Causes and symptoms of herpetic pharyngitis in children: features of complex therapy and folk remedies

Reasons for the development of the disease

Herpetic pharyngitis is more common in children because their immune system is still too weak to actively resist viral attacks, including the penetration of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is this that is the only reason for the development of pathology. Once the herpes virus enters the cells of the human body, it remains in them forever.

It is transmitted in 3 ways:

• contact and household - through kisses, toys, various household items;
• airborne;
• placental - from a pregnant woman to the fetus through the placenta.

If the cause of the development of herpetic pharyngitis is only herpesvirus type 1 or 2, then there are many factors predisposing to its activation.

The most common of them include:

• hypothermia;
• prolonged exposure to high temperatures;
• severe stress;
• deficiency of vitamins in the body;
• uncontrolled use of antibiotics, especially in the form of inhalations or throat sprays;
• often recurrent chronic pharyngitis;
• throat burns;
• mechanical damage to the mucous membranes of the oropharynx;
• chemical damage to the pharynx;
• weak immune system;
• frequent colds or acute respiratory infections;
• bad habits.

Herpetic pharyngitis in children can occur due to the habit of pulling various objects into the mouth. Parents should remember that no matter how clean children's toys are, it is better to ensure that the child does not try to taste them.

Prevention

If an infected child is identified in a group, he must be isolated. This measure will give results on the first day of development of the pathology, as it will help prevent the spread of infection. Adults should avoid contact during the incubation period.

To prevent problems from arising, you must follow these rules:

• strengthen the immune system through the use of vitamins;
• use hardening procedures;
• observe the rules of hygiene.

Prevention and treatment of herpes:

Clinical manifestations of the disease

Symptoms of herpetic pharyngitis appear acutely. Even if the pathology has entered the chronic stage, during periods of its exacerbation the clinical picture is clearly expressed. This is explained by the fact that 1–2 days after the activation of the herpes virus, a vesicular rash filled with white, yellowish or yellow-gray content appears on the mucous membranes of the back wall of the throat.

These formations are painless, but they often cause an increase in body temperature to subfebrile and sometimes febrile levels.

The next day (or every other day) the blisters burst, leaving behind red sores. They are the source of unbearable pain, which can result in:

• difficulty chewing and swallowing food;
• insomnia;
• headache;
• burning sensation in the mouth.

Herpes pharyngitis in children under one year of age causes tearfulness, nervousness, and irritability. Even breastfeeding or taking liquid food causes serious difficulties for the child due to intense pain.

Herpetic pharyngitis or vesicular tonsillitis?

Sometimes herpes pharyngitis in children can be confused with tonsillitis, which can also be accompanied by a vesicular rash. However, tonsillitis exclusively affects the tonsils, while pharyngitis affects the mucous membranes of the soft palate and the back of the throat. Read more about sore throat →

It is in the localization of foci of inflammation that the difference between these pathologies lies, which should not be confused with each other.

Herpetic pharyngitis in children: photos, treatment, symptoms and recommendations

One of the most common lesions of the ENT organs is pharyngitis. It can be an independent disorder or accompany other infections. The disease manifests itself in the form of general weakness, pain and dryness in the throat. The most unpleasant variant of the disease is herpetic pharyngitis. To avoid complications, it is very important to start therapy on time.

Herpetic pharyngitis: etiology

The disease can have an acute and chronic course.

In the first case, the cause of the development of the disease is the influence of a herpetic infection on the pharynx.

The chronic form of the pathology is accompanied by systematic exacerbations after stress and hypothermia.

The most severe variant of the disease is considered to be herpetic sore throat, which has severe symptoms.

Causes, provoking factors

The main cause of herpetic pharyngitis is considered to be the entry into the body of the herpes virus of the first or second type. Usually a person becomes infected during childhood. This can happen in the following ways:

1. Contact and household mechanism - when using common household items, toys.
2. Airborne droplet method - at the time of coughing or sneezing.
3. Vertical method - transmitted during childbirth from mother to child.

The primary form of such pharyngitis has an acute onset. After the symptoms of the disease disappear, the virus remains in the human body forever. It has been established that more than 90% of adults have a herpes infection in their bodies.

The following factors can lead to the development of this type of pharyngitis:

• overheating or hypothermia;
• long-term insolation;
• vitamin deficiency;
• excessive emotional stress;
• the use of a large number of antibiotics;
• persistent viral infections, frequent relapses of chronic pharyngitis;
• traumatic injuries to the throat of a mechanical, chemical or temperature nature;
• smoking;
• relapses of chronic pathologies that weaken the human immune system;
• consumption of strong alcohol;
• entry into the body of polluted air.

Prolonged irritation of the mucous layer of the throat can cause inflammation and the appearance of herpetic pharyngitis. This especially often occurs against the background of weakened local immunity.

Symptoms

Herpetic pharyngitis has characteristic symptoms that allow a correct diagnosis to be made in a timely manner.

Symptoms of herpetic pharyngitis

In adults

Most often, the pathology has the following manifestations:

In children

Herpetic pharyngitis has a particularly complex course in children under 3 years of age. Sometimes the pathology has a blurred clinical picture and resembles catarrhal pharyngitis. In this case, erosions and vesicles do not form in the throat. But most often, children develop painful ulcers that are present until epithelialization.

Also, herpetic pharyngitis in childhood can have an intestinal form. In such a situation, the child does not suffer from a sore throat. He experiences discomfort in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Dr. Komarovsky about the causes of herpetic pharyngitis in children:

Diagnostics: research methods, necessary tests

The initial diagnosis is made after examining the pharynx and analyzing the clinical picture. To confirm the presence of herpetic pharyngitis, the doctor prescribes blood tests. They can be carried out using ELISA and PCR methods. PCR studies of a smear from the surface of the pharynx are also possible.

The pathology should be differentiated from viral and bacterial forms of pharyngitis. It also needs to be distinguished from infectious mononucleosis and tonsillitis.

The photo shows a throat with herpetic pharyngitis

Treatment

To cope with the pathology, you should consult a doctor in time. The main therapy is aimed at eliminating the causative agent of the disease. To do this, you need to start etiotropic treatment as early as possible.

General recommendations

For therapy to be effective, the following rules must be followed:

• drink a lot - it is especially useful to drink teas, compotes, fruit drinks;
• maintain optimal temperature conditions - it should be 21-22 degrees;
• ventilate the room more often;
• maintain humidity at 45-60%;
• eat warm pureed food without adding spices.

Medication

To eliminate herpes infection, Acyclovir and Virax are used. These drugs are prescribed in tablet form and as an ointment for local use. Thanks to their use, it is possible to ensure rapid regression of pharyngitis.

Other remedies can also be used, which are selected depending on the severity of the disease:

1. Interferon preparations help stimulate the synthesis of antibodies against herpes infection. These include Viferon, Genferon.
2. Immunomodulatory agents. This category includes Cycloferon, Amiksin.
3. Vitamins – contribute to the overall strengthening of the body.
4. Antihistamines are prescribed for cases of swelling and complex progression of the disease. This group includes such products as Claritin, Tavegil.
5. Preparations for a sore throat and cough - this category includes rinsing with antiseptic solutions, irrigating the throat with Hexoral, inhalations with saline solution. Mucolytics and cough suppressants may also be used.

If bacterial complications appear, in which the patient’s condition worsens on days 4-6, antibacterial drugs are prescribed. These include Flemoxin, Sumamed, Amoxiclav.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies are used as a supplement to the main methods of treatment. To reduce the severity of symptoms of pharyngitis, use the following recipes:

1. Mix equal parts peppermint, string, coltsfoot. Take 1 spoon of the mixture, add a glass of water and leave for 1 hour. Gargle with the strained solution.
2. Take 1 small spoon of linden and calendula flowers, add 400 ml of water and leave to infuse. Take a glass 2 times a day.
3. Take 2 cloves of garlic and 100 ml of honey, put in a steam bath and cook for 20 minutes. Cool the finished syrup and take 1 small spoon every hour.
4. Make a chamomile infusion by mixing a tablespoon of the raw material with a glass of water. Add 1 small spoon of sea salt to the resulting product and use for rinsing 4 times a day. Treat after meals. After rinsing, you should not eat food for 1 hour.

How to quickly cure a herpetic infection at home, watch our video:

Features of treatment during pregnancy

The pathology poses a particular danger to pregnant women. In the first trimester, herpetic pharyngitis can cause miscarriage. In the later stages, pathology can provoke hypoxia and premature birth.

Therefore, at the first symptoms of the disease, you should consult a doctor. During pregnancy, you can use local remedies - inhalations, rinses, lozenges. Specific medications should only be prescribed by a doctor.

To cope with pathology, a pregnant woman must adhere to the following rules:

• stop eating irritating foods - smoked meats, pickles, spicy and sour foods;
• Avoid drinking carbonated drinks;
• maintain optimal humidity in the room, ventilate more often;
• drink plenty of warm liquid.

Physiotherapy

For herpetic pharyngitis, it is strictly forbidden to do any warming procedures or compresses. This will lead to the spread of a viral infection, which will cause dangerous complications.

To speed up the healing process, experts advise using ultraviolet radiation. Helium-neon laser irradiation can also be used.

In case of complications of the pathology and chronicity of the process, cauterization is performed with a silver solution. Cryotherapy is also often used, which helps stabilize the process and eliminate the manifestations of the disease.

Herpetic pharyngitis poses the greatest danger to preschool children. In some cases, the pathology has a blurred clinical picture and resembles the catarrhal form of the disease.

If a bacterial infection joins a viral infection, there is a risk of developing a purulent process.

With improper therapy, the following complications may occur:

• sinusitis;
• meningitis;
• otitis;
• laryngitis;
• chronization of the process.

In addition, complications of herpetic pharyngitis can provoke the appearance of myocarditis and cervical lymphadenitis.

Forecast

The disease has a favorable prognosis. Usually after 7-12 days of therapy a person recovers. To prevent the virus from reactivating, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle afterwards.

Herpetic pharyngitis is a serious pathology that can cause dangerous consequences. To avoid the development of the disease, you should consult a specialist in a timely manner.

Source: https://gidmed.com/otorinolarintologija/zabolevanija-lor/bolezni-gorla/faringit/gerpeticheskij.html

Forms of pathology

Herpetic pharyngitis can occur in 2 forms, acute and chronic:

• The acute form of the disease is characterized by the sudden onset of a clinical picture that can last for 5–7 days. During this period, it is extremely important to start treatment in a timely manner, since the disease can quickly enter the chronic phase.
• The chronic form of herpetic pharyngitis is accompanied by mild vagueness of symptoms, but in its severity it is not much inferior to the acute stage of the disease. The body temperature in this case will be much lower (about 37.5 °C).

You can’t start herpetic pharyngitis and let it become chronic! Frequent outbreaks of pathology will negatively affect the patient’s immune system, making him a target for various types of pathogenic microflora.

Methods for effective treatment of herpetic pharyngitis and elimination of symptoms

Herpes pharyngitis or herppharyngitis is more common in the spring and summer and is accompanied by a runny nose, high fever and sore throat.

These symptoms can easily be confused with ARVI, so only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis.

It is important not to let the disease progress, since if not treated in a timely manner, pharyngitis leads to the formation of erosions in the mucous membrane of the throat and can develop into a purulent sore throat with ensuing complications.

Causes

Herpetic pharyngitis is provoked by herpes simplex viruses of the first and second groups, less commonly by pathogens of the Coxsackie class. An infected person is the main carrier, but there is also a chance of infection from animals. Most people become infected with them in childhood in the following ways:

• contact and household - kisses, toys, general hygiene items;
• airborne - coughing, sneezing;
• vertical - transmission to the child from the mother during childbirth.

Herpetic pharyngitis has acute and chronic forms. The first occurs during primary infection and is very difficult. In the second case, factors such as hypothermia, vitamin deficiency, taking antibiotics, an unhealthy lifestyle and reduced immunity against the background of other ailments can re-provoke activation of the virus.

Symptoms shown

At the onset of the disease, symptoms resemble regular flu:

• general weakness;
• malaise;
• lack of appetite;
• temperature increase;
• sore throat and sore throat.

Subsequently, complications begin: a rash in the form of 5 mm vesicles appears on the back wall of the throat, uncharacteristic of ARVI. Blisters filled with serous fluid completely cover the tonsils, which increases the risk of spreading to the mucous membrane of the palate and tongue. The vesicles then turn into painful erosions that make eating difficult.

Body temperature rises to critical levels, especially in children under 3 years of age, and may be accompanied by fever. High readings on the thermometer can last 5-7 days. There is an increase in lymph nodes.

After 3-5 days, the symptoms begin to subside and the patient’s condition improves.

Possible complications

Herpetic pharyngitis is especially difficult for preschool children. Sometimes the disease has vague symptoms and can develop like catarrhal disease. If a bacterial infection is attached to the virus, a purulent process may begin in the vesicles.

If treated incorrectly or not, the disease can lead to the following complications:

• inflammation of the tissues of the pharynx;
• otitis;
• sinusitis;
• laryngitis;
• meningitis;
• transition to a chronic form.

Complications are fraught with cervical lymphadenitis and myocarditis.

Diagnostic methods

To identify a disease, it is necessary to accurately describe the clinical picture to the doctor, on the basis of which the doctor will refer for the necessary medical tests. These include:

• laboratory tests - blood testing using ELISA and PCR methods;
• nasopharyngeal swab culture;
• palpation of lymph nodes;
• pharyngoscopy.

The diagnosis is made based on the results of serological and cytological studies. These diagnostic methods are highly likely to show the presence of the herpes simplex virus in the body.

Treatment methods

Diagnosis and therapy are carried out by an otolaryngologist or pediatrician. If the virus often recurs, it makes sense to contact an immunologist. Treatment takes about two weeks and is carried out on a comprehensive basis for children and adults. The patient needs bed rest and plenty of fluids.

Rules for bringing down the temperature

With herpetic pharyngitis, fever may persist for several days. An increased value indicates the body’s fight against the virus.

The numbers she achieves make sense. You need to take your temperature several times a day. When the thermometer is above 38°C, you should start taking antipyretic drugs based on paracetamol: Ibufen, Nurofen and Nimesil.

If the temperature remains in the critical range, you must urgently call an ambulance.

Medication

After diagnosis, taking into account the severity of the disease, the doctor may prescribe the following medications:

• antiviral drug Acyclovir;
• immunostimulants Cycloferon, Amiksin;
• when a bacterial infection occurs, antibiotics Sumamed, Flemoxin and Amoxiclav are additionally used;
• antihistamines Tavegil, Loratadine and Diazolin help relieve swelling;
• vitamins, dietary supplements and drugs to strengthen the immune system.

Dr. Komarovsky explains the dangers of uncontrolled antibiotic treatment and what are the basic rules of care after taking them

Physiotherapy

When treating herpetic pharyngitis, any warming procedures in the form of compresses are contraindicated. This may cause the virus to spread to a larger area, complicating treatment.

Antiseptic rinses with alkaline solutions and decoctions of medicinal herbs are allowed to avoid infection with secondary infections of a bacterial nature.

To enhance the epithelization process, ultraviolet irradiation and helium-neon laser therapy procedures are provided.

In case of complications of the disease and its transition to a chronic form, cauterization with a solution of silver nitrate and cryotherapy are used, the purpose of which is to stabilize the process and relieve the syndrome.

Folk remedies

Widely used home methods for complex treatment of herpetic pharyngitis help reduce the intensity of symptoms. These include the following recipes:

1. Mix a collection of coltsfoot herbs, mint, string and pour a glass of boiling water. Leave to infuse, strain and gargle frequently.
2. Pour one teaspoon of calendula and linden into two glasses of water, let it brew. Drink cooled herbal tea morning and evening.
3. Mix two crushed cloves of garlic with a tablespoon of honey, then keep in a water bath for 20 minutes. Use a teaspoon of the finished syrup every hour.

Nutrition rules

Any type of pharyngitis is accompanied by a sore throat, so you should avoid eating hot, spicy and salty foods. Follow a gentle diet and eat food in liquid or pureed form. This will help make the digestion process easier.

It is necessary to drink plenty of fluids to moisturize the throat tissues. Plain water, dairy products, and fruit juices are perfect. Caffeine-based drinks are best avoided.

Features of treatment during pregnancy and lactation

For women during pregnancy, primary infection with the herpes virus can have serious consequences.

In the first trimester it is fraught with miscarriage, and in the third it can cause fetal hypoxia or premature birth. Therefore, it is important to plan your pregnancy.

If at this stage the presence of the virus in the body is not detected, then subsequently you should be very careful about your health and avoid contact with potential carriers.

If a woman was infected with herpes before pregnancy, then reactivation of the virus during this period is not dangerous. For herpes pharyngitis, pregnant women are recommended to use folk and gentle treatment methods, and medications are taken strictly under the supervision of a doctor. In case of severe disease, the woman is admitted to hospital.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, many drugs have contraindications. Therefore, when breastfeeding, the prescription is made only by a specialist, taking into account that the medicine has a minimum number of side effects on the baby’s body.

Features of treatment in children

In children, treatment of herpetic pharyngitis is fraught with difficulty and severity. Newborns suffer the disease the worst, so they must be treated in a hospital. Breasts need to support their immunity with breast milk without depriving it of beneficial antibodies.

Since babies do not know how to gargle on their own, this makes treatment difficult for parents. The procedure must be carried out at least 6-8 times a day using a syringe or a homemade cotton wool swab. Children need to bring down their temperature with suppositories and syrups instead of tablets.

It is important to take prescribed medications in the prescribed dosage. If possible, avoid putting various objects in your mouth, which can cause infection of open wounds of the throat mucosa. During the period of illness, a sick child should be treated at home, observing bed rest. The baby's dishes and hygiene items should be kept separately.

Advice from Dr. Komarovsky

Dr. Komarovsky pays great attention to creating favorable conditions for the child’s recovery. This means airing the room and humidifying the air, since a dry microclimate increases soreness and irritates the mucous membranes.

The temperature in the child's room should be about 20°C and the humidity around 50-60%. To achieve such indicators, you need to clean frequently without using household chemicals, and cover the radiators in winter.

In addition, you should make sure that your child drinks plenty of fluids.

To cool the baby, do not apply ice, wrap it in wet diapers or give enemas with cold water. It is also forbidden to rub the skin with alcohol.

Constantly lowering the temperature with antipyretics is ineffective, since they do not treat the disease, but only eliminate the symptom.

You should not self-medicate, but should consult a doctor at the first signs of herpes pharyngitis.

If the baby is sick, vomiting, ear pain, a rash appears on the skin and mucous membranes, the tonsils are covered with pus, the temperature is above 39°C and the child begins to lose consciousness, then you need to call an ambulance.

Prohibited treatment methods

For herpetic pharyngitis it is not allowed:

• unauthorized taking of medications without prescription;
• drinking alcohol and smoking, which increases soreness and leads to dehydration;
• breathe cold, frosty or, conversely, hot and dry air;
• frequent use of vasoconstrictor drugs for nasal congestion and rhinitis, since flowing into the throat they provoke irritation of the mucous membrane.

Preventive measures

If a sick child is identified in a kindergarten or other institution, his complete isolation from others is required. This procedure is effective if performed on the first day of illness, as it prevents the spread of the virus. Sick adults should try to avoid contact during the incubation period.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYOatfzlMMY

To prevent herpetic pharyngitis, the following recommendations should be followed:

• increase immunity by taking vitamins;
• apply hardening methods - go swimming and go to the sea;
• Follow the rules of hygiene - wash your hands and brush your teeth.

The prognosis for the disease is favorable; after 7-12 days the person recovers completely. To prevent reactivation of the virus in the future, it is important to lead an active lifestyle combined with good nutrition and adherence to sleep and rest.

Source: https://prostuda.online/gorlo/faringit/gerpeticheskij.html

Features of pathology treatment

Treatment of herpetic pharyngitis should be comprehensive and prescribed exclusively by a doctor. It is better to start therapy immediately after diagnosing the pathology, then it will be cured within 2–5 days.

Features of treatment in children

The disease in young children should be treated with the following medications:

• Antiviral agents aimed at combating herpesvirus. These are the drugs Acyclovir, Famvir, Valtrex, etc. However, treatment of herpetic pharyngitis in children under 3 years of age is impossible with these drugs, since they are dispensed in the form of tablets for oral use. Children under 3 years of age are prescribed antiviral syrups, which are used for various pathologies of a viral nature (Amizonchik), or nasal drops that have the same therapeutic properties (Laferobion).
• Antiseptic agents for topical use. Treatment of herpes pharyngitis in children with ointments should be carried out with extreme caution, since they can cause allergic reactions if swallowed. Thus, Miramistin is used for vesicular rashes, and Viferon gel is used for the formation of erosions.

These are the main methods of therapy that are used without fail and regardless of the general condition of the patient with herpetic pharyngitis.

But symptomatic treatment is prescribed to each patient individually, and may include the use of:

• Painkillers that also have antipyretic properties (Nurofen, Ibufen, Paracetamol, Panadol, Ibunorm). For children - a suspension, for children over 6 years old - tablets or capsules.
• Immunomodulatory drugs (preferably of herbal origin): Imupret.
• Keratoplastic medications that are used after epithelization of erosions: liquid vitamins A and E, the drug Karotolin.

To make the treatment of herpetic pharyngitis more effective in a child, it is necessary to exclude all hard, spicy, salty, fatty, smoked and sweet foods from his diet. Hot and carbonated drinks should also be removed. All these products not only irritate the mucous membranes of the throat, but also create a barrier to the components that make up the medications the child takes. In this regard, the effectiveness of therapy is significantly reduced.

Features of treatment in adults

The therapeutic approach for herpes pharyngitis in adults is identical to that used for children - only the medications or their dosage differ:

• Antiviral: Acyclovir, Valtrex, Famciclovir, etc.
• Antiseptic: Miramistin, Viferon gel.
• Antihistamines (to relieve swelling of the throat mucosa): Fenkarol, Supradin, Loratadine, etc.
• Immunostimulants: Cycloferon, Immunal, Ismizhen.
• Local anesthetics: Lidocaine Asept.
• Antipyretics: Nurofen Express, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol 325 (capsules).
• Wound healing and disinfecting: sea buckthorn or rosehip oil, Karotolin preparation.

Treatment of herpes pharyngitis in adults is much easier and faster. But for maximum results, they also need to adhere to a diet throughout the entire period of therapy.

Diagnostics: research methods, necessary tests

The initial diagnosis is made after examining the pharynx and analyzing the clinical picture. To confirm the presence of herpetic pharyngitis, the doctor prescribes blood tests. They can be carried out using ELISA and PCR methods. PCR studies of a smear from the surface of the pharynx are also possible.

The pathology should be differentiated from viral and bacterial forms of pharyngitis. It also needs to be distinguished from infectious mononucleosis and tonsillitis.

The photo shows a throat with herpetic pharyngitis

Preventive actions

Since everyone without exception is susceptible to herpes - both adults and children - preventive measures are the same for everyone. They imply following simple recommendations:

• avoid hypothermia and overheating;
• monitor hand and oral hygiene;
• maintain the full functioning of the immune system;
• cure ARVI and colds before complications arise.

When buying new toys for children, parents should wash them well with water and laundry soap. Of course, this manipulation does not provide a 100% guarantee that the baby will not become infected with herpes, but it will still provide some protection.

Possible consequences of pathology

The disease can become chronic and cause complications, although not often. Herpetic pharyngitis can be complicated by the development of herpes sore throat, which will significantly complicate and slow down the treatment process.

In addition, prolonged ignoring of the pathology is fraught with the development of:

• viral laryngitis;
• tracheitis;
• laryngotracheitis;
• bronchitis.

In newborn babies, as well as in children under 3 years of age, generalization of herpesvirus infection is possible, i.e., its spread to the mucous membranes and skin of different parts of the body. This is a very dangerous complication, so self-medication is strictly prohibited.

Author: Elizaveta Krizhanovskaya, doctor, especially for Moylor.ru