Tonsil inflammation can occur in people of any age group, but children are most susceptible to it. The immune system is not fully formed, which is fraught with the rapid spread of the infectious process. Any disease of the ear, nose, or throat that is caused by viruses or bacteria can cause viral sore throat.
The concept of viral sore throat
Acute tonsillitis or tonsillitis is an infectious disease that is transmitted by airborne droplets and is manifested by the inflammatory processes of the lymphoid tissue, namely the palatine tonsils. At the moment, the term "tonsillopharyngitis" is widely used, since the process is rarely localized and often extends to the posterior pharyngeal wall and tonsils. Young children usually develop viral tonsillitis.
Viruses cause tonsillitis in young children
Research from scientific centers shows that the likelihood of developing streptococcal tonsillitis (sore throat) does not exceed 3%.
In children under one year old, the pathology is lightning-fast and threatens with the development of serious complications.
Doctor Komarovsky about viral tonsillitis - video
Classification: lacunar (purulent), follicular, catarrhal tonsillitis and other types of pathology
There are many classifications of viral tonsillitis. Among them, the following are distinguished:
Classification depending on the localization of the process:
- tonsillitis of the palatine tonsils (tonsillitis);
- nasopharyngeal tonsil;
- posterior pharyngeal wall;
- lymphoid tissue of the larynx and lateral pharyngeal ridges.
According to the severity of the course, tonsillitis is:
- easy;
- moderate;
- heavy.
For changes in the tonsils:
- catarrhal;
- follicular;
- lacunar (purulent);
- necrotic.
Changes in the tonsils with different types of tonsillitis - photo gallery
Catarrhal tonsillitis with inflammation of the posterior pharyngeal wall 
Follicular tonsillitis with changes in the tissues of the tonsils 
Lacunar tonsillitis with accumulations of purulent plugs in the tonsils 
Herpetic tonsillitis with fluid blistering
Causes and factors of development
Unlike real sore throat, where the causative agent of inflammation is group A streptococcus, viral tonsillitis in children causes:
- herpes virus;
- Epstein-Barr virus;
- varicella-zoster virus;
- influenza and parainfluenza virus;
- adenovirus;
- coranovirus.
Development factors
For the development of acute viral tonsillitis, the following factors must be present:
- Massive entry of the virus into the body from the outside - a situation is possible when a child comes into contact with a person who is a hidden carrier of the pathogen or who has symptoms of the disease. Since the virus is able to spread in space, it is not necessary to have close contact with the patient. You can get infected in transport, a store, or even just on the street, during a normal walk between a mother and a baby.
- Decrease in local defenses of the body - not all children get sick after contact with the virus. To pass it through the mucous membrane of the mouth, pharynx or nose, it is necessary to reduce local immune reactions, and as you know, there is a huge accumulation of lymphatic tissue in these organs, which prevents the pathogen from entering. But after hypothermia or a recent illness, the body's immune defense decreases, and the virus can penetrate the tonsils, causing changes in them and the development of pathology.
Viruses that can cause disease - photo gallery
Herpes simplex virus can cause herpes tonsillitis 
Epstein-Barr virus causes infectious mononucleosis and affects the tonsils 
Chickenpox may be accompanied by tonsillitis 
The flu virus causes tonsillitis 
Coranovirus is an infrequent pathogen in tonsillitis
Symptoms and Signs
Viral tonsillitis has a number of common symptoms that indicate the causative agent:
- a sharp rise in temperature to 39 0 C and above;
- crying heavily;
- the onset of the disease from a common cold;
- superficial cough;
- severe drooling;
- diarrhea, vomiting;
- pain when swallowing or when opening the mouth.
Signs in young children
Newborn children and infants cannot talk about their ailments or symptoms, therefore, indirectly, viral tonsillitis may indicate:
Symptoms depending on the type of pathology
Depending on the nature of the inflammation on the tonsils, when examining the throat, the doctor sees various changes.
Manifestations of tonsillitis, depending on its type - table
| Type of tonsillitis | Manifestations |
| Catarrhal |
|
| Follicular |
|
| Lacunar (purulent) |
|
| Necrotic |
|
Signs depending on the pathogen
If tonsillitis is caused by a certain type of virus, then the picture when examining the tonsils will also be different.
Manifestations of tonsillitis, depending on its causative agent - table
| Viral tonsillitis | Manifestations |
| Herpetic |
|
| Tonsillitis with infectious mononucleosis |
|
| Tonsillitis with chickenpox | Chickenpox is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 3 (herpes simplex virus type 1). It is characterized by blistering eruptions all over the body and on the mucous membranes. The defeat of the tonsils is manifested by the same rashes against the background of pronounced redness. |
| Adenoviral tonsillitis |
|
Diagnosis and differentiation of the disease
To carry out differential diagnostics, the mother of the child should be given answers to several surveys:
- Did the disease start with a runny nose, sour eyes, high fever?
- Has the child's condition improved after the temperature has dropped?
- Symptoms appeared after hypothermia of the baby or contact with a patient?
If the answers to these questions are "yes", then the child most likely has viral tonsillitis. Further manifestations of the disease will make it clear which pathogen is the cause of the disease.
When examining the oral cavity, pharynx and tonsils, the doctor can determine what exactly led to the development of pathology by the picture of inflammation that he saw. But today there are many hidden forms of diphtheria. Therefore, the first thing he will recommend is to perform a swab from the throat and nose to rule out this disease.
To diagnose viral tonsillitis, they also use:
- a general blood and urine test - to identify changes in the formula and exclude kidney disease, which can cause a high temperature. Also, a general blood test makes it possible to see atypical mononuclear cells - blood cells affected by the Epstein-Barr virus in infectious mononucleosis;
- determination of the level of antibodies to one or another possible causative agent of viral tonsillitis. A small amount of the child's blood is used for research;
- express tests - strips with antigens to the pathogen. If viral particles are present in the child's blood, the test result will be positive.
Treatment
First of all, the treatment of viral tonsillitis is aimed at eliminating the causative agent of the disease. For newborns and children under 1 year old, the following antiviral drugs are recommended:
- Isoprinosine - has a direct effect on the herpes virus, Epstein-Barr virus, chickenpox, adenovirus. Duration of treatment - at least 5-7 days;
- Acyclovir - affects the multiplication of the herpes simplex virus and chickenpox. Can be used in children under one year of age as an injectable preparation;
- Engystol is a homeopathic antiviral agent that can be used in children from the first days of birth. Recommended for cases of unknown causative agent of viral tonsillitis.
Most antiviral drugs are prohibited for use in babies under one year old.
In older children, treatment can be carried out with the following antiviral drugs:
- Remantadine is effective for tonsillitis caused by the influenza virus. Allowed from 1 year. Available in pill form;
- Ingavirin - used in the treatment of influenza and adenoviral tonsillitis only in children over 12 years old;
- Cycloferon - recommended for children over 4 years old. Effective for the treatment of tonsillitis with herpes, influenza and adenovirus infections. It is produced both in the form of tablets and in solution for injection.
It is advisable to take antibacterial therapy in the event of a secondary bacterial infection or after identification of the microbial pathogen.
Since viral tonsillitis is manifested by severe sore throat and fever, these symptoms can be removed with the help of two drugs that are allowed for newborns and infants:
- Ibuprofen - used to reduce fever, has anti-inflammatory and pronounced analgesic effects. Can be used on newborns.
- Paracetamol - used in children from 1 month of age to reduce fever. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect is much less than in Ibuprofen.
It is forbidden to use local therapy drugs for children under 1 year old, which contain iodine, eucalyptus, menthol. To prevent the addition of a secondary infection, Septefril can be used as an antiseptic, which must first be crushed into powder and sprinkled on a pacifier.
For small children, Septefril is used as an antiseptic, which must first be crushed into powder and sprinkled on a pacifier
The following aerosols can be used as topical therapy in children over 2 years of age:
To relieve puffiness and inflammation, antihistamines should also be used:
- Grandim, Allergin - drugs of the first generation of antihistamines, allowed from 1 month. Presented in the form of rectal suppositories and injections;
- Fenistil - in the form of drops can be taken by children from birth;
- Vibrocil - presented in the form of drops for internal use and nasal drops. Allowed for children from 1 month.
Medicines - photo gallery
Ibuprofen is used to lower fever 
Isoprinosine has a direct effect on the herpes virus, Epstein-Barr virus, chickenpox, adenovirus 
Orasept has a local anesthetic effect 
Cycloferon is an antiviral drug effective for the treatment of tonsillitis with herpes, influenza and adenovirus infections 
Engystol is a homeopathic antiviral agent that can be used in children from the first days of birth 
Fenistil is an antihistamine for children from birth
Alternative methods of treating tonsillitis in children under one year old
Treatment with folk methods in babies up to a year raises many doubts. An unformed child's body and the peculiarities of the disease in infants and newborns can cause side reactions.
- The use of rinsing with herbal infusions or decoctions with iodine, soda or salt - this procedure is, in principle, impossible for children of this age. Firstly, the child is unlikely to understand what the mother wants from him, and secondly, herbs and other components of rinsing can cause an allergic reaction.
- Warming compresses - additional warming will create favorable conditions for the multiplication of bacteria, and the use of alcohol in the compress will poison the body.
- The use of foot van - provokes vasodilation and an increase in edema.
- Inhalation - in the acute period of tonsillitis, it is strictly prohibited, as it provokes edema, spasm of the larynx and bleeding from the vessels of the nose.
- Lubrication with honey or other substances - causes additional irritation of the damaged mucous membrane and allergic reactions.
Traditional medicine with a fortifying mechanism
To be sure that traditional methods of treatment will not harm the health of the child, they should be used only in children after a year. Any lubrication of the tonsils, rinsing with vinegar, soda or iodine severely damage the mucous layer of the oral cavity and pharynx. Warming treatments and steam inhalations are also best postponed due to side effects. Fortifying decoctions and infusions are considered the most useful and safe methods:
- Dry branches of St. John's wort, wrapped in gauze, must be filled with 2 liters of water and brought to a boil. Add a few spoons of honey. The broth not only restores the body's fluid needs, but also has immunostimulating properties.
- Pour a glass of boiling water over the flowers of chamomile, linden and sage. Take 4 times a day, 50 ml. The infusion has excellent antiseptic properties.
- An infusion of 1 tablespoon of calendula flowers, 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers and the same amount of licorice root has an anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating effect. This collection must be poured over 200 ml of water and boiled for 20 minutes. It should be insisted for another 5 hours. Take 1 tablespoon every half hour.
For both children under one year old and older ones, methods of traditional medicine must be selected taking into account the individual characteristics of the organism. Do not forget about allergic reactions and side effects from any component of the treatment.
Traditional methods of treatment - photo gallery
It is unlikely that a child under one year old is able to gargle. 
Warming compresses help to generalize the process 
Warming foot baths increase swelling of the larynx and tonsils 
Lubrication of the pharyngeal mucosa additionally damages it, and the components of the ointment can cause allergies 
It is useful to drink decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs to strengthen the body's defenses. They can only be used by older children.
Diet and drinking regimen for viral tonsillitis
Babies under six months of age should consume adequate amounts of breast milk. Additional drinking is recommended in the case of severe intoxication syndrome, in which the child almost does not urinate.
Babies over six months old, in addition to breast milk, can be given vegetable complementary foods. You should drink compotes and juices from fruits and berries rich in vitamin C (raspberries, cranberries, currants), but only in case of normal tolerance by the child's body.
It is imperative to exclude carbonated drinks, sweets, spicy and salty from the child's diet. You can not take hot or cold food during the illness. Food products should not additionally damage the mucous layer of the pharynx and pharynx.
Drinking and eating for viral tonsillitis - photo gallery
Cranberry compote - a source of vitamin C 
Currant compote or a decoction of its leaves has an immunostimulating effect
Viral tonsillitis lifestyle
- The child should be kept to bed, the games should be calm. Mom needs to calm the baby when trying to move.
- Avoid contact with other children.
- Mom should regularly ventilate the nursery and carry out wet cleaning.
Treatment prognosis and possible consequences
Viral tonsillitis, subject to all the doctor's recommendations, are easily treatable.
Fear is caused by tonsillitis with adenovirus infection. It is a common cause of the development of a chronic form of pathology in a child. Constant inflammation in the tonsils can help spread the infection throughout the body.
Often, after viral tonsillitis of herpetic etiology, the addition of a bacterial infection is possible. Then the inflammation of the tonsils requires a serious approach to treatment. If, after the study, it was confirmed that the secondary flora consists of group A streptococcus, in addition to antibacterial treatment in the acute period of tonsillitis, the child should be given antibiotics to prevent kidney disease (glomerulonephritis) and heart (rheumatic myocarditis).
Disease prevention
In order to prevent the disease, it is necessary:
- avoid hypothermia of the baby;
- do not visit places with a large crowd of people with a child, especially during a period of viral diseases;
- to harden the body - start with contrast rubdowns, then use contrast showers, while monitoring the general condition of the child. General strengthening procedures can only be performed on a healthy baby;
- visit an otolaryngologist - only a specialist can adequately assess the condition of the lymphatic tissue in the oral cavity and nasopharynx;
- introduce complementary foods adequately.
Viral tonsillitis develops in children of any age. It is important to correctly diagnose the disease and carry out treatment, strictly following the doctor's instructions. Traditional methods, although effective, but their use is advisable in older children.
In the off-season, children are susceptible to various viruses and infections. One of these diseases is viral sore throat. It comes on suddenly with severe symptoms. For the treatment of angina, the diagnosis should be accurately identified and only then the therapeutic effect on the infection should be carried out. The main thing is to know and distinguish the symptoms of bacterial sore throat from viral.
Viral sore throat in children: characteristics
The disease is a type of infectious disease. The disease leads to an inflammatory process of the tonsils.
Mostly children under 3 years old are subject to infection. For babies under 1 year old, angina of this etiology is most dangerous due to the fact that it can provoke serious complications and threaten the life of the child.
The etiology of inflammation in the oral cavity is caused by viruses and is atypical. True sore throat acquires only a bacterial character.
The inflammatory process in the oral cavity, in the area of the tonsils, forms focal infections. The latter are provoked by streptococcal bacteria or Haemophilus influenzae.
In the absence of a long period of treatment in children, purulent content is formed not only on the tonsils, but also on the back wall of the oral cavity. The process is due to the fact that a large volume of immune cells that have died in the fight against the disease accumulate in this place.
Viral sore throat in children is confused with catarrhal, which develops when infected with bacterial tonsillitis. The difference between the species is that viral tonsillitis proceeds smoothly, without causing severe malaise and extensive intoxication of the body with increased temperature.
An early visit to a doctor for advice leads to the appointment of effective treatment before complications or secondary bacteria join.
The main thing is that before consulting with your doctor, you should not enter self-prescribed antibiotics. Otherwise, it is possible to worsen the child's condition.
Causes of the inflammatory process
Viral sore throat in children is activated annually. Most often, the epidemic of the disease occurs in the off-season, when the body is weakened by a sharp cold snap and lack of vitamins. The virus does not have its own pathogenic microorganisms, so it tends to infect healthy cells.
There are several ways to become infected with a viral sore throat. Among the paths, contact-household and airborne ones stand out. Less commonly, the infection is transmitted by the oral-fecal method. Children between the ages of 3 and 10 are infected. This category of patients is in the team most of the time. Therefore, an infected child in the incubation period easily infects everyone else.
The following microorganisms are detected by causative agents:
- Adenoviruses - ARVI;
- Herpes rash on the skin and mucous membranes;
- Influenza viruses;
- Picornavirus - hepatitis A, rhinitis, poliomyelitis;
- Enteroviruses - polio-, echovirus, Coxsackie;
An infected person releases pathogenic bacteria within 1 month from the moment of infection and transfer of the disease. They tend to infect the lymph nodes, and settle in them and increase in number.
Komarovsky believes that the main cause of viral sore throat in children is contact with an infected person and a weakened immune system. There are the following common causes that contribute to the onset of the inflammatory process of viral sore throat:
- Seasonal changes in air temperature outside;
- Chronic tonsillitis present in a child;
- Unsuitable food for a child - unbalanced, unhealthy food;
- Caries present in the oral cavity of a neglected nature;
- Failure to comply with personal hygiene;
- Injuries on the surface of the tonsils;
- Pathological structure of the tonsils and improper placement in the oral cavity;
- The emergence of complications after a severe acute respiratory viral infection, scarlet fever, flu;
- Infection after surgery on the nasopharynx;
- Inflammatory process in the nasopharynx, supplemented by purulent content;
- The presence of a number of specific diseases - tuberculosis, lupus erythematosus, diabetes mellitus;
- Stressful situations;
- Constant uncontrolled use of medicines without a doctor's prescription;
- Hypothermia of the limbs of the child and the whole body4
The risk group includes children under 10 years of age and patients with immune diseases in whom the body's defenses are excessively reduced. Viral sore throat is much more severe in infants up to 1 year old. With a viral infection with a sore throat, the baby can acquire a serious complication that affects the rest of his life.
Primary and secondary symptoms of disease manifestation
Signs of viral sore throat during initial development resemble the symptoms of a common cold. Purulent follicles and whitish plaque in a sick child on the tonsils are absent. 
The incubation period can last from the moment of infection to the onset of symptoms, both within 2 days and over 2 weeks. The duration of the development of the inflammatory process depends on the child's immunity.
Reveal the primary signs of the disease:
- Weakness and aches throughout the body;
- Headache and decreased appetite;
- Elevated temperature, reaching 39 degrees;
- Intense pain in the throat when entering food and at rest;
- Increased volume of saliva secreted;
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- In children, symptoms of the viral form can be observed for several hours or 2-3 days.
- Then angina progresses, and secondary signs appear:
- The appearance of a minor cough;
- Runny nose and swelling of the nasal passages;
- In half of the infected cases, there is nausea, profuse vomiting and stool disturbance;
- There is a tickling in the larynx;
- The glands are excessively swollen, inflamed and have a red tint;
- The voice becomes hoarse;
- On the tonsils and the upper cavity next to the root of the tongue, small papules are formed without an internal whitish filling;
In case of infection with Coxsackie, large blisters with serous filling form in the places where papules appear after 3 days. After that, they begin to open up, forming ulcerative wounds.
If symptoms are detected in time and treatment is prescribed in a short time, then viral tonsillitis, when symptoms are detected and treated, is neutralized within 4-7 days. In the absence of a therapeutic effect, mononucleosis will be supplemented by microorganisms of a bacterial nature. This process leads to the formation of complications.
Therefore, in order to know exactly how to treat a viral sore throat in a child, it is recommended to consult a doctor if any signs occur. An improperly prescribed self-treatment leads to a severe course of the disease and the addition of a bacterial infection.
Methods for the diagnosis of angina
In order to properly prescribe treatment in children affected by the disease, it is necessary to identify not only the form of sore throat, but also the pathogens that provoked the infection of the body. 
When examining and consulting with the attending doctor, it is required to tell the doctor about the symptoms that have arisen, about the duration and intensity of their course, at what moment a sore throat arose, and problems with swallowing liquid and food began.
It is not worth exaggerating the revealed clinical picture of this form of the disease. According to the identified symptoms of viral sore throat in children, the doctor prescribes treatment. If the signs are unreliable, then the therapeutic effect will be incorrect.
Suspecting a viral sore throat, the doctor will refer the sick child for tests and examinations. A number of studies are identified to identify the correct diagnosis:
- Blood test - for RNA and general. According to the test results, an increased number of leukocytes will be seen, shifted to the left, as well as an increased ESR;
- Pharyngoscopy - listening to the respiratory system and heart rate;
- Enlarged lymph nodes are palpated;
- Serological examination to detect or record the absence of antibodies;
- A smear from the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and pharynx to identify the causative agent of the disease;
- Electrocardiography of a small patient is performed with a severe course in case of an advanced situation. It is carried out in order to identify complications of the toxic nature of the cardiovascular system, such as hypotension, tachycardia, or weakened tones.
According to the analyzes carried out and the results obtained, it is possible to accurately diagnose viral mononucleosis, there is complete confidence that the viral disease is not confused with bacterial sore throat, influenza or ARVI.
A correctly diagnosed and prescribed treatment allows you to quickly eliminate the signs of the viral form of the disease.
With this disease, antibiotics are not prescribed, they have no effect on the infection. A recommendation for the administration of antibiotic drugs is required only if a bacterial infection has joined.
Treatment of the disease with folk remedies
In order to successfully carry out treatment, Komarovsky Evgeny recommends creating favorable conditions for combating viral etiology.
It is recommended to start the therapeutic effect of viral sore throat at the moment when the diagnosis is precisely determined and a viral infection is detected. If you independently select drugs and treat diseases, you can mistakenly use remedies to eliminate bacterial sore throat. In this case, the severe course of the disease, the addition of complications and the consequences that remain for life are guaranteed to the child.
If the doctor diagnosed the defeat of a small patient with angina of viral etiology, Komarovsky advises using the following steps for therapy:
- Bed rest without interruption of motor activity. This suggests that if the baby does not want to lie down, but seeks to move and play, then the parents of the little patient should not be forced to stay in bed around the clock;
- Feed on demand only. You should not force the baby to feed. Eating food for such diseases leads to an additional burden on the liver;
- Inject a large amount of liquid. This is necessary because the child loses a large volume of fluid during the inflammatory process;
- In the room where the patient is constantly staying, it is required to keep the air temperature at the level of +18 .. + 200C, and the humidity should not exceed 70%. It is necessary that the room is constantly ventilated, fresh air circulates in it. In such conditions, the patient should be dressed so that he is comfortable, but not hot.
- If the baby's well-being allows, he does not have an elevated body temperature, then a short walk in the fresh air can be allowed.
You should adhere to the following diet for viral sore throat:
- Food should be high-calorie, contain cereals, dairy drinks, fresh bread, a small amount of sweet is allowed;
- The diet should not be fatty, without vegetable fats and high content of oils;
- It is recommended to cook all dishes in a soft consistency.
- Often with viral sore throat, there is a release of mucous secretion from the nasal passages. Therefore, it is recommended, using the general treatment in children, to additionally instill saline in the nose of children under 5 years of age who do not know how to blow out or rinse the nasal cavity with sea water.
Treatment of a disease of viral etiology is recommended in a comprehensive manner. In addition to diet and bed rest, medications should be administered and alternative treatment should be used. 
In the case of viral sore throat, antibiotics are not prescribed, they can only aggravate the situation, contributing to a decrease in immunity and reducing the effectiveness of the administered antiviral treatment.
Drugs blocking the multiplication of the virus - Cycloferon, Viferon, Isoprinosin, Genferon Light, Neovir, Cycloferon, Ergoferon, Tsitovir 3. Produced in the form of drops, suppository or dragee;
Antihistamines - Zyrtec, Zodak, Suprastin, Tavegil, Cetrin, Diazolin;
Medicines that lower the temperature that has risen above 39 degrees: Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Panadol, Nurofen, Cefekon, Nise, Aspirin. For children under 3 years of age, it is better to administer the means in the form of svei, for children over 3 and up to 12 years old, give liquid syrups or tablets;
To prevent dehydration at elevated temperatures - Rehydron;
The use of immunomodulators - Amiksin, Immunoriks, Likopid;
It is imperative to carry out vitamin support - vitamin C, complex preparations.
For local effects on the affected throat, gargle with herbal infusions is used. Revealed effective proven recipes:
200 ml of ordinary boiled water pour 15 ml of golden root in tincture;
Place 100 g of dried blueberries in 0.4 l. boiled warm water. Boil over low heat until half the contents of the container have boiled away;
Combine in a batch in equal proportions inflorescences of linden and chamomile, place in 0.3 liters. boiling water and leave for exactly 2 hours;
Combine linden inflorescences and oak bark in a 1: 2 ratio. place the batch in 0.2 l. liquid, keep in this state for 2 hours and add 10 ml of flower honey to the infusion
Rinsing should be carried out in a specific course of 10 days. The child should rinse the mouth and larynx at least 3 times a day.
After rinsing, lozenges are used to dissolve and relieve laryngeal hyperemia. For this, Lizobact, Faringosept, Imudon, Sebidina are used. It is worth treating the tonsils with either propolis tincture or Lugol's liquid before going to bed.
To soften the inflamed larynx, your child can irrigate the back of the throat with anti-inflammatory medications such as Tantum Verde, Cameton, or Hexoral.
Complex therapy leads to the neutralization of the inflammatory process. With prolonged absence of treatment, complications can form. Sometimes there are consequences such as encephalitis, myocarditis, meningitis, pyelonephritis, hemorrhagic conjunctivitis or myalgia.
To prevent the infection from developing into serious complications, at the first signs of the disease, immediately show up to the attending physician. It is required to follow the prescriptions and drink the entire course of the prescribed medications. Otherwise, the consequences can be dire.
Angina (acute tonsillitis) is a disease in which the tonsils are affected. There are many varieties of the disease. In the overwhelming majority of cases, it is caused by the bacteria staphylococcus and streptococcus. But in otorhinolaryngology, another type of disease is distinguished, the cause of which is not a bacterium, but a virus. Viral sore throat in children is most often caused by the herpes virus. Children of preschool and primary school age are at risk. For infants, this disease is difficult and extremely dangerous. As with bacterial tonsillitis, in the viral form of the disease, inflammation of the palatine tonsils (glands) occurs, but the symptoms and treatment of viral tonsillitis are somewhat different from the usual manifestations of tonsillitis. So how does the disease manifest itself? Let's figure it out.
Causes and ways of infection
The very name of the disease already makes it clear that a variety of viruses are the source of infection. These can be herpes viruses, influenza, Coxsackie viruses, ECHO viruses, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, and others. Therefore, the disease is conventionally subdivided into adenovirus, influenza and herpes.
The disease has a high degree of contagiousness: you can get infected while talking, sneezing, through dishes, toys, food. The viruses that enter the body get to the surface of the tonsils and settle there. From the moment of infection, the patient is the source of the spread of infection for another 30 days. Many factors increase the likelihood of developing the disease:
- cold season;
- improper and unbalanced nutrition;
- lack of personal hygiene;
- hypothermia (for example, caught in the rain, ate cold ice cream);
- smoking with a child;
- bad ecology;
- climate change;
- weak immunity;
- the presence of a chronic focus of infection in the body (for example, chronic tonsillitis);
- carious teeth;
- allergic reactions;
- tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus and other diseases;
- stressful situations.
Sore throats caused by influenza viruses or adenoviruses occur, as a rule, in the cold season, especially during outbreaks of epidemics, when the body's defenses are weakening. Herpetic sore throats are more common in the summer. In order to understand in time that we are dealing with viral tonsillitis, it is necessary to be able to distinguish between the main symptoms of the disease in a child.
Symptoms
The development of symptoms of the disease occurs from two to fourteen days. The main difference between the viral form and the disease caused by bacteria is that there is no characteristic purulent plaque on the palatine tonsils. The first signs that appear in a patient are largely similar to the development of catarrhal sore throat:
- high body temperature (up to 40 ° C);
- headache;
- lethargy;
- Joints "ache";
- sharp sore throat;
- enlarged lymph nodes in the submandibular region.
After a couple of days, symptoms inherent in ARVI are added: cough, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, diarrhea, the appearance of small papules (rounded protrusions) on the tonsils.
Each of the varieties of viral sore throat has its own characteristics. So with the adenoviral form, conjunctivitis and abdominal pain can occur. The illness usually resolves in two weeks.
The influenza form begins acutely with a sharp rise in temperature and is accompanied by a dry cough, severe headache, sore throat and runny nose. The illness usually goes away in seven to ten days.
With a herpetic form, bubbles with gray liquid form on the glands. After three to four days, they begin to burst.
Until the age of 6 months, the disease in infants is extremely rare, since the antibodies obtained with the mother's milk protect against infections. After, until the child reaches three years of age, the amount of these antibodies decreases, and infection with viruses occurs more and more often. As soon as the baby has an increase in the number of its own antibodies, it becomes less susceptible to viruses, outbreaks of the disease occur much less often. After three years, the frequent incidence of viral tonsillitis is associated with hypothermia in the cold season, a weak immune system and constant infection in preschool, school childcare facilities and sports clubs.
The peak of the disease occurs in the first five days, then the body temperature drops. It is during this period that the patient is most contagious. As soon as the temperature returned to normal, it means that we managed to cope with the virus and there is no danger of infection for others. Cough and nasal discharge may be present until recovery, but their presence is not an indicator of infectiousness.
Possible complications
As a rule, the viral form of tonsillitis, if sore throat is treated correctly and in a timely manner, does not pose a danger and passes without complications.
SARS can be complicated by the addition of a bacterial infection of the nasal cavity: a characteristic sign is green nasal discharge. The prognosis for such a development is favorable, just the duration of treatment will increase by several days.
More often than other viruses complications are caused by influenza viruses. It can be pneumonia, lung abscess, hepatitis, heart muscle disease, neuritis. Adenoviruses can cause sinusitis and pneumonia.
A common consequence of viral tonsillitis is a fungal infection of the oral cavity and pharynx. Bacterial tonsillitis often develops. Exacerbations of chronic diseases are possible.
How is the disease treated?
Treatment of viral sore throat in children is carried out at home in compliance with all doctor's prescriptions. The herpetic form of the disease and especially severe manifestations of influenza require hospital treatment. The treatment regimen for tonsillitis includes adherence to bed rest, a sparing diet and taking medications.
In the first three to four days, it is necessary to provide the patient with bed rest and rest. It is recommended to isolate it from the rest of the family to avoid infection. During the period of illness, you need to adhere to a diet (food with cereals, mashed potatoes, soups, no solid, spicy and hot food). Drinking plenty of fluids also contributes to a speedy recovery. Remember to frequently ventilate the room the child is in.
In this disease, compresses and any kind of thermal manipulation are prohibited, since such actions will provoke severe swelling of the pharynx and further spread of the virus throughout the body.
A disease that affects the tonsils is called sore throat. Experts identify several forms of this ailment: bacterial and viral ... The second is much more common. Its pathogens are viruses from the group herpes, adenovirus, flu.
Viral sore throat is transmitted by airborne droplets and by household means. Most often, children from 3 to 12 years old are exposed to the disease. If the disease is treated incorrectly, it will develop into a chronic form. As a rule, such cases are observed in children with weakened immunity.
Every parent should know the symptoms of the disease and the methods of its treatment. This will be discussed further.
A few facts about viral sore throat
It looks like a sore throat in a child with angina.
Viral sore throat can be divided into several types:
With adenoviral and influenza viral sore throat, a child will have other symptoms in addition to a sore throat: cough, hoarseness, runny nose, conjunctivitis, stomatitis.
Transmission routes
It is a mistake to think that angina is transmitted only by airborne droplets. In a child's environment, the contact-household route of infection is very common.
Viral sore throat is fairly easy to get infected. If you do not start treatment on time, the ailment will develop into a chronic form and every banal ARVI will end with problems with the throat, plaque on the tonsils.
How is viral sore throat transmitted? There are several ways:
- Airborne ... The virus feels good in the external environment. He is not afraid of low temperatures and ultraviolet rays. The herpetic type of sore throat is more common in the summer, adenoviral and influenza in the winter.
- Contact and household ... Viruses can stay on toys, clothes, personal hygiene items for a long time. That is why, if there are cases of viral sore throat in the children's team, all toys must be treated with a special disinfectant.
Note to parents! If your baby has been diagnosed with viral sore throat, then you should not take him to places of congestion of children until he fully recovers.
Who is at risk
How to go to the garden and not get sick? Vitamins, immunity - if someone brought a virus in the children's group, then the risk of catching a sore throat increases dramatically.
Statistics show that the peak of viral sore throat falls on the autumn-winter months. The virus feels good enough in the external environment.
The likelihood of infection increases in the following cases:
- The child does not have a full balanced nutrition. That is why doctors strongly recommend that parents include vegetables, fruits, dairy products, meat in the menu;
- The kid is overcooled (I ate ice cream, wet my feet, froze).
- The crumbs have chronic diseases, due to this weakened immunity.
- The child is attending a preschool or school institution. There are a large number of viruses in the children's collective.
Advice! To avoid viral ailments, you need to strengthen the crumbs' immunity from birth: spend more time in the fresh air, draw up a correct, healthy menu, and heal your child on the seas in the summer.
Symptoms of the disease
A high temperature is the very first sign of a sore throat. Sometimes indicators can go up to 40 degrees.
Once in the body, the virus is securely fixed on the mucous membrane. The incubation period lasts from 2 to 14 days. It all depends on the immunity of the crumbs.
- Increased body temperature. At the same time, the temperature gets off quite badly.
- Redness, sore throat when swallowing.
- Body aches.
- Vomiting, diarrhea.
- Lack of appetite.
- Swollen lymph nodes (behind the ears, in the jaw).
Moreover, each virus can manifest itself in different ways. The differences are as follows:
- Adenoviral form of viral sore throat... In addition to the main symptoms, the child always has acute abdominal pain. When palpating the abdominal cavity, the baby feels discomfort. But also purulent conjunctivitis occurs, which often affects both eyes. The affliction lasts at least 2 weeks .
- Influenza type... The temperature rises sharply to 39-40 degrees ... In most cases, it is impossible to knock it down without the help of a doctor; you have to inject analgin and diphenhydramine. In addition, the child develops a dry cough, runny nose, and headache. The disease is acute, lasts up to 10 days .
- Herpetic form... Vesicles appear on the tonsils, which are filled with a gray or yellow liquid. With proper treatment, the bubbles burst after 3-4 days .
It is important! With the herpetic form of viral sore throat, the child's temperature will not pass as long as there are fluid bubbles on the tonsils.
Special attention to tonsils
Any pediatrician, even by the appearance of the baby's oral cavity, will be able to distinguish chronic viral sore throat from catarrhal.
The signs are as follows:
- tonsils are bright crimson, enlarged several times;
- the tongue is covered with a white coating;
- small wounds (ulcers) can be observed on the tonsils; if touched with a cotton swab, they begin to bleed heavily;
- in some cases, they appear on the tonsils, after a few days they burst, a gray liquid (odorless) is released.
On a note! Do not confuse chronic viral sore throat with follicular sore throat, in which purulent lesions of the tonsils occur.
Drug treatment
Antihistamines relieve swelling of the tonsils, prevent stenosis.
Treatment of chronic viral sore throat can be carried out at home, but only under the strict supervision of a doctor. The treatment regimen is approximately as follows:
- Antiviral drugs ... You can apply " Viferon"(Candles are used 1 or 2 times a day)," Groprinosine"(In tablets or syrup)," Aflubin"(Drops). Antiviral drugs help to quickly cope with the disease, relieve the baby's condition.
- Antipyretic ... Children can take drugs based on ibuprofen and paracetamol... If the temperature does not drop, candles will do. Analdim". Their composition is diphenhydramine and analgin. Advice! Doctors advise against doing vinegar or alcohol rubbing. The child can get severe poisoning.
- Antihistamines ... ... As a rule, doctors prescribe “ Diazolin "," Zodak "," Suprastin "," Agistam ".
- Sore throat medications ... Sprays "Ingalipt", "Miramistin", "Yoks" help well. After using them, it is not recommended to drink or eat for at least 40 minutes. And you can also use lozenges and pills for sore throat. Doctors recommend “ Septefril», « Faringosept», « Lizobact», « Dr. Mom».
Recommendation! Chronic viral tonsillitis is dangerous for its recurrence. That is why doctors recommend that the child drink immunostimulants. The drugs strengthen the crumbs' immunity. The most demanded - " Interferon », « Immunal ».
Traditional methods
Treatment of viral sore throat with folk methods should go in parallel with traditional medicine.
Folk remedies help to cope with a sore throat, reduce swelling, and promote the fastest healing of ulcers on the tonsils.
- Natural honey... It can be absorbed several times a day.
- Honeycomb... The child is offered to chew them.
- Herbal decoctions... Great for rinsing. You can use chamomile, oak root, oregano, calendula.
- Sea salt... And it is also suitable for rinsing.
- Dry heat (salt)... Can be applied to the larynx area.
But you can also use inhalation (if there is no temperature). You can breathe in pairs over boiled potatoes or make solutions using menthol and mint.
Many parents prefer to use nebulizers. In this case, any alkaline water is suitable for inhalation (" Borjomi », « Narzan »).
It is important! A rinse solution consisting of soda and salt is not always effective, it greatly dries out the mucous membrane, and can cause an allergic reaction.
conclusions
Chronic viral sore throat is dangerous because it can appear in a child with the slightest hypothermia. Coping with a virus is not easy. Do not forget that angina can cause serious complications affecting the genitourinary, cardiovascular system.
If your baby is faced with a viral sore throat, it is imperative to consult a doctor. Only a specialist can prescribe the correct treatment regimen.
After recovery, strengthen the immunity of the crumbs. Only this will help to avoid re-infection.
The most common reasons children visit the local pediatrician with their parents are severe sore throat, cough, and runny nose. During seasonal epidemics of influenza and ARVI, viral tonsillitis in children is diagnosed in 50% of cases of complaints about a sore throat. Antibiotics won't get rid of the virus quickly. Doctors recommend leaving the child at home to prevent the spread of infection, provide symptomatic therapy and prevent complications.
If a child has rhinitis, conjunctivitis, hoarseness, sore throat, and cough, it is unlikely that he has a bacterial infection. It is necessary to distinguish the symptoms and treatment of viral sore throat in children from acute streptococcal tonsillitis. In the first case, as a rule, the use of antibiotics is not required. A viral infection is also the cause of pharyngitis or acute inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa. If the inflammatory process covers the oropharynx, then tonsillopharyngitis develops.
The palatine tonsils are two small lymphoid formations located in the depression between the soft palate and the tongue. They filter bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth and nose in order to neutralize, prevent them from entering the deep-lying parts of the respiratory system. However, the tonsils are so overloaded with infectious agents that they become inflamed. Other common causes of strep throat and tonsillitis are rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses, influenza A and B, influenza and parainfluenza.
Inflammation of the palatine tonsils of viral etiology in adults is observed 2-4 times during the year, preschool children during the same period get sick from 6 to 10 times.
Symptoms of viral sore throat in children:
- enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes, their soreness;
- pain in the neck and throat when swallowing, which radiates to the ears;
- fever, body temperature 38.1–39.5 ° C;
- red swollen palatine tonsils;
- decreased appetite;
- hoarse voice;
- headache;
- runny nose;
- weakness;
- cough.
Throat disease of viral etiology begins with a rise in temperature to 38.3 ° C and above, chills, body aches. The mucous membrane of the pharynx and nasal passages becomes inflamed, the throat begins to ache, the eyes turn red and watery. It can be difficult to recognize a viral sore throat based on a physical examination alone. Doctors also take into account the accompanying circumstances. So, the peak of viral infections in children aged 5 to 15 years is confined to the season from November to April.
Enteroviral sore throat in children is the most contagious
Enterovirus infects the intestines, oropharynx, and the mucous membrane of the eyes. The incubation period for a viral infection varies from several days to four weeks. Children usually become infected during the warmer months. The disease begins acutely, with an inflammatory process in the oropharynx, then a papular rash appears on the mucous membrane. Doctors call this condition "enteroviral vesicular pharyngitis", in common parlance the word "herpangina" was fixed.
After primary infection with enterovirus, immunity is formed, which lasts for a long time.
The mucous membrane of the pharyngeal ring, palatine tonsils is covered with reddish papules, reaching a diameter of 1-3 mm. Then vesicles are formed - bubbles filled with a light liquid, with a red halo around. The mucous membrane of the oropharynx with enteroviral sore throat becomes inflamed, which gives the child pain, which intensifies within 2-4 days. During this time, the bubbles open, the contents flow out of them, the surface is tightened with crusts.
The initial stage of viral sore throat in children is characterized by a sharp increase in temperature to 39–41 ° C, weakness, stitching pain in the throat, nasal congestion and a runny nose. Simultaneously start digestive disorders due to damage to the intestinal walls with enteroviruses. To distinguish bacterial sore throat from enteroviral pharyngitis, laboratory tests will help - enzyme immunoassay, polymerase chain reaction and other virological diagnostic methods.
There is no generally accepted and effective drug for eliminating the pathogen of herpangina. Doctors prescribe antiviral drugs, symptomatic treatment, as in the case of viral tonsillitis.
The child's immune system copes with the causative agent of the disease during the acute period. In total, 8-14 days pass from the moment the first symptoms appear until recovery. This type of infection is difficult in young children, with weakened immune defenses. The development of encephalitis and meningitis, and other serious complications is possible.
Etiotropic treatment of viral sore throat
Antiviral drugs with angina for children, a doctor prescribes to prevent serious complications. Moreover, there should be no doubt about the nature of the disease - enterovirus, adenovirus, herpes. Characteristic distinguishing features appear in the early days, namely conjunctivitis, runny nose, cough, severe redness and swelling of the tonsils, no plaque in the oropharynx.
Before treating a viral sore throat in a child, you should definitely consult a doctor. If you suspect a herpes infection, a specialist may prescribe the drugs "Acyclovir" or "Famciclovir". Viral tonsillitis is treated with antiviral medicines ( "Viferon", "Arbidol", "Grippferon" and others). Children under one year old are prescribed drugs with an immunostimulating effect in the form rectal suppositories.
Doctor Komarovsky: what can not be done with a viral type of sore throat
Symptomatic therapy of viral tonsillitis in children
Patients should be at home, at elevated temperatures - observe bed rest. The pediatrician at the reception can recommend remedies to alleviate the condition of young patients. With viral sore throat, gargle with warm salt water, give herbal tea with honey. Anti-inflammatory and pain relievers based on ibuprofen and paracetamol in the form of suspensions, tablets and suppositories are dispensed without a prescription in the pharmacy.
Viral sore throat usually goes away without specific treatment in 4-10 days. Therapy for bacterial sore throat includes taking antibiotics.
How to treat viral sore throat in children - symptomatic therapy:
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Antipyretic drugs "Paracetamol", "Nurofen," Efferalgan.
- Throat pain relievers "Tantum-Verde", "Hexoral Tabs", "Teraflu LAR".
- Antihistamines "Desloratadin", "Fenistil", "Suprastin".
- Gargling with saline solutions and infusions of calendula, chamomile, sage.
We use weak solutions of potassium permanganate, baking soda and salt (sea or sodium chloride). Gargle should be warm, not hot. The procedure is performed 2-3 times a day. An infusion of herbs is prepared from one or two tablespoons of raw materials and 250 ml of boiling water. Irrigation of the pharynx and tonsils brings relief from pain, eliminates other unpleasant sensations, and weakens the inflammatory process.
How to recognize and treat viral sore throat in your child updated: August 18, 2016 by the author: admin
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