If there are complaints of discomfort in the throat, it turns red and hard to swallow, then the cause of this may be sore throat or acute tonsillitis. In addition, well-being worsens very quickly, the temperature rises, and severe weakness and drowsiness are observed. All these manifestations can be symptoms of other diseases, which is why it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner for an examination and subsequent comprehensive treatment.
What is a disease?
Symptoms of angina in children are quite pronounced, as this is an infectious disease that is difficult. It occurs due to the penetration of virus pathogens into the body, in particular such as streptococci and staphylococci. However, other pathogens can also provoke the development of angina, for example, such as:
- Candida fungi;
- various viruses;
- Vincent's spirochete.
In addition, angina is formed in a child when exposed to provoking factors. These include inflammations that occur in the oral cavity, which have a chronic course, a weak immune system, and hypothermia. The likelihood of this disease is significantly increased with injuries of the tonsils.
The disease proceeds quite sharply, provoking an increase in temperature, plaque on the tonsils and tongue, general weakness, headaches. It is very important to timely show the child to the doctor for a comprehensive examination and the appointment of adequate treatment, since this disease gives serious complications to the internal organs.
What are the types
There are several different types of tonsillitis, each of which has its own specific symptoms and flow characteristics. Among the main varieties can be distinguished such as:
- catarrhal;
- follicular;
- lacunar;
- fibrinous;
- herpetic;
- phlegmonous.
Symptoms of catarrhal sore throat in children are not pronounced enough, since the temperature is about 37-37.5 degrees, tonsils slightly increase in size. When conducting an examination of the oral cavity, you can see a thin film of mucus or pus on the glands. This type of disease is the easiest, since the defeat of the throat is only superficial.
The lacunar form of angina is considered the most serious variety, since when it flows, the temperature rises to about 40 degrees. Among the very first signs, a strong increase in tonsils, as well as the presence of plaque on them, can be noted.
Symptoms of follicular tonsillitis in children are manifested in the form of suppuration of the tonsils follicles, which manifests itself in the form of white dots on their surface. In a child, this disease is quite complicated. The temperature is kept within 38-39 degrees, and sometimes vomiting, impaired consciousness and diarrhea are observed.
Another type of tonsillitis is fibrinous. Among the main symptoms of this disease, it is necessary to highlight the presence of a yellowish-white coating, which almost completely covers the tonsils, and sometimes even goes beyond them. Often, the disease develops against the background of the course of follicular and lacunar tonsillitis.
Phlegmonous type of disease in children is diagnosed very rarely. Basically only one gland is affected. With a phlegmonous type of tonsillitis, the tongue and the affected tonsil are shifted to the healthy side.
Often, herpetic sore throat develops in children, the symptoms of which are expressed in the formation of reddish vesicles located in the oral cavity, on the glands, pharynx and tongue. Most often, the virus infects young children. Symptoms of herpes sore throat in children are very acute, since the temperature can immediately rise to 40 degrees. Cervical lymph nodes are very sore and painful. Since this form of the disease is provoked by the Coxsackie virus, antiviral, antipyretic and antihistamines are prescribed for therapy.
The main symptoms
Symptoms of a sore throat in children can be vague, and often they disguise themselves as other diseases. Among the very first signs, it is necessary to highlight severe pain when swallowing, because of which children can even refuse water. The doctor can diagnose the presence of the disease even after a visual examination.
At the initial stage, the temperature rises to about 37-40 degrees. Treatment must be carried out after the very first signs of the course of the disease occur, and if the temperature becomes very high, hospitalization may be required. In addition to sore throat, signs such as:
- bad breath from the oral cavity;
- loss of appetite;
- sleep disturbance;
- sore throat;
- excessive fatigue;
- weakness;
- cough with purulent contents.
In addition, the lymph nodes on the neck and under the jaw may increase, and upon palpation, the child complains of painful sensations. Inflammation often also affects the vocal cords, as a result of which the voice becomes hoarse and characteristic wheezing appears. All this symptomatology can last for about 7-10 days.
Symptoms of viral tonsillitis in children are not sufficiently pronounced, only with some of its forms can bubbles appear on the oral mucosa. In addition, there is obvious redness and irritation of the eyes, photophobia, lacrimation and many other signs. Symptoms of bacterial tonsillitis in children are more pronounced, since almost immediately after the virus enters the body, redness of the tonsils, swelling, and purulent plaque are formed.
Diagnostics
The doctor can make a diagnosis during a visual examination of the patient, however, it is important to carry out an additional examination to determine what caused this disease. In order to determine pathogens, tests are prescribed. The causative agent helps to detect a swab from the throat. The exact result can be obtained only subject to certain rules, namely:
- you can not use antibiotics on the eve of the test;
- forbidden to eat;
- gargle.
The doctor collects the test material with a dry and clean swab, collecting mucus from the affected tonsils with light movements, without touching the teeth, cheeks and tongue. Then, the material obtained is inoculated, which makes it possible to determine the pathogen that provoked the formation of angina.
In addition, to determine the causative agent of the disease, a laboratory blood test can be additionally prescribed. This makes it possible to determine the cause of the sore throat, but also helps to identify the existing complications.
Treatment features
It is quite difficult to independently recognize the symptoms of angina in children, since this disease can mask under the flu and SARS, therefore it is important to consult a doctor if the very first characteristic signs of the disease occur, since tonsillitis provokes complications. Be sure to organize a comprehensive treatment at home, and in some cases even hospitalization is indicated.
It is important not only to take medications, but also to conduct local processing of tonsils, since in the complex you can achieve a much greater result. The doctor must select the drugs, since different forms of angina are treated with various drugs.
In addition to tablets, you also need to perform a gargle, inhalation, and also choose the right food. It is advisable to additionally apply various homeopathic remedies and vitamins that help strengthen the immune system. They are especially needed if the child often suffers from tonsillitis.
During the course of the disease, it is important to provide the baby with complete rest. After normalization of well-being, you can take short walks in the fresh air, the duration of which can be gradually increased.
Drug therapy
Symptoms and treatment of viral tonsillitis in children are somewhat similar to the flu. With the occurrence of this type of tonsillitis, antiviral drugs are prescribed. Distinguish the course of the viral type from the bacterial one by such signs as:
- lack of plaque on tonsils;
- lacrimation, dry cough, runny nose;
- symptoms of herpes sore throat in children manifest as small vesicles on the mucous membranes.
In this case, antiviral agents are prescribed, in particular, such as Isoprinosine, Viferon, Arbidol, Grippferon, Orvirem. Symptoms and treatment of herpes sore throat in children can be different, but with the course of this disease, “Valaciclovir”, “Acyclovir”, “Famciclovir” are often prescribed. In addition, antipyretic vitamins can be additionally prescribed.
It is quite difficult to recognize the symptoms of viral tonsillitis in children; treatment of this disease in infants up to a year is carried out by the use of antiviral immunomodulating agents. Usually prescribed drugs made in the form of rectal suppositories.
When a bacterial sore throat occurs, drugs from the sulfanilamide group are prescribed, in particular, such as Sulfazin or Bactrim. For children less than 3 years of age, their use in the form of a suspension is shown, and for older children, in tablet form. In addition, antibiotics must be taken. If there are symptoms of follicular tonsillitis in children, treatment is carried out by using penicillins or macrolides. Among the main drugs of the penicillin group, one can distinguish Ampicillin, Flemoxin Solutab, Amoxicillin, which are prescribed in the form of a suspension or tablets. Among macrolides, one can distinguish Sumamed, Macropen, and Wilprafen. According to indications, antibiotics for intramuscular administration can be used, mainly from the group of cephalosporins.
Symptoms of a sore throat in children are expressed in an increase in temperature, which can be very difficult to bring down before eliminating plaque on the tonsils. Children are prescribed antipyretic drugs in the form of a suspension, in particular, Panadol, Efferalgan, Cefecon or Nurofen. At any age, you can use homeopathic antipyretic drugs such as Viburkol or Agri, but they are often ineffective at temperatures exceeding 39 degrees.
If the first symptoms of angina in children appear, treatment should be carried out immediately. It is very important to carry out local processing of tonsils, using for this purpose tablets for resorption, sprays and various solutions for rinsing.
If the sore throat is very severe and the possibility of normal swallowing is impaired, then you can use combined local products containing an antiseptic and anesthetic.
Folk remedies
If the symptoms of angina in children are not pronounced enough, treatment can also be carried out using traditional medicine. The most common method in this case is gargling with:
- tinctures of calendula flowers;
- soda and salt;
- infusion of sage leaves.
As an antipyretic and general strengthening agent, raspberries can be used in the form of jam or decoction made from branches and berries. Onion juice is very useful, which is recommended to take 1 tsp. 3 times a day. A good result can be obtained by using hot milk with honey. However, it should be borne in mind that if a child is allergic to bee products, then taking this remedy is prohibited.
Treatment can be done with inhalation. Thanks to their use, the swelling of the throat is significantly reduced and the general well-being of the child is normalized. Such a procedure is prohibited in the presence of high temperature in the baby, benign or malignant neoplasms, as well as diseases of the cardiovascular system. For inhalation, doctors recommend using a decoction of chamomile, eucalyptus, sage.
Dieting
With the occurrence of acute tonsillitis, the child is shown a plentiful drink, which is why it is important to pay special attention to the consumed drinks. It will be useful to give the baby tea with raspberries, lemon, juices, jelly, fruit drinks, warm milk with honey.
From the diet, you need to exclude fried food, it is advisable to cook all products, steam or stew. Doctors recommend consuming low-fat soups and broths, meat and fish, cereals, dairy products, steamed or boiled vegetables.
1 year old baby treatment
Symptoms of angina in children up to a year can not always be recognized in a timely manner, since the baby still can not talk about what exactly it hurts. Therefore, when the first signs of malaise appear, you must definitely show the child to the doctor. At this age, tonsillitis is very dangerous because the immune system is not yet strong and cannot provide the required resistance to viruses and bacteria.
When the first symptoms of sore throat appear in children up to a year, it is necessary to carry out complex treatment to avoid complications. Therapy in almost all cases should be carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor, and the technique chosen for treatment largely depends on the form of the disease, as well as the severity of its course.
The baby is prescribed antibiotics or antiviral drugs based on the age of the child. To remove toxins from the body, heavy drinking is indicated. In addition, you need to regularly ventilate the room in which the child is located for fresh air.
Indications for hospitalization
With severe intoxication syndrome during the course of angina, the hospitalization of the child is necessarily indicated. In addition, among the main indications for inpatient treatment include:
- the presence of complications;
- tonsillitis in children up to a year;
- severe general condition of the child;
- the presence of serious chronic diseases.
The attending doctor must decide on the hospitalization of the child in the hospital. However, if the baby’s well-being deteriorates sharply, then you must immediately call the ambulance.
Possible complications
Symptoms of purulent sore throat in children are characterized by the fact that this disease is quite complicated and can trigger complications. If the child is very often more sore throat, then this may indicate the occurrence of chronic tonsillitis. The most common complications of angina can be considered lymphadenitis, laryngeal edema, otitis media, the spread of purulent contents into the deeper parts of the neck.
These are local complications that affect tissues located near the throat. In addition, tonsillitis can adversely affect the work of the heart, kidneys and brain. In addition, joint pain may appear. To avoid complications, immediately after recovery you need to do an ultrasound, ECG, and take tests.
Prophylaxis
This disease is very difficult to tolerate. Symptoms and prevention of tonsillitis in children can be very different, the most important thing is to take timely measures to prevent its development. It is equally important to carry out tempering procedures. It is advisable to carry out pouring and grinding from the very birth of the baby, then it grows stronger and healthier.
In addition, proper nutrition is important, which implies the intake of all the required vitamins and minerals to ensure full growth and development, as well as strengthening the immune system.