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What does viral sore throat look like in children? Diagnosis and treatment of viral sore throat in children

A disease that affects the tonsils is tonsillitis, a dangerous and insidious disease. Viral tonsillitis occurs in children, often in preschool or school age; it is especially dangerous for infants.

How can you become infected?

The name of the disease says that viruses are the source of infection. Various viruses lead to the disease - influenza, herpes, ECHO viruses, etc. This type of sore throat is divided, conditionally, into three types:

herpes;
flu;
adenoviral.

The disease spreads quickly, infection occurs through household items, food, toys and by sneezing or talking. When viruses enter a child’s body, they settle on the tonsils. Once a child becomes infected, he becomes a spreader of the infectious disease.

The likelihood of developing a viral sore throat increases due to several factors:

unbalanced or unhealthy diet;
autumn-winter period;
hypothermia, for example, the child ate ice cream or got wet in the rain;
personal hygiene is not observed;
climate change or poor ecology;
weak immune system;
teeth affected by caries;
allergy;
chronic diseases;
the child is exposed to constant stress;
smoking in front of children;
various diseases, for example, diabetes, tuberculosis.

The disease caused by adenoviruses or influenza viruses occurs in the autumn-winter period. These types of diseases are typical during an epidemiological outbreak, when the immune system is weakened and the child’s body’s defenses are reduced. But the disease caused by the herpes virus occurs in the summer. In order to recognize the insidious disease in time and begin treatment of the child, it is necessary to know the characteristic symptomatic picture for viral tonsillitis.

Symptoms

Viral tonsillitis in young patients is characterized by redness and swelling of the tonsils. Sometimes blisters up to five millimeters in diameter form, and when they burst, small ulcers appear in their place.

From the moment the virus enters the body until symptoms appear, 2-14 days pass. The main distinguishing feature of a viral sore throat, when compared with a bacterial disease, is the absence of purulent plaque on the tonsils. The first symptoms of viral tonsillitis in children are similar to the manifestation of catarrhal tonsillitis.

Signs of viral sore throat:

the temperature rises by 37-40°C, depending on the severity of the disease process;
pain in the throat area;
nausea with vomiting;
general weakness and aches;
diarrhea;
pain in the stomach;
appetite decreases, sometimes the baby completely refuses food;
lymph nodes enlarge.

After some time, additional symptoms are added by which ARVI can be recognized:

cough and runny nose;
soreness;
nausea and diarrhea.

Each type of viral disease has some characteristic signs. Adenoviral form – abdominal pain, conjunctivitis. The disease resolves within 14 days.

The influenza type is characterized by an acute onset - the temperature rises sharply, a dry cough appears, a runny nose, a sore throat and a headache. The disease lasts from 7 to 10 days.

The herpetic form is characterized by formations on the tonsils in the form of small bubbles with gray liquid. After 3-4 days the bubbles burst.

Viral sore throat in infants is a very rare phenomenon, since the baby’s body is protected by the mother’s antibodies. From the age of three, children are highly susceptible to viral infections. But as soon as the body begins to produce its own antibodies, outbreaks of the disease will become less common.

In preschool children, a viral disease is associated with hypothermia, weak immunity, infection from other children in kindergartens, schools, sports, art and other sections.

The acute form of sore throat is typical for the first 5 days, the body temperature begins to subside - the baby begins to feel well. This acute period is the most dangerous, as other family members are at risk of infection. If there are other children in the family, they must be protected from the sick baby.

And as soon as the temperature becomes within normal limits, the child is out of danger, the virus has been controlled, and others are no longer at risk of infection from the sick child. A runny nose and cough may accompany the baby until complete recovery, but this condition is not dangerous or contagious.

According to data for 2019, children get sick with this sore throat less and less every year.

Diagnostics.

Do you suspect that your baby has a viral sore throat? Do not delay, contact an otolaryngologist or pediatrician. This will allow you to begin adequate, timely and correct treatment. If the child cannot get up, feels unwell, or has a fever, call a specialist home.

The diagnosis can only be made by a doctor after examining the patient and collecting an anamnesis. The pediatrician will also direct the patient to undergo the necessary tests if the doctor has any doubts.

Note: Never make a diagnosis yourself, this is the prerogative of the doctor. After all, you can treat a child for a viral disease, but he will have a bacterial sore throat. The treatment regimen for different types of disease is very different.

How to treat viral sore throat in a child?

Sore throat caused by viruses can be treated at home, but follow all prescriptions, recommendations and advice of the otolaryngologist. Severe course and manifestation of the disease, like the herpetic type of sore throat, must be treated only in a hospital.

Treatment of the disease is carried out comprehensively:

bed rest;
gentle special diet;
taking medications.

Important! Many mothers, on the advice of their grandmothers, give their children compresses and other thermal manipulations when they have a viral sore throat. This is strictly prohibited! Such treatment of viral sore throat in children will lead to severe swelling of the larynx and the spread of the virus throughout the body. If parents want to add traditional treatment to the main treatment, use inhalations, etc., they should definitely consult with their doctor.

Comprehensive, timely and correct treatment will lead to a quick recovery of the little patient without complications of the disease. That is why it is so important to consult a pediatrician and ENT doctor in a timely manner. As soon as the disease begins to manifest itself, immediately contact your doctor, do not waste precious time, independent attempts to cure the baby lead to dire consequences.

Drug treatment.

Medicines are prescribed only by an otolaryngologist or pediatrician. Pharmacological drugs used in the treatment of viral sore throat in children are selected individually.

But the following medications must be prescribed:

antiviral drugs;
at high temperatures, when the thermometer rises above 38°C, antipyretics are prescribed;
antihistamines;
if necessary, the specialist prescribes a drug to avoid dehydration of the child’s body;
painful discomfort in the throat is relieved by antiseptic drugs, dissolving tablets, rinsing solutions and herbal decoctions;
Any physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed by a doctor and carried out in his office. Laser therapy, ultrasonic irrigation and quartzing of tonsils,
vibroacoustic therapy are effective.

Many parents think that only antibiotics are an effective medicine in the fight against sore throat. And sometimes, without consulting a specialist, they prescribe such remedies on their own. But antibiotics are not effective for sore throat caused by viruses; such medications are prescribed for bacterial diseases.

Antibiotics taken during a viral illness:

reduce the effect of antiviral therapy;
weaken the child’s unstable immunity.

Folk remedies.

Traditional medicine is a good helper for viral sore throat. The best remedies are gargling with herbs with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects.

Take a teaspoon of sea salt and soda, pour a glass (200 ml) of boiled warm water. Gargle your child's throat at least three times a day.
Mix marshmallow root, mint and oregano leaves, and oak root. Pour a glass of boiling water over 1 tbsp. l. mixture and leave for 15-20 minutes, strain and gargle for the child.
Squeeze a glass of beet juice, add 1 tbsp. l. apple cider vinegar and honey, gargle with this product several times a day.
Pour 1 tbsp. l. calendula with boiling water (200 ml), leave for about half an hour, strain and gargle every 2 hours;
Instead of calendula, use eucalyptus and sage, chamomile and pine needles, coltsfoot and plantain. And also make infusions from several herbs that are only in your home medicine cabinet.

You cannot rinse when the baby does not yet know how to spit or has a strong cough. In this case, he may choke. Also, you should not rinse your mouth with ingredients to which the little patient is allergic.

Many mothers give their sick babies inhalations. But at a temperature that reaches a thermometer of 38°C, such procedures are contraindicated. If the doctor has approved inhalation, then do the procedure using a nebulizer. Use a regular teapot with a cardboard cone over the spout. Healing steam, warm, not hot, is inhaled through a cardboard spout.

Inhalations using a nebulizer are allowed for children from one year old, steam procedures - from seven years. You need to start such procedures with 2-3 minutes and gradually increase them to 10 minutes. But you should not do inhalation more than twice a day.

To properly make herbal inhalations, you should take 2 tbsp per half liter of water. l. mixtures:

oregano, chamomile, thyme;
sage, eucalyptus, oak bark.

Remember! There is an effect from traditional medicine, but such rinses are additional, and not the main means of treating childhood sore throat. The disease cannot be cured without drug therapy!

Patient care.

In the acute course of the disease, during the first few days, the patient is provided with rest and bed rest. The patient should be isolated from other family members, especially children, to avoid infection. Constantly ventilate the patient's room and do wet cleaning, but only in the absence of the patient. And also do not forget that there should be moist air in the room where the sick child is. Because dry air makes your throat sore and your nose dry out, which is an excellent breeding ground for germs and viruses.

In addition to drug treatment, local procedures and folk remedies, it is necessary to think about what a patient can eat and drink? Food should not irritate a sore throat. During this period, the small patient should be fed liquid or semi-liquid food.

What can you give to a sick child?

The first courses are chicken and meat broths, possibly with noodles, fish soups, as well as meat or mushroom broth with vegetables.
Second courses are meat pudding, meatballs or cutlets from chicken or fish.
Serve as a side dish with vegetable puree.

For breakfast or dinner, make porridge with milk from oatmeal or buckwheat, curd pudding or sweet cheese, omelet or kefir with honey, baked apple and rosehip decoction.

Drinking plenty of fluids for a child during an illness promotes a speedy recovery. Fruit juice, tea, jelly should be used, but only warm. You should drink juice from spinach and carrots - they have healing properties.

Prepare drinks with raspberries, cranberries, black currants with the addition of honey and lemon. These products have high vitamin and nutritional value, but they also soften the throat and help reduce intoxication. Diaphoretic teas should not be given to infants in large quantities - no more than half a teaspoon.

Complications.

A sore throat caused by viruses goes away without complications and does not pose any danger to the body. Treat it promptly after a visit and doctor’s recommendations. The disease caused by ARVI is complicated when it is accompanied by a bacterial infection. Features of the disease are green discharge coming from the nose. But there is nothing dangerous in this, it only increases the duration of treatment.

Influenza viruses cause severe complications for the baby. Such complications include neuritis, lung abscess, pneumonia, and heart muscle disease. Pneumonia or sinusitis is caused by adenoviruses.

Viral sore throat can cause fungal diseases in the pharynx and oral cavity. Bacterial tonsillitis also appears as a result of a viral disease. Chronic diseases are also getting worse.

Prevention.

Many parents are interested in whether it is possible to avoid viral sore throat, especially if the child is already going to kindergarten or school? Follow the recommendations and your baby will be healthy!

Maintain your child’s personal hygiene - constantly wash your hands if you come from the street, brush not only your teeth, but also your tongue.
Carry out timely sanitation of infectious foci - treatment of adenoids, caries.
Stab not only the body in general, but also the throat in particular.
Try to avoid crowded places.
The humidity level in the nursery must be constantly maintained.
Does your child have a weak throat? Give it to vocals. Schoolchildren with weak throats are advised to sing.

A viral sore throat should not be caused and treatment should be carried out until the symptoms disappear completely. It is necessary to boost the children's immune system, not to become overcooled, to fight any viruses, and not to trigger the disease.

The recovery period is the most vulnerable moment for the re-development of sore throat. Take care of your children, carry out treatment only after a doctor’s prescription!

With the development of the inflammatory process in the area of the tonsils, such a common disease as tonsillitis occurs.

In modern medicine it stands out many types of this pathology, including viral tonsillitis.

The disease has a number of characteristic symptoms, the clinical picture is quite pronounced. You can notice signs of viral tonsillitis in children at home.

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Features of the disease

Viral sore throat in children - photo:

Causative agent of pathology– a virus that enters the patient’s body in various ways causes inflammation and pain in the throat.

The inflammatory process develops only in the throat area, without affecting the oral cavity. The increase in incidence occurs in the autumn-winter period. Young children are most often affected.

Viral sore throat is an inflammatory process in the throat caused by the presence of a pathogenic virus in the body.

Although this name is not entirely correct, the concept of viral sore throat hides diseases such as viral tonsillitis(inflammation of the tonsils), viral pharyngitis(inflammatory process affects the pharynx), viral laryngitis(sore throat).

Nevertheless, the concept of viral sore throat is used quite widely.

How to distinguish from bacterial?

Sometimes this is quite difficult to do, however, there are a number of distinctive parameters:

Viral sore throat is manifested by redness in the throat area, and the inflammation affects not only the tonsils (which causes an increase in their size), but also the mucous membrane of the throat, causing it acquires a bright red tint and becomes looser. You can notice this with the naked eye.

How does infection occur?

The causative agents of viral sore throat, as the name implies, are viruses of various types. The most common are:

adenoviruses;
rhinoviruses;
influenza and parainfluenza viruses;
enteroviruses.

Infection most often occurs by airborne droplets.

You can also become infected by using items that were previously used by a sick person (although such cases are quite rare). Fecal-oral the route of infection (through food, water) also occurs.

Causes

The cause of infection is entry and activation in the body child of special microorganisms - viruses.

Negative factors contributing to the development of virus activity may be different.

There are 2 groups of factors: internal and external. External include:

Seasonal cooling during late autumn and winter.
Poor nutrition, consumption of foods low in vitamins and microelements.
Unfavorable sanitary and hygienic situation observed in the child’s place of residence.
General hypothermia (when a child freezes on the street), and local (cold ears, wet feet, ate something cold).
Systematic inhalation of tobacco smoke (when people smoke in the room where the child is).
Unfavorable environmental situation.
A sharp change in climatic living conditions.

Internal factors:

Immune system dysfunction.
Presence of chronic tonsillitis.
Dental diseases (caries that was not cured in time).
Purulent processes in the nasopharynx.
Traumatic injuries to the tonsils.
Features of the structure and location of the tonsils.
Viral and autoimmune diseases.
Experiences, stress.

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At-risk groups

The highest incidence is observed in children primary school and preschool age. The disease is especially severe in children of the first year of life.

Clinical manifestations

The disease has pronounced symptoms, such as:

increased body temperature (can vary from low values to very high);
general weakness;
weakness in the limbs, pain in the joints;
disturbance of digestive processes, lack of appetite, nausea;
dizziness;
sore throat;
enlarged lymph nodes, tonsils;
runny nose, cough;
intense salivation;
hoarseness of voice.

Diagnostics

When making a diagnosis, the doctor examines the patient (the condition of the mucous membrane of the throat and tonsils is assessed), as well as a survey to determine clinical manifestations of the disease.

It is important to correctly differentiate the disease (to distinguish a viral infection from a bacterial one), since the treatment in this case will be different.

Differential diagnosis is carried out based on the differences between these pathologies. In some cases, laboratory research methods are used, in particular, samples are taken from the patient scraping from the back of the throat. This is necessary to identify the causative agent of the disease.

Complications

Complications from viral sore throat are extremely rare, but can nevertheless cause serious health problems.

So, if the disease is not treated, the developing inflammatory process can trigger the occurrence of bronchitis, pneumonia, heart disease and other organs and systems.

You can find pediatricians specializing in the treatment of childhood arthritis on our website.

Treatment

Therapy for viral sore throat is aimed primarily at destroying the causative virus, as well as eliminating the symptoms of the disease. Treatment most often done at home However, in some particularly severe situations, the child requires hospitalization.

To relieve symptoms, topical agents are often used ( aerosols, sprays, lozenges). In case of severe hyperthermia (over 38 degrees), antipyretics are required.

This is also necessary if even with a slight increase in temperature (below 38) there is a significant deterioration in the child’s well-being.

If there is swelling of the throat or other allergic manifestations, the patient is prescribed an appointment antihistamines drugs.

Are antibiotics needed?

Since the causative agent of the disease is a virus, taking antibiotics is not advisable. Drugs in this group are used only for the treatment of bacterial sore throat.

Viruses, in turn, are resistant to the active components of the drug.

Some parents, self-medicating, make a mistake and give antibiotics to children with viral sore throat.

This ineffective, and moreover, can cause harm to the child’s body.

Folk recipes

Traditional medicine can relieve the unpleasant symptoms of the disease. It's a different kind inhalations, decoctions for rinsing throat.

In particular, you can do inhalation (warm, but not hot) with the addition of soda and a few drops of essential oil of sage and eucalyptus.

It is good to gargle with a decoction of coltsfoot and chamomile. To prepare the decoction, 1 tbsp. raw materials are poured into 0.5 l. boiling water, heat in a water bath, filter. When the broth has cooled down to comfortable temperature, the child caresses their throat. This should be done quite often, at least once every 3-4 hours.

Prevention

The possibility of infection cannot be completely excluded., but any parent can reduce the risk. To do this, it is necessary to monitor the child’s health, strengthen his immunity, dress the baby according to temperature conditions, and monitor his nutrition.

In the autumn-winter period, it is good to give your child vitamin complexes designed specifically for children (after consultation with a doctor).

Viral tonsillitis is an inflammatory process caused by a pathogen entering the body.

Various negative factors contribute to an increase in the risk of infection.

Disease occurs with a pronounced clinical picture. Complications are quite rare, but are very dangerous. When making a diagnosis, it is important to distinguish viral sore throat from bacterial one.

Treatment is carried out using medications that destroy the virus and relieve symptoms. Prevention is increasing immunity, normalization of the child’s diet and lifestyle.

You can learn how to distinguish a sore throat from viral pharyngitis from the video:

We kindly ask you not to self-medicate. Make an appointment with a doctor!

You can get a sore throat at any age. This disease is most severe in children. Quite often, sore throat occurs against the background of a viral infection.

Causes

Viruses are the second most common culprits in the development of sore throats in childhood after bacteria. Most often, the development of acute tonsillitis is caused by infection with adenovirus infection, influenza and parainfluenza, as well as herpes.

The peak incidence of such forms of sore throat occurs between the ages of 3-7 years.

Children attending educational institutions are most susceptible to infection. In crowded, organized groups, viral infections usually spread at a faster rate.

Viral tonsillitis is characterized by systemic manifestations. Catarrhal symptoms also appear: runny nose and cough. For bacterial tonsillitis, such manifestations, as a rule, are not typical and practically do not occur.

Viral forms of the disease usually progress within 5-7 days and end with complete recovery.

How can you get infected?

You can get a sore throat after any contact with a sick and contagious person. The most common type of infection is airborne.

Tiny viral particles are released into the environment when speaking or sneezing. They can stay there for quite a long time and not lose their viability. Subsequently getting on the mucous membranes of another child, the viruses begin to multiply quickly and provoke the development of an inflammatory process.

Another, also quite common method of infection is the contact-household variant.

It is possible during joint games with the same toys or when using common utensils. Similar cases of infection are observed within the family or in kindergarten. Violation of personal hygiene rules also leads to possible infection.

Symptoms

The first clinical manifestations of the disease appear after the incubation period. For viral sore throats, it usually lasts about 1-3 days.

For some forms of infection, the incubation period can even last up to a week. At this time, as a rule, the child does not have any adverse symptoms of the disease, and nothing bothers him.

The main manifestations of viral sore throat in childhood are:

Increased body temperature. Usually it rises to 38-39 degrees during the first day of illness and persists for a couple of days. Against the background of high body temperature, fever and intense heat appear, as well as increased sweating.
Sore throat when swallowing. Any food, especially with solid particles, can cause increased pain.
Redness of the throat and enlarged tonsils. They turn bright red. Various rashes appear on the tonsils, as well as whitish or gray plaques. Viral sore throats are not characterized by purulent crusts. This symptom occurs only when infected with a bacterial infection.
Enlarged peripheral lymph nodes. The occipital and submandibular areas are most often affected. They become quite dense and painful when touched.
Severe headache, loss of appetite, change in the general condition of the child. The baby becomes more capricious, refuses to eat, and tries to spend more time in the crib. At high temperatures, symptoms of thirst and dry mouth increase.

What does it look like?

With a viral sore throat, the tonsils become enlarged and bright red. The entire pharynx and oropharynx are also scarlet. Various rashes appear on the tonsils.

With adenoviral variants of the disease, they look like white millet grains, which are located at some distance from each other.

Usually on the 4-5th day of illness they open and the fluid flows out.

In place of the former blisters, areas with erosions and ulcers remain. The surface of the tonsils becomes loose and bleeds easily when touched.

A week after the onset of herpes sore throat, the tonsils become clean and have no traces of blisters and ulcers.

Diagnostics

After the first signs of illness appear, you should definitely show your baby to the pediatrician. The doctor will examine the child's throat and be able to make the correct diagnosis.

To clarify the pathogen, additional tests and examinations are sometimes required.

For all children with tonsillitis, a smear is taken from the surface of the tonsils. It allows you to accurately identify the causative agent of the disease, as well as exclude such dangerous childhood infections as scarlet fever and diphtheria.

A general blood test is performed for all children with acute tonsillitis.

An increase in the number of lymphocytes against the general background of a high content of leukocytes indicates the presence of a viral infection in the body. Also, similar variants of acute tonsillitis occur with a strong acceleration of ESR.

Treatment

You can treat a sore throat at home. Such treatment should be carried out under the mandatory supervision of the attending physician. The doctor will be able to detect the development of complications in a timely manner, and will also make the necessary adjustments to therapy if necessary.

For the treatment of viral sore throat use:

Antiviral agents. They help effectively cope with viruses and also promote rapid recovery. The most commonly used drugs are: Acyclovir, Remantadine, Viferon, Groprinosin, Isoprinosine. They have a pronounced viral toxic effect. Antiviral drugs are usually prescribed in the form of tablets, and in severe situations - in injections and injections.

Immunostimulating drugs. Significantly enhance the effect of antiviral agents. They can be prescribed in the form of drops, tablets, and suppositories. In pediatric practice, the most frequently used are: Interferon, Immunal and others. They are prescribed for 7-10 days. Strengthen the immune system and promote good functioning of the immune system.
Antipyretic. Use only when body temperature rises above 38 degrees. To improve your well-being, medications based on paracetamol or ibuprofen are ideal. Such products are approved for use in pediatric practice.
Antihistamines. Used to eliminate swelling of the tonsils and reduce symptoms of intoxication. Prescribed for 5 days, usually 1-2 times a day. Some drugs can cause increased drowsiness, so they are usually recommended for use in the first half of the day. Suitable antihistamines include: Claritin, Suprastin, Loratadine and others.

Warm, plenty of drink. Helps eliminate viral toxins from the body. This simple measure helps prevent the development of dangerous complications that manifest themselves as inflammation in the kidneys or heart. Suitable drinks include compotes or fruit drinks made from berries and fruits.
Bed rest for the entire period of high temperature. Staying in bed will contribute to a quick recovery and improved well-being in a short time. Usually, with viral tonsillitis, doctors recommend that children remain in bed for 2-3 days.
Gentle nutrition. All prepared dishes must be at a comfortable temperature, no higher than 50 degrees. Extremely cold foods can cause increased pain when swallowing. It is better to choose dishes with a thinner consistency that are not capable of injuring the tonsils.
Rinse. They help wash the tonsils and remove plaque from their surfaces. They are usually carried out 3-4 times a day for 5-7 days. Decoctions of chamomile, calendula or sage, as well as a solution of diluted hydrogen peroxide and soda, are well suited for rinsing.
Pain-relieving lozenges or lozenges. Eliminate pain in the throat and help reduce inflammation of the tonsils. Faringosept, Strepsils, Septolete help cope with pain when swallowing. Prescribed 3 times a day for a week. Longer use of pain-relieving lozenges is discussed with your doctor.

Multivitamin complexes including selenium. The microelements contained in such preparations are needed for rapid recovery from illness, as well as to improve the functioning of the immune system. Selenium helps the body cope with viruses faster and activates the immune system.

Creating a comfortable indoor microclimate. Excessively dry air in a child's room leads to difficulty breathing during a viral infection. The use of special humidifier devices helps to cope with this problem. They create optimal humidity in the children's room, which is necessary for good breathing.

Below you can watch Dr. Komarovsky’s video about sore throat in children.

Content

In the body of an adult patient and a child, an acute sore throat can be caused by a viral sore throat, which is infectious in nature and causes unpleasant symptoms. The disease is dangerous, fraught with serious complications, and is transmitted to a healthy person from the environment by airborne droplets. It is important to treat viral tonsillitis in a child in a timely manner, otherwise the disease provokes severe intoxication of the child’s body.

What is viral sore throat

This is an infectious disease that is accompanied by acute inflammation of the tonsils and the formation of purulent pimples in the oropharynx. The pathological process is caused by dangerous bacteria and often progresses against the background of weakened immunity. To make a correct diagnosis, it is important to differentiate the characteristic disease from other acute tonsillitis with general intoxication of the body.

The difference between a viral sore throat and a bacterial one

It is difficult to distinguish viral tonsillitis from bacterial and fungal tonsillitis at home, since the symptoms of these diagnoses have obvious similarities. However, it is extremely important to differentiate the disease, since conservative treatment has its own significant differences. To do this, the patient will have to contact a specialist, but for himself it is advisable to forever remember that:

in the viral form, cough is the main symptom of the disease, while in bacterial sore throat it occurs only in complicated clinical pictures;
with a bacterial sore throat, abundant ulcers are visible on the palatine tonsils; with a viral form of the disease, redness of the throat, enlarged lymph nodes, and a white coating are obvious;
White spots with bacterial tonsillitis are localized in the oropharynx area, while with viral tonsillitis they go beyond the specified limits.

How does the disease manifest itself?

As a result of inflammation of the tonsils, with an exacerbation of viral tonsillitis, the patient begins to complain of a sore throat when swallowing. This does not happen immediately after infection, since the incubation period lasts from 2 to 14 days. After this, the pathogenic pathogen causes a sore throat, which is accompanied by a white coating on the tonsils. Before purchasing anti-inflammatory drugs, you should consult an otolaryngologist.

Causes

The main provoking factor is pathogenic microorganisms that are transmitted to a healthy person by airborne droplets. These can be herpes viruses, enteroviruses, adenoviruses, influenza strains, Coxsackie viruses, which significantly harm the affected body. Other routes of infection:

contact and household (when kissing and using common household items);
fecal-oral (through contaminated food).

Infectious sore throat - symptoms

Such an unpleasant disease can develop into an epidemic, so it is important for adult patients and children to know how it manifests itself in order to avoid dangerous complications and mass infection. Local symptoms depend entirely on the type of tonsillitis, while general symptoms are presented below:

sore throat with white coating;
severe headaches;
cases of increased body temperature;
fever, chills;
attacks of nausea and vomiting;
complete lack of appetite;
muscle weakness, joint pain.

In any case, this viral disease is accompanied by acute intoxication of the body and an abnormal increase in the size of the lymph nodes. Other symptoms appear locally and depend on the specifics of angina in a particular clinical picture. Below are the distinctive features for quickly making a final diagnosis:

Catarrhal. The most common type of viral sore throat without complications. The patient is characterized by dry mucous membranes, increased salivation, inflammation of the lymph nodes, pain when swallowing, aching joints and muscle weakness.
Lacunarnaya. It occurs in a complicated form, since in addition to a sore throat, the patient complains of acute pain in the myocardial region, sleeps poorly and behaves irritably.
Follicular. The pathological process involves the follicles of the tonsils, which become very swollen and covered with a white coating. The patient suffers from a runny nose, has difficulty breathing, and has a nasal sound when speaking.
Ulcerative film. There are no symptoms of intoxication, but the throat becomes coated and hurts. There is an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth, weeping ulcers form, the structure of the palatine tonsils changes (becomes heterogeneous, loose).
Herpetic. The disease caused by the Coxsackie virus occurs in a complicated form for up to 3 years and can cause an epidemic. The microbe is transmitted by the fecal-oral route, and there are severe symptoms of general intoxication of the body.

Diagnostic methods

With a visual examination, the doctor can distinguish purulent tonsillitis, but it is important to have a complete understanding of the progressive disease. Blood tests - general and biochemical - should be prescribed specifically for these purposes. In this way, it is possible to determine with extreme accuracy the nature of the pathogenic pathogen and select effective therapy for its further extermination. To correctly differentiate the diagnosis, the following diagnostic methods are appropriate:

pharyngoscopy;
ELISA (serological test for the presence of antibodies);
PCR diagnostics (oral swab to determine the microbe);
electrocardiography for potential complications.

Treatment

Intensive therapy for a clinical patient begins with complete rest and bed rest, and be sure to drink more warm liquids, for example, effectively treat with chamomile decoction. It is necessary to use official and alternative medicine, eat right, take vitamins, and perform physiotherapeutic procedures on the recommendation of the attending physician. Positive dynamics are observed if the inflamed lymph nodes gradually decrease in size and stop hurting on palpation. In steel everything is individual.

Adults

As with a fungal infection, viral tonsillitis only progresses without timely treatment and is fraught with serious complications. The basis of intensive therapy are antiviral drugs that can destroy pathogenic flora in the shortest possible time. These are Cytovir 3, Kagocel, Neovir, Viferon, Cycloferon, which have several release forms. The remaining pharmacological groups for infectious mononucleosis are presented below:

antihistamines to reduce rash lesions: Suprastin, Tavegil, Erius;
antipyretic against high temperature: Nise, Ibuklin, Tsefekon;
immunomodulators: Likopid, Amiksin, Imunorix.

During pregnancy

It is difficult to treat viral tonsillitis during pregnancy. Weak immunity needs potent drugs, but these can significantly harm intrauterine development. Due to such pharmacological limitations, the enteroviral form is best treated with alternative medicine methods, for example, chamomile or calendula decoction. In this case, you can additionally treat the pharynx with Lugol and other medications that minimally enter the systemic circulation and act locally.

Children

It is difficult to accustom a small patient to bed rest, but it is extremely necessary to do this. In the case of children, streptococcal tonsillitis progresses more often, which requires timely medical intervention. To exterminate pathogenic flora, antiviral and immunostimulating drugs are needed, according to the age category of the patients. Additionally, doctors recommend local antiseptics for treating the larynx, vitamins for immunity, folk recipes for purulent plaque and warm compresses against the inflammatory process.

How to treat viral sore throat

Photos of patients are upsetting with the appearance of the oral cavity, where the inflamed mucous membrane is covered with a white coating, while the presence of painful blisters can be seen with further transformation into ulcers. Soft tissues are especially sensitive to streptococcus or other pathogenic viruses, so it is necessary to start therapy immediately after completing a comprehensive diagnosis. The main treatment method is presented below:

strict bed rest;
restoration of immunity;
antiseptic rinses;
pain-relieving compresses;
drug treatment;
physiotherapeutic procedures;
vitamin therapy.

Are antibiotics needed?

Antibacterial drugs are ineffective against pathogenic viruses, so taking them for viral sore throat is pointless. The exception is bacterial tonsillitis, where systemic antibiotics can be recommended only in complicated clinical situations. In any case, such a prescription should be made exclusively by the attending physician.

Antiviral

This is an effective pharmacological prescription in the fight against vesicular tonsillitis and other forms of viral tonsillitis. The list of medications is extensive for patients of all age categories. It is recommended to place special emphasis on the following medications that effectively destroy pathogenic flora:

Anaferon. The drug is available in tablet form and successfully fights viruses and strengthens the immune system. Adults are prescribed 1 tablet up to 6 times, children – up to 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 7 – 10 days. Advantages - high efficiency, disadvantage - significant price.
Cycloferon. The drug provides effective treatment at home. Available in tablet form, recommended orally before meals. Daily doses depend on the age of the patient: 4 – 6 years – 1 pill, 7 – 11 years – 2 pills, from 12 years and adults – 3 pills per day. The advantage is quick results, the disadvantage is high price.
Grippferon. These are nasal drops that provide treatment and prevention of viral tonsillitis. Daily doses are determined by age, for example, children under 1 year old - 1 release into each nasal passage, and patients from 3 to 14 years old - 2 drops 4-5 times per day. Course – 7 – 14 days. The advantage is ease of use, excellent results.

Antipyretic drugs

The viral form is accompanied by high fever. The child behaves capriciously, refuses to eat food, and sleeps poorly. To relieve the feeling of internal heat, the following medications are recommended:

Nurofen. These are syrup and tablets depending on the age of the patient. It is necessary to take the medicine orally at high temperatures in between meals, act according to the instructions. Advantages - pleasant taste of the syrup, action - 20 minutes after taking a single dose. Disadvantages – contraindications.
Panadol. This is a syrup for children with a measuring dispenser. It has a pleasant taste and is recommended for oral administration at high temperatures. A single dose is determined by the weight and age of the child. Course - until the temperature stabilizes. For adults, tablets of the same name are recommended.
Paracetamol. These are well-known pills that you should take when your body temperature rises. Single dose – 1 pill, but no more than 3 – 4 tablets per day. The course is until the alarming symptoms disappear completely. Advantages - low price, disadvantage - does not help everyone.

Inhalations and gargling

These are local therapeutic measures that help to reduce extensive foci of pathology as quickly as possible and restore the affected mucous membrane of the throat. Inhalations and rinses can be done at home, the main thing is to choose an effective medicine. Below are the most effective drugs for viral tonsillitis:

Miramistin. This medicinal solution has regenerating and bactericidal properties and is intended for external use. Available in solution and spray form. The course of treatment is 7–10 days, daily doses are up to 4–5 treatments. Advantages - high efficiency, no disadvantages.
Furacilin. This is a cheap local antiseptic that quickly removes all manifestations of viral tonsillitis. You need to dilute 2 tablets per 1 liter of water, use the prepared composition for regular mouth rinses. The course is until the symptoms of sore throat disappear completely. Advantages – price, disadvantage – selective action.
Potassium permanganate solution. You can gargle a sore throat with a weak solution of potassium permanganate; the main thing is to first make sure that the crystals have been dissolved in water. The number of daily rinses is not limited, and it is advisable to be treated in this way until complete recovery.

Local anesthetic agents

Tablets that relieve the pain of swallowing with a sore throat can be bought at any pharmacy. The range of pharmacological products is extensive, the principle of action is identical - you need to dissolve the tablet so that the sore throat subsides, even temporarily. The course of treatment is 7 – 12 days. Here are effective medications:

Lysobacter. The drug relieves throat pain, relieves inflammation and swelling. Daily doses for patients over 12 years old are 6-8 tablets per day, at the age of 7 - 12 years: 4 pills, from 3 to 7 years 3 pills. Advantages – high efficiency, minimum contraindications, no disadvantages.
Faringosept. Lozenges for lozenges in the mouth to quickly relieve sore throats due to viral sore throat and more. You need to take one lozenge three to five times a day, preferably a quarter of an hour after meals. Advantages - affordable price and quick results, disadvantage - contraindications.
Travisil. A combined preparation with herbal ingredients in the form of mint tablets. Adults and adolescents over 12 years of age are recommended to dissolve 1–2 tablets; children 6–12 years old – 1 tablet per day for a week. Advantages - affordable price, disadvantages - herbal ingredients are not suitable for everyone.

Compresses

Local treatment of sore throat includes the use of warm compresses to remove swelling, relieve inflammation and soreness of the throat. More often, herbal infusions are used, for example, a decoction of chamomile or oak bark. This is an auxiliary treatment that is individually recommended by an otolaryngologist; when choosing a composition, it is important to exclude a tendency to be allergic to one of the components. Alternatively, you can apply an alcohol compress at night.

Physiotherapeutic procedures

Viral tonsillitis is treated comprehensively; in addition to the use of medications, doctors insist on carrying out a full course of physiotherapeutic procedures - 10 - 12 sessions. This is important to speed up the recovery process and prevent the development of dangerous complications in the future. Here are the most effective physiotherapeutic procedures:

steam and oil inhalations;
UV and ultrasound;
washing of lacunae in the hospital.

Folk remedies

Before resorting to alternative medicine, it is important to study the body's sensitivity to natural ingredients, for example, certain herbs, honey, and alcohol. If there are no health restrictions, positive dynamics are guaranteed. If a viral sore throat develops, here are the most effective folk remedies with a minimal list of contraindications:

Requires 2 - 3 tbsp. l. Add dried onion peels to 500 ml of water and boil. Simmer for 7 minutes, then remove, cover with a lid and leave. Use as a gargle for a sore throat up to 3-5 times a day, but the composition must first be filtered. Course – 7 days.
Take a spoonful of chopped plantain and sage, pour 500 ml of water. Boil the mixture over low heat for 7 minutes, then leave for half an hour. Add 1 tsp. honey, gargle throughout the day. Course – 7 days.
Chop the garlic, add a few drops of boiled water to the prepared pulp, stir. Lubricate the throat generously with a homogeneous mixture before going to bed, do not drink the liquid. Repeat the procedure for up to 5 days.

Possible complications and consequences

If viral tonsillitis is not treated promptly with conservative methods, the clinical picture becomes significantly more complicated, especially for young children. The health consequences are not the most favorable and are not always related to the patient’s life. Potential complications after viral tonsillitis are presented below; they are difficult to treat effectively. This:

encephalitis;
hemorrhagic conjunctivitis;
meningitis;
myalgia;
myocarditis.

Video

Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials in the article do not encourage self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give treatment recommendations based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

03.09.2016 7705

Viral tonsillitis is an infectious-allergic disease in which swallowing causes pain.

The inflammatory process affects the throat and tonsils.

Not only by infection in the body, but also by a decrease in the immune system, hypothermia and fatigue.

Viral tonsillitis is characterized by enlargement of the tonsils. They were previously removed, but now it is believed that the tonsils act as filters and protect the lower respiratory tract from infection.

Causes of viral tonsillitis

These are streptococci and viruses. Sometimes pneumococci and chlamydia are present among the causative agents of the disease.

Among the factors contributing to the disease are temperature changes, low immunity and lack of vitamins.

Typically, tonsillitis is transmitted by airborne droplets from carriers of the infection.

The following diseases can contribute to the development of sore throat:

Sinusitis or sinusitis.
Development of caries.
Frequent occurrence of colds.

Viral tonsillitis can be caused by the following viruses:

cold viruses: rhinoviruses, and influenza;
adenoviruses, which help loosen the intestines;
measles viruses and enteroviruses, which cause diseases of the feet and hands.

The following factors contribute to the disease:

Hypothermia during a sudden change in temperature, when drinking cold drinks or when exposed to unfavorable weather conditions.
Humid air, saturated with dust and dirt, and with low temperatures contributes to the development of infection.
Lack of adequate nutrition and lack of hygiene procedures lower immunity and contribute to the development of sore throat.
Viruses are activated by bad habits, overwork and a sedentary lifestyle.
The lymph nodes become inflamed due to the presence of caries, gastroenteritis or sinusitis.
The infection enters the body during constant stressful situations and insomnia.

Viral tonsillitis in children requires special attention and a mandatory visit to the doctor.

Symptoms of tonsillitis in children

The following symptoms of viral tonsillitis are distinguished:

The appearance of redness in the area.
Painful sensations when swallowing.
The appearance of high temperature.
The occurrence of body aches, headaches and weakness.
Lymph nodes and...

Bacterial tonsillitis is different from viral tonsillitis. With the virus, inflammation does not affect the oral cavity, and the tonsils do not contain plaque. The bacterial inflammatory process is characterized by plaque throughout the oral cavity. The viral disease is accompanied by stool disturbances, nausea and abdominal pain.

Viral sore throat in children due to enterovirus infection often occurs. It is accompanied by ulcers on the mucous membrane of the tonsils and weakening of the body.

When children are ill, any symptom should alert them: weakness and loss of appetite, thickening of the lymph nodes, the appearance of fever or an abscess on the tonsil.

A viral infection is distinguished by red spots on the tonsils, cough and conjunctivitis. The child may be very capricious and lethargic.

When examining the throat, redness of the tonsils, a slight coating, and in some cases small blisters are observed.

Treatment method

Treatment of viral tonsillitis is carried out by following the following recommendations:

Medicines such as ibuprofen and paracetamol help relieve chills and pain. It is not recommended to use ibuprofen if you have ulcers, asthma, pregnancy, or kidney disease.
Aspirin should not be used in treatment for children under 16 years of age.
Special lozenges are used to soothe the throat.
Gargling with saline solution and herbal infusions.

Tonsil removal

It is believed that a sore throat goes away after the tonsils are removed.

Removal of the tonsils is performed under general anesthesia. In this case, the mouth is open, and the surgeon uses special scissors for the operation. After the procedure, special sutures are applied, which dissolve over time.

Rehabilitation after tonsil removal consists of the following steps:

Full recovery after removal occurs after two weeks.
After surgery, you should take sick leave for two weeks and avoid visiting public places.
After the procedure, you need to consume plenty of fluids, but you should avoid juices and dairy products.
After having your tonsils removed, you should brush your teeth after eating to prevent infection.
The painful sensations continue for about a week, and additional pain appears in the ear.

Medicines

Should be carried out without the use of aspirin and alcohol-containing medications.

Rinsing should be done for children over four years of age.

Treatment of viral sore throat in children is carried out under the supervision of a doctor.

The following antiviral drugs are used:

Rimantadine is prescribed for various viruses. It is not recommended for pregnant women and small children.
Arbidol helps treat viral tonsillitis. It is not recommended for children under three years of age. It is prescribed for acute infections.
If tonsillitis began due to the flu, then Tamiflu is recommended.
Orvirem is recommended for children. in the form of syrup and has an antiviral effect.

For gargling, antiseptic gargles and aerosols are prescribed: proposol or ingalipt.

For rinsing, iox, chlorophyllipt or boric acid are used. Among the folk remedies, decoctions of chamomile, sage or string stand out.

Inhalations using essential oils are considered effective.

Symptoms of viral tonsillitis can be eliminated by applying lugol, fir oil or iodinol.

In addition to basic treatment, the following rules should be followed:

Drinking should be plentiful, but not hot.
It is recommended to get more sleep.
Regular ventilation of the room.
Take antipyretics at temperatures above 38 degrees.
If there is no fever, it is recommended to take foot baths. This relieves swelling.
Therapeutic compresses are applied.

Consequences of the disease

If the disease is not treated, unpleasant consequences may occur. A dangerous consequence is the development of rheumatism. In the future, complications are added to this disease that affect the functioning of the liver, kidneys or heart.

After a complex sore throat, diseases such as rhinitis, radiculitis appear, as well as hormonal imbalances and inflammatory processes in the joints.

Viruses that have entered the body have the following consequences: myocarditis, pyeloniphritis or conjunctivitis.

To prevent complications, treatment is carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Often, with tonsillitis, it is impossible to perform thermal heating or inhalation over steam.

To prevent infection, the following preventive measures are taken: