying on folk remedies for “red throat” can lead to serious complications and irreversible consequences.
Delay in diagnosis and prolonged treatment provoke the development of rheumatoid arthritis, vascular diseases, heart diseases (including rheumatic endocarditis), renal failure and many chronic diseases leading to disability.
Diagnostics
A consultation with an otorhinolaryngologist begins with collecting the patient’s medical history and complaints. The ENT doctor finds out how long the symptoms of inflammation have been appearing and whether any treatment has already been carried out. Direct examination includes palpation of the neck, parotid and occipital areas. Then the ENT doctor examines the oral cavity and pharynx. If necessary, an endoscopic examination of the pharynx is performed. He assesses the condition of the mucous membranes, palatine tonsils (their size, the presence of plaque on them or purulent plugs in them).
The patient may also be prescribed laboratory tests: a general blood test, a throat smear. If complications are suspected, serological blood tests, X-rays, electrocardiography, etc. are additionally performed.
After suffering a sore throat, a child may be diagnosed with myocarditis, arrhythmia, heart murmurs, pyelonephritis, renal failure, and rheumatism. If an infection from the tonsils enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body, sepsis may develop.
Treatment of herpetic stomatitis
How to treat herpes stomatitis? Unfortunately, the herpes virus, once entered into a person’s blood, remains in a “dormant” state for the rest of his life. But treatment of viral stomatitis is possible provided that you do not delay visiting the dentist when the first signs of the disease are detected. During the period of therapy, in order to avoid infecting loved ones, you should eat and drink from separate containers and avoid kissing. The patient is recommended a diet that excludes spicy, smoked, sour and salty foods, which can irritate the damaged oral mucosa, and an increased drinking regimen (up to 2.5 liters per day), aimed at combating the manifestations of general intoxication of the body.
Causes of viral sore throat
As a rule, the virus enters the body when the body’s protective functions are reduced. Immunity may decrease after recently suffering from influenza, acute respiratory viral infections, as well as nutritional disorders (exhaustion). The following factors reduce the body's resistance to viruses:
- Poor nutrition and ignoring vegetables and fruits.
- Staying in an unventilated area. It is for this reason that preschoolers get sick.
- Stress.
The virus can enter by airborne droplets, contact, household and waterborne routes. Children often become infected with viral sore throat when visiting a swimming pool, kindergarten, or school. In close contact with a sick person, the likelihood of getting sick doubles.
Causes of chronic tonsillitis
In fact, inflammation occurs constantly in the tonsils - this is their function. But sometimes the protective resources of the tonsils are unable to cope with the infection, and then the inflammation, which gets out of control, turns into a serious disease - tonsillitis.
The acute form of tonsillitis is tonsillitis. Untreated tonsillitis often develops into chronic tonsillitis. Conversely, exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis leads to an outbreak of tonsillitis. If a person gets tonsillitis every year or several times a year, then he most likely has chronic tonsillitis.
Sometimes chronic tonsillitis can develop even if a person has not had a sore throat. This is possible if there is a source of infection that can affect the tonsils for quite a long time, for example, untreated caries or chronic sinusitis.
Causes of disease development
Acute and chronic throat diseases can occur for various reasons, among the most common are:
- microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi);
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
- allergens;
- adverse environmental impacts;
- voice overstrain;
- injuries;
- hypothermia;
- general decrease in immunity;
- smoking.
A combination of several reasons is possible. Their identification and elimination is an integral part of treatment.
Prevention measures
- Strengthening the immune system.
Avoid excessive exercise and stress. Take a multivitamin in the fall and spring. Regular exercise and hardening increase the vitality of the body. - Healthy lifestyle.
Get rid of bad habits: scientists have proven that excessive smoking and alcoholic beverages can become a catalyst for the activation of the herpes virus in the body. - Timely treatment of chronic diseases.
Do not forget that simple stomatitis, if you do not seek medical help in a timely manner, can develop into herpetic stomatitis. Chronic caries and acute respiratory viral diseases suffered “on the legs” also seriously undermine the body’s immune defense. - Maintain personal hygiene.
According to statistics, it is poor oral hygiene that most often opens the way for herpes infection. - Avoid oral trauma.
Even a minor microcrack from a prick with a fish bone or careless use of a toothpick can become an “entry gate” for the herpes virus.
Attention!
With reduced immunity, herpes stomatitis becomes chronic and relapsing: the disease can recur 2-6 months after recovery.
Treatment of viral sore throat
Before treatment, it is necessary to diagnose and identify the pathogen. If the viral nature of the occurrence is confirmed, then, as a rule, the treatment regimen is as follows:
- Taking antiviral drugs. They speed up the fight against viruses and reduce recovery time. Basically, the ENT doctor prescribes tablet forms of drugs, but in severe cases injections are used.
- Taking antihistamines. They reduce the severity of intoxication and reduce swelling of the throat.
- Use of painkillers, anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs.
- Taking antipyretics based on ibuprofen or paracetamol. Recommended only when the temperature rises above 38°C.
- Taking immunostimulants. To strengthen and restore the patient's immune system, immunostimulating agents are prescribed. In addition, they enhance the effect of antiviral drugs. Children are prescribed in the form of drops or suspensions.
- Gargling. Gargling with herbs, antiseptics, and ready-made preparations reduces pain in the throat and eliminates inflammation.
The otorhinolaryngologist recommends drinking as much water, fruit drinks, warm tea, juices, and herbal infusions as possible, since the disease causes dehydration. The liquid removes toxins and viruses from the body.
Throughout the illness, you should stick to bed rest and not have a sore throat on your legs. If you follow bed rest for 2-3 days, the recovery time is significantly reduced, and improvement in well-being occurs on the second day.
The air must be humidified and the room ventilated. It is imperative to adjust your diet, namely to exclude smoked foods, spicy foods, too hot or cold foods, which will irritate the inflamed tonsils.
Usually the disease goes away completely within 6-7 days.
Treatment at home with folk remedies
On the Internet you can often come across the question: “How to treat herpetic stomatitis with folk remedies?” Let’s make a reservation right away: when treating this disease, you cannot rely solely on traditional medicine methods. Therapy must be comprehensive, and only a doctor can choose it correctly.
An effective folk remedy for rinsing the mouth is propolis tincture diluted with boiled water 1:3. In case of pronounced “jams” in the corners of the mouth and painful ulcers inside, applications with natural sea buckthorn oil have an analgesic and wound-healing effect.
