Treatment of viral pharyngitis in children and adults: methods and drugs

Viral pharyngitis (VF) is an inflammation of the infectious nature of the pharyngeal mucosa. Most often, the pathology is observed in the off-season (that is, during a period of changing weather conditions), when the level of immunity decreases. As a rule, the causative agent of viral pharyngitis in adults (as well as in children, too) are viruses, as a result of the penetration of which into the endothelium, changes in the pharyngeal mucosa occur.

In the case of an acute form of pathology, the infection is localized directly in the oropharynx and nasopharynx. If adequate therapy is not started, then the disease can go into the chronic stage, dropping into the lower part of the pharynx, that is, the larynx.

On a note! Only a doctor can diagnose the true cause of the disease and prescribe the necessary therapy, which will depend on the type of virus that has become the root cause of the disease, the capabilities of the patient’s immune system, the patient’s age, and many other factors. Remember: the treatment of viral pharyngitis is the prerogative of a specialist. Do not self-medicate.

Varieties of pharyngitis

In addition to viral pharyngitis, what else are there:

• Allergic. May occur as a result of adverse environmental conditions; due to the pollen of flowers and plants, work with harmful chemicals, as well as ordinary dust. The main thing in this situation is to establish a “provocateur” of pathology, that is, an allergen, and take all necessary measures to prevent the development of serious complications.
• Fungal. In this case, the inflammatory process in the pharynx is associated exclusively with the development of yeast-like or moldy microorganisms, that is, fungi. If you do not start treatment on time, then the ailment can develop into nasopharyngitis (in case of its development, a runny nose appears). Most often, the disease is diagnosed in people with immunodeficiency and with malfunctions in the functioning of the endocrine system.
• Bacterial. The inflammatory process of the lymph nodes and pharyngeal mucosa is caused by pathogenic microorganisms. This pathology can occur both against the background of the viral form of malaise, and as a completely independent disease.

Important! If you find the first signs of an ailment, you should immediately seek help from a medical institution. Otherwise, pathogenic microflora can infect nearby tissues, and even cause diseases such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

How to distinguish viral pharyngitis from bacterial pharyngitis

This can be done according to the characteristic symptoms:

• The signs of infection in both forms are quite pronounced, but with a bacterial one they pass after 7-10 days (the risk of serious complications is great), and with a viral pathology it is much faster.
• Viral pharyngitis is characterized by rapid development (within 2-5 hours), and pathogens of bacterial pathology, in order to spread, will take about 1-2 days.
• Temperature with viral pharyngitis is a mandatory "attribute" of an ailment.
• With bacterial pharyngitis, crusts are observed on the walls of the pharynx, and a gray coating on the tongue. Also, the patient may expectorate with purulent discharge. Viral pathology is characterized by redness of the oropharynx, its swelling and expansion of the plexuses of the vessels.

Causes of WF

The causes of viral pharyngitis can be:

• Adenovirus. Diseases (namely, acute respiratory viral infections) caused by this infection are characterized by damage to the conjunctiva, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and lymphoid tissue.
• Parainfluenza or influenza virus.
• Rhinovirus. It affects not only the oropharynx, but also the nasopharynx.
• Herpes virus. This is a very common causative agent of pathologies of an infectious nature. Most often, this virus affects the mucous membrane and skin.
• Coronavirus. It can cause the development of acute respiratory pathology, which can safely end in a couple of days. And it can also cause SARS or SARS infection, which can bring the patient to death.
• MS infection (i.e., respiratory syncytial). Causes diseases characterized by lower respiratory tract infections (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis, or bronchiolitis).
• CMV (cytomegalovirus). It has an effect on the human immune system and in the future may cause increased susceptibility to diseases.
• Enterovirus (e.g., Coxsackie virus and others).

If the virus even enters the body, it does not immediately begin to act. The following factors can contribute to this process:

• The presence of allergies in patients, gastrointestinal tract disorders.
• Weakened immunity.
• The inflammatory process of the pharyngeal mucosa.
• Smoking.
• Dust.
• Overheating or hypothermia of the body.
• Drafts.
• The presence of chemical poisonous substances in the air inhaled by a person.
• Underexposed sanitation of the mouth.
• Presence of upper respiratory tract diseases (e.g., rhinitis, acute respiratory viral infections, sinusitis, or flu).
• Lack of minerals and vitamin complex.

Virus Transmission Routes

Transmission of any virus that causes pharyngitis can occur:

• Contact-household way, that is, through the use of common household items (for example, cups, spoons or plates).
• By airborne droplets during a conversation with a sick person or by coughing and sneezing.
• Contact way (this happens if you like to shake hands, hug and kiss).

• It can be transmitted sexually.

Remember! Infection with pharyngitis of a child can occur from a mother or other family members. In public places (for example, in schools, kindergartens or shopping malls), a large crowd of people can also cause ailment. Moreover, the incubation period of pharyngitis is about 5-7 days (depending on the protective functions of the body). Avoid contact with already infected people in every way.

WF Symptoms

Symptoms of viral pharyngitis:

• Sore throat, sometimes extending to the ear. Especially painful sensations intensify when swallowing and at the time of conversation.
• Runny nose in the form of a clear liquid.
• Nasal congestion.
• In children, viral pharyngitis can be accompanied by diseases such as rubella, scarlet fever and measles.
• The presence of enlarged lymph nodes under the jaw. You can determine them by palpation.
• Drowsiness.

• Lack of appetite.
• Increase in body temperature to 38-39 degrees.
• Stuffy ears.
• Lethargy and weakness.
• Increased sweating.
• Chills.
• The presence of dry cough, which intensifies in the morning and night hours.
• Hunk in the whole body.

On a note! Symptoms of viral pharyngitis develop rapidly, literally after a few hours the patient has the whole spectrum of manifestations of this ailment. If the patient's condition does not improve within 3-4 days (with the necessary treatment), then we can talk about bacterial complication.

Diagnosis of viral pharyngitis

After the patient contacts the medical institution, the specialist conducts a visual examination of him and then prescribes the following:

• Laboratory studies of swabs of the pharynx (to be more precise, then from its back wall). This is done in order to determine the pathogen that is the provocateur of the disease.
• A blood test that allows you to not only determine the type of virus, but also to identify where exactly there is inflammation.

According to the results of studies, the doctor prescribes the necessary therapy.

Therapy for viral pharyngitis

Treatment should be comprehensive, as the disease must be attacked from all sides. First of all, this is drug therapy, which, by the way, can only be prescribed by a doctor:

• "Rimantadine" (read more about this tool below).
• Cycloferon. Assign if the patient has a sore throat.

Important! Antibiotics for the treatment of HF are never prescribed, because it is absolutely useless, and in some cases even dangerous, since they practically destroy the intestinal microflora, thereby significantly weakening the patient’s immunity.

• In the very first days of viral pharyngitis in adults, medications such as Ingaverin, Arbidol and Anaferon are simply necessary. If treatment was started late (that is, on the 3rd or 4th day), then it is better to use "Kagocel". The course of treatment with antiviral drugs is 5 days.

Important! Therapy of viral pharyngitis in children involves the use of such a medication as Viferon. The form of its release is rectal suppositories. This antiviral drug is recommended for use by children from birth. In addition to this, you can also use Kipferon.

• If the pathology is accompanied by a significant increase in body temperature (up to 38.5 degrees), then antipyretic drugs should be prescribed (for example, “Ibuprofen”, “Nurofen” or “Paracetomol”).

Important! In the event that the child has pathologies of a cardiovascular nature, or convulsions are observed, then measures to lower the temperature should already be started when it is raised to 37.5-38 degrees. At the same time, do not forget to call the local doctor at home or an ambulance.

• Medicines for dry cough (for example, "Herbion" or "Sinecode").
• For the discharge of sputum, Ascoril, Ambrobene or Abromhexal are well suited.
• For gargling, you can use a furatsilinovaya solution or based on herbs. Moreover, in the early days it must be done about 8-10 times a day, that is, the more often, the better.
• It is necessary to irrigate the throat with antiseptic agents such as Hexoral or Tantum Verde (for adults); as well as Miramistin (for children).
• Lubricating the throat is recommended by Lugol, Chlorhexidine or Chlorophyllipt.
• Warming procedures (e.g. hot foot baths, compresses or inhalations) are only welcome if there is no temperature.
• The use of lozenges, which have not only antibacterial and antiseptic properties, but also painkillers: for adults - Grammidin Neo, Septolete Total or Hexoral; for children - "Lizobakt" or "Faringosept."
• Natural spray copes well with the disease (with viral pharyngitis - this is “Aqua Maris”).

On a note! Never use sprays to treat children under 2 years of age.

• Do not forget about taking vitamin and multivitamin complexes.
• If HF is accompanied by cough, conjunctivitis or rhinitis, then therapy should include medications, the mechanism of action of which is aimed at eliminating these symptoms, too.
• In the treatment of viral pharyngitis, it is necessary to use immunomodulating drugs (for example, "Kagocel" or "Tsitovir 3"), which not only increase immunity, but also do not allow the disease to become chronic. Moreover, the first remedy can be for children starting at three years old, but the second, starting at one year old. To avoid relapses, it is better to drink antiviral drugs to all members of the family in which there is a sick HF.

Remember! Drug treatment for viral pharyngitis is selected only by a doctor who, based on the situation, can add new procedures or drugs, as well as change the therapy altogether. Some drugs may be contraindicated in pregnant women, children, or people with pathologies of the internal organs of a chronic nature. Therefore, any self-medication is excluded. In the same case, if all the doctor’s prescriptions were met exactly and on time, we can hope for a speedy recovery (after 7-10 days).

We are treated by "Rimantadine"

What is this medicine for viral pharyngitis? The mechanism of action of this antiviral drug is to stop the process of reproduction of the virus after it has entered the cell. That is, the active substance "Rimantadine" blocks the ingress of the genetic material of infection into the root tissue.

On a note! The most effective action of the drug is noticeable when used in the first 3-4 hours after infection.

The release form of the drug is tablets (50 mg each) and capsules (100 mg each). "Remantadine" is fully absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract (although this happens rather slowly) and is excreted through the kidneys (its elimination half-life is about 24-30 hours).

Important! People with epilepsy, hypertension (i.e., persistent increase in pressure), or atherosclerosis should take this drug with caution. There is a great risk of getting a stroke or seizure of an epileptic nature.

According to the instructions for use of "Remantadine", tablets should be taken as follows:

• 1st day - 3 times a day for 100 mg.
• 2nd and 3rd days - 2 times a day for 100 mg.
• 4th day - once 100 mg.

On a note! The drug should be taken after meals. For preventive purposes, you can drink half a tablet (i.e. 50 mg) per day. The course of treatment is 1.5-2 weeks.

According to the instructions for use of "Remantadine", tablets are given to children as follows:

• At the age of 3 to 7 years - at the rate of 1.5 mg per kilogram of weight 2 times a day.
• From 7 to 10 years - 50 mg twice a day.
• At 10 years old - three times a day, 50 mg each.

Important! Children (starting from one year) are prescribed "Rimantadine", only in the form of syrup. In the pharmacy network, it can be found under the names "Algir" or "Orvire".

Recommendations for a patient with VF

Medication is great, but if you follow our recommendations, you’ll get better even faster:

• Do not carry the disease on your feet. Be sure to observe bed rest for several days (even if you do not have a fever). This is the key to a quick recovery.

• The air temperature in the room should be about 18-20 degrees, and humidity - 65%.
• All pathologies of a chronic nature must be treated without fail until the end.
• A plentiful and warm drink helps to quickly remove accumulated toxins from the body (for example, fruit drinks, tea with honey and lemon, decoctions of herbs, dried fruit compotes or milk).
• It is necessary to constantly ventilate the room in which the patient is located. Wet cleaning is required.
• The patient should talk less, that is, limit the voice load.
• Regarding nutrition: food should not be spicy, salty, hot and hard to avoid injury to the oral mucosa. Porridge, soups on chicken broth, sour-milk products are welcome; as well as meat and fish, steamed or boiled.
• Constantly gargle with a solution of "Furacilin" or decoctions of herbs.
• The patient must be placed in a separate room so that he does not infect other family members with pharyngitis. If this is not possible, then all relatives should wear medical masks.
• Allocate to the patient their individual set of dishes, which should be treated with boiling water or any disinfectant.
• If a person with pharyngitis has such a bad habit as smoking, then you will have to give it up (at least temporarily). The fact is that resins can contribute to the transition of pathology into a chronic form. Listen to our advice and do not aggravate the situation.

Physiotherapy

The doctor may prescribe the following types of physiotherapy:

• irradiation with ultraviolet light;
• laser exposure;
• electrophoresis;
• magnetotherapy.

If pharyngitis is not treated

If you ignore any therapy for pathology, then what are the possible complications:

• Rheumatism.
• The inflammatory process in the kidneys.
• Diseases of the respiratory tract and oral cavity such as tracheitis, larinzitis, bronchitis and tonsillitis.
• Joint inflammation.
• Problems associated with the functioning of the lymphatic system.

Remember! With a disease such as pharyngitis, the immune system of both an adult and a child is very weak. Therefore, the body can not adequately resist viruses and bacteria. Only with the help of medications prescribed by a specialist can you cope with the disease.

Prevention

Basic preventive measures:

• Arriving home after the street, be sure to wash your hands with soap (by the way, before eating, too).
• In the epidemic season, events such as lubrication of the nasal cavity with Viferon gel and rinsing the throat with ordinary boiled water give a good effect.
• It is necessary to inform children that it is better to use your spoon, plate, cup and towel, and also that you should not drink water from a common bottle.
• Wet cleaning is always good.
• Try to avoid large crowds (especially at the peak of rising incidence).
• Take herbal immunostimulants like Tincture of Eleutherococcus or Immunal.
• Do not forget about vitamins and minerals.
• Stop smoking and drinking strong drinks.
• Try to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
• Carry out tempering procedures.
• Ventilate the room and get a humidifier before going to bed.