Infectious diseases of the throat can be triggered by various viruses, bacteria and fungi. It is believed that tonsillitis is often formed when infected with streptococci, but now a disease provoked by various viruses is becoming more common.
Viral sore throat in children, a photo of the main manifestations of which clearly indicate the course of the disease, leads to an inflammatory process that begins in the tonsils, but has no signs of damage to the oropharynx and is characterized by certain specifics.
Features of viral sore throat
Viral tonsillitis in children, the photo of which allows you to determine the features of its course, often occurs precisely in the cold season, while it can take on the character of epidemiological outbreaks. Children under the age of 3 years are especially severely affected.
In infants younger than 6 months, the manifestation of the disease is quite rare due to the presence of maternal antibodies in the body of the child.
Symptoms of viral tonsillitis in children can occur at any age. This disease can provoke complications, so it must be treated under the supervision of a doctor.
The main forms of the disease
How viral tonsillitis manifests itself in children depends largely on the form of the course of tonsillitis and on what stage the disease is at. This is not at all connected with the origin of the pathology and the reason that could provoke it. The following stages of the inflammatory process :
- catarrhal;
- follicular;
- lacunar;
- herpes.
Catarrhal sore throat is expressed as the occurrence of sore throat, dryness and perspiration. In children, treatment is quite easy and fast, most importantly, to identify it in a timely manner. Lacunar angina proceeds in a more severe form. Glands acquire a reddish tint, become edematous. Sometimes children have difficulty eating food.
The follicular form is characterized by the presence of purulent rashes on the tonsils, which is quite possible to determine visually. Ulcerative tonsillitis is quite difficult. On tonsils friable, painful sores are formed, causing pain to the baby. Herpes sore throat is characterized by the presence of rashes on the lips in the form of vesicles. In this case, not only the pharynx is affected, but the whole organism.
Causes of occurrence
Since the tonsillitis virus often penetrates the body through the mouth, it is there that the initial infection occurs and the inflammatory process begins. Especially dangerous are such provoking factors as:
- flu;
- adenoviruses;
- rotaviruses;
- cytomegaloviruses;
- coxsackie virus;
- measles.
A child can be a carrier of infection, communicate with a sick person and not be infected. It all depends on the immune system and the body's internal defenses. Therefore, it is important to strengthen the immunity of the child. Improper nutrition, as well as certain medical procedures, can provoke the onset of the disease.
The herpetic form of tonsillitis, unlike other types of this disease, develops in the summer. This is due to the characteristics of the course of the viral infection.
Symptoms of the disease
The main difference between viral tonsillitis and bacterial tonsillitis is characterized by the absence of plaque on the glands. However, the first symptoms of viral tonsillitis in children are similar to those observed with catarrhal tonsillitis of bacterial origin. Among the main features, the following can be distinguished:
- temperature rise;
- general intoxication of the body;
- loss of appetite;
- enlarged lymph nodes.
After about 1-2 days, other symptoms are added to these symptoms, in particular:
- sore throat and cough;
- runny nose;
- inflammation and swelling of the glands;
- the formation of small ulcers on the tonsils.
The temperature rises sharply to 38-39 degrees during the first days of the course of the disease and lasts for several days. Against the background of elevated temperature, fever and intense heat are formed, and sweating also increases. Tonsils become bright red, various rashes form on them, and a whitish or gray coating appears.
The mandibular and occipital lymph nodes increase, they become painful and very dense when palpated. The kid becomes very moody, tries to spend as much time as possible in bed, refuses to consume food. At high temperatures, signs of thirst and dry mouth are increasing.
In some cases, there may be nausea, vomiting and impaired stool. If tonsillitis was provoked by the Coxsackie virus, then after 2-3 days vesicles with serous contents form on the inflamed mucous membrane of the oropharynx. Then they are opened, the surface of the tonsils is covered with ulcers, gradually merging and provoking inflammation. At this stage, the pain in the throat can gradually increase, so the child completely loses his appetite.
A special type of tonsillitis is considered viral herpetic sore throat in children. The treatment of this disease is carried out by the use of medications, topical agents and folk methods. In this case, there is persistent edema and inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa, which occurs 2-3 days after infection. In addition, dense vesicles with whitish contents form. The disease is accompanied by very severe sore throat.
The effectiveness of the treatment of viral herpes sore throat in children largely depends on the medications used. It is worth noting that the doctor must prescribe all medicines to normalize health.
If the correct treatment of viral tonsillitis in a child is carried out, then its symptoms can go away literally in 5-7 days. However, in the absence of the required treatment measures, as well as with reduced immunity, all signs of the disease will only significantly increase.
Diagnostics
To determine how to treat viral tonsillitis in children, you need to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis, which will help determine the nature of the disease. After the onset of the first signs of an illness of the child, it is necessary to show the pediatrician. The doctor will examine the baby's throat and make the correct diagnosis.
To clarify the causative agent of the disease in some cases, additional analyzes and studies may be required. A child takes a smear from the surface of the glands, which allows you to accurately determine the causative agent of the disease, as well as to exclude infectious childhood diseases, such as scarlet fever or diphtheria.
Be sure to conduct a study of a general blood test. An increased number of lymphocytes and a high white blood cell count indicate the presence of a viral infection in the body. In addition, with viral tonsillitis, a high sedimentation rate of ESR is observed.
Therapy Features
Many parents are interested in how and how to treat viral sore throat in children in order to quickly eliminate the existing symptoms and normalize the child's well-being. Be sure to follow certain doctor's recommendations, in particular:
- air the room often;
- carry out regular wet cleaning;
- provide peace to the child;
- take a warm, plentiful drink;
- eat semi-liquid food that does not irritate the throat.
With viral tonsillitis, antibacterial drugs will not help the child, and they will also lead to a weakening of immunity, which will further aggravate his condition. The course of therapy implies the use of drugs that suppress the spread of viral infection. In addition, a good result can be obtained by using traditional medicine.
Drug treatment
Treatment of viral tonsillitis in children, the photo of which clearly shows the features of the course of the disease, is carried out with the appointment of a doctor and under his strict control. In severe cases, the child is hospitalized. The complex of therapeutic measures is aimed at eliminating the main symptoms of the disease.
Treatment of viral tonsillitis in a child implies the mandatory use of Viferon, Genferon Light suppositories, Anaferon, Ergoferon tablets. This will eliminate the causative agents of the virus. Antiviral drugs are prescribed mainly in tablet form, and in the most dangerous and severe cases - in the form of an injection.
Immunostimulating drugs help enhance the effects of antiviral agents. They can be prescribed in the form of tablets, drops or suppositories. These medications also help strengthen the immune system to prevent the recurrence of the disease. Among these drugs can be distinguished "Immunal" or "Interferon". To reduce the temperature, antipyretics are prescribed, in particular, Nurofen or Panadol. You need to bring down the temperature in children only if it is above 38 degrees.
Gargling is shown with a solution of soda, Miramistin, Furacilin, as well as tinctures of calendula and sage. To improve the protection and prevention of the penetration of bacterial infections into the body, resorption tablets “Lisobakt”, “Immudon” are used. A child at the age of 2-3 years is given an irrigation of the throat with Tantum Verde spray or by applying antiseptic solutions to the tonsils. The spray has an inhibitory effect on viruses, helps eliminate pathogens, as well as reduce the severity of the inflammatory process that occurs in the throat.
To facilitate nasal breathing, vasoconstrictors are prescribed, in particular, Nazol Baby, Xymelin, Nazivin. These funds help eliminate puffiness and nasal congestion, and also help to alleviate the general well-being of the child.
To eliminate puffiness, antihistamines, in particular Zodaka or Tavegil, are indicated, and vitamin C is prescribed to normalize the immune system. Some antihistamines cause drowsiness, which is why it is undesirable to take them in the morning. When a bacterial infection is attached, antibacterial drugs are additionally prescribed, for example, Summamed or Flemoklav.
In addition, multivitamin complexes containing selenium can be prescribed. They contribute to faster recovery from illness, as well as increase immunity in the child. Selenium helps the body cope with the disease much faster.
Dr. Komarovsky recommends treating viral tonsillitis in children in a comprehensive and timely manner. From the first days of the course of the disease, it is necessary to reduce the general intoxication of the body with the help of plentiful warm drink. For this, tea from chamomile, jelly and fruit drinks are suitable. The child’s nutrition during this period should not be too high in calories. If the baby worsens, you need to immediately call a doctor at home, as it may require a change of drugs.
Often there are complications of viral tonsillitis in children, the causes, symptoms and treatment of which can be very different, which is why it is absolutely necessary to strictly follow all the doctor's recommendations.
Treatment with traditional medicine
Komarovsky suggests treating viral sore throat in children with the help of not only medications, but also folk remedies. However, before using them, you must definitely consult a pediatrician. The main way to eliminate viruses is considered to be frequent gargling. It is with this method that you can quickly cleanse the tonsils and prevent the further spread of infection.
Decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs help soothe and soften the inflamed tissues of the pharynx, and also have a pronounced healing effect. Plants such as:
- Linden;
- sagebrush;
- chamomile;
- sage;
- calendula.
In addition to rinsing, chewing propolis helps very well, but only if the child is not allergic to bee products.
Dieting
In the treatment of viral tonsillitis in a child, special attention is paid to his nutrition. Even if the baby refuses food, you still need to feed him a little, since a lack of vitamins and nutrients can slow down the healing process. You need to eat in small portions and consume only light foods, such as warm broths. Food should not be very hot or cold, as this can damage the sore throat. It is best to consume foods at room temperature. Nutrition should be balanced, rich in fiber and vitamins.
It is important to maintain water balance in the process of therapy, so you need to drink raspberry tea, milk with honey, herbal decoctions. However, it is necessary to take into account the individual intolerance of the products, as well as the age of the baby.
Possible complications
If you do not timely treat the viral tonsillitis in a child, then this can provoke a variety of complications. It is this type of tonsillitis that leads to the occurrence of chronic diseases in the baby. They begin to manifest quickly enough, affecting the heart, kidneys, nervous system and joints. Among the dangerous complications, encephalitis and serous meningitis can be noted. In addition, with the penetration of viruses into the body, pyelonephritis, myalgia, conjunctivitis, myocarditis can occur.
Often, viral angina provokes the occurrence of rheumatism. In some cases, brain damage may occur. The most common complication is chronic tonsillitis, which subsequently can cause a number of inflammatory processes. After suffering a sore throat, it is important to closely monitor the condition of the child so as not to miss the dangerous symptoms of complications.
Often, the disease ends in complete recovery, and cases of death of children are observed very rarely, only against the background of the development of meningitis.
Prophylaxis
So that for a long time not to deal with the treatment of the disease, it is necessary to carry out the prevention of viral tonsillitis. Among the most basic preventive measures are the following:
- wash hands frequently or use special antibacterial gels;
- take ascorbic acid;
- temper and eat right;
- if necessary, take immunomodulators;
- regularly ventilate the room.
Adaptation to weather conditions and strengthening the child’s immune system will help hardening. To begin with, you just need to wipe the baby while bathing with a damp towel, and then gradually move on to taking a contrast shower. When the first signs of the disease occur, it is important to conduct treatment to prevent the occurrence of complications.