Pharyngitis is an acute inflammatory disease. Viral and bacterial factors can provoke the disease. The disease is localized in the pharynx, and upon examination, tissue hyperemia, swelling and the formation of a large amount of mucus are clearly visible. In most cases, pharyngitis occurs against the background of other cold symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough and chest congestion. It is important to immediately begin treatment of the inflammatory process to avoid it becoming purulent. Moreover, such complications can lead to further spread of infection into the bronchi and lungs.
TO possible reasons diseases include the following:
- injury to the mucous membrane of the throat;
- leakage of stomach contents due to gastrointestinal diseases, structural features and frequent vomiting;
- carrying out surgical interventions on the throat;
- frequent use of drugs to treat runny nose, especially in spray form;
- development of diabetes mellitus and other diseases of the endocrine system;
- allergic reactions, including seasonal rhinitis;
- passive smoking, which is why smoking in rooms with small children is so dangerous.
Attention! In 90% of cases, it is bacteria and viruses that become the main cause of the disease. Treatment in this case should be comprehensive in order not only to relieve pain, but also to eliminate the main source of the problem.
Sprays against pharyngitis in children
The composition of the drug includes sea salt, which has a powerful bactericidal effect. To enhance the treatment result, chamomile and aloe are also included among the components of the medication. They have a soothing and softening effect on the diseased throat. Typically, Aqualor is applied before using the main drug to ensure its maximum absorption. You can use the medication up to 6 times a day, while irrigating your throat for 10-30 seconds.
A traditional remedy for treating a sore throat based on iodine. It helps especially well when using the drug on initial stage diseases when microbes have not yet managed to create large locations. Process sore throat with the help of Lugol should be 2-4 times a day. In this case, one procedure consists of one click. You should not give your child anything to drink or eat for half an hour, even plain water. During the procedure, you should try to hold in air to reduce the likelihood of possible spasms and vomiting. Do not use if you have poor iodine tolerance. The course of treatment continues strictly individually. When treating small children, it is recommended to apply the spray to the pacifier, which is then given to the baby.
Hexoral
The drug can only be used from the age of three. The medication has an antiseptic and analgesic effect. Helps simultaneously eliminate all fungi, including Candida. The advantage of the drug is its good tolerance and retention directly on the mucous membrane, which does not cause problems with the digestive system. Use the medication only in the morning and evening, as its results last for 12 hours. Fights well purulent inflammations. The course continues according to the pediatrician's recommendations.
Kameton
A medicinal product based on eucalyptus leaf oil, which has a disinfectant and anti-inflammatory effect. It is enhanced by camphor and levomenthol included in the composition. Treatment can only be carried out from the age of five. To do this, you need to do two sprays on the affected areas in the morning and evening. From the age of 10 years, the number of daily doses can be increased to 4. Therapy continues according to the recommendations of the attending physician.
Attention! Since irrigation of the larynx can cause a sharp spasm in a child, which will lead to suffocation, the medicine should be applied not to the tissue of the throat, but to the back wall of the cheek.
Antibiotics against pharyngitis
Augmentin
You can take the medicine from three months. In this case, the attending physician must individually calculate the dosage for the baby, taking into account weight and age. You can take Augmentin 2-3 times a day, with the number of daily doses depending on the prescribed dosage active substance. Take the suspension an hour before or after meals. The duration of therapy depends on the severity of the patient’s lesion and can be 5-10 days.
Ecoclave
A special feature of this drug is the possibility of its use up to three months of age, if there are acute indications for this. In this case, the dosage is 30 mcg per kilogram of the baby’s body. In all other cases, the dosage of the active substance should be selected by the attending physician. The number of daily doses can be 2-3. Typically the dosage is 2.5-5 ml of suspension, which should be washed down with a small amount of water. Therapy continues for up to 14 days.
Ospamox
It is best to take the enhanced formula of the drug; it is resistant to a wide range of microbes. Ospamox is taken from 3-6 months, it all depends on the child’s condition. You should drink the suspension 2 hours before meals or an hour after it. The dosage can be 2.5-15 ml of the active substance, it all depends on the age and weight of the child. Therapy using Ospamox can last up to two weeks.
Attention! Antibiotics can only be used after being prescribed by the attending physician, as it is necessary to ensure the bacterial nature of the disease.
Gargling solutions
Chlorhexidine
To prepare a medicinal solution, you need to take 10 ml of Chlorhexidine and 20-30 ml of warm boiled water. Since the solution cannot be swallowed, it is better to perform the procedure as follows: the child stands on a sink or bathtub, and an adult irrigates the affected tissue with a syringe without a needle. This way the Chlorhexidine will pour out immediately and the baby will not swallow it. If this has already happened, you will need to drink 200 ml of water and take Activated carbon, one tablet is taken for every 10 kg of weight. Treatment is carried out 2-3 times a day for one to two weeks.
Chlorophyllipt
It can be used in several ways. The simplest of them is to lubricate a sore throat. cotton swab, soaked in a concentrated solution of Chlorophyllipt. But since such treatment can cause vomiting, it is better to prepare a solution for rinsing. For 100 ml of warm boiled water you need to take 5 ml of the medicine and mix the ingredients thoroughly. The procedure can be performed up to 3-4 times a day for 10-15 days.
Attention! These medications should be used only if the child knows how to gargle well without swallowing the prepared solution.
Tablets against pharyngitis in children
Septolete
The drug should not be used before the age of 4 years, even if the child is already good at sucking lollipops. For treatment, it is recommended to dissolve one lozenge every 4-6 hours until the desired result is achieved. Treatment with Septolete does not continue for more than 7 days; in some cases, 3-5 days of therapy are sufficient.
Faringosept
The medication contains ambazone, which has a powerful antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. For treatment, it is recommended to take one Faringosept tablet every 3-6 hours, taking into account the intensity of the pain. Treatment with the drug can be carried out from three years of age. The maximum daily dosage for children under 7 years of age is three tablets. The duration of treatment should not exceed 4 days.
Grammidin
IN childhood It is permitted to take it only with the direct permission of the attending physician, since the medication contains lidocaine, which can cause acute allergic reactions. Treatment is usually carried out from 4 years of age; earlier use of Grammidin is not recommended. To achieve the required therapeutic result, you will need to take 1-2 tablets no more than 4 times a day. Therapy lasts no more than 6 days.
Attention! Many lozenges have a contraindication, which is associated with poor kidney function. It is worth making sure that the baby tolerates the prescribed treatment well and that kidney function does not suffer in any way.
Painkillers against pharyngitis
Paracetamol
You should not take this medication if your child has even the slightest impairment in kidney function. According to the instructions, it is better to take Paracetamol from 6 years of age, more early appointment permissible only after permission from the pediatrician. The dosage is 250 mg of the active substance no more than 4 times a day. For pharyngitis, it is better to take the medicine only twice a day. Treatment is continued for no more than five days.
Ibuprofen
The dosage for children is 10 mg per kilogram of body. In this case, it is allowed to increase the dosage to 40 mg if the pain is intense. Take Ibuprofen up to 3-4 times a day. For better absorption, it is better to choose a suspension, the dosage of which can be 2.5-15 ml, taking into account the age of the child. The number of daily doses of the suspension cannot exceed three times. Be sure to maintain the same time interval between doses.
Attention! The described medications help not only reduce pain, but also normalize body temperature. Additionally eliminated headache, which can occur against the background of pharyngitis due to the inflammatory process and elevated body temperature.
Video - Sore throat: when should you take antibiotics?
Video - Pharyngitis
Cost of drugs against pharyngitis in children
| A drug | Price in Russia | Price in Belarus | Price in Ukraine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | 10 | 123 | |
Pharyngitis is an acute inflammatory process of the mucous membrane of the throat, affecting the back wall, but not affecting the tonsils, as with a sore throat. It rarely appears on its own. It usually accompanies viral or microbial acute respiratory infections. Children get it more often than adults due to the fact that their immune system is imperfect.
The disease begins quite abruptly: on the very first day the larynx turns red and hurts. If parents use the right measures, the illness will go away quickly and imperceptibly for the baby. Pharyngitis, the symptoms and treatment of which parents need to know in children, is highly treatable.
Acute inflammation is a rapidly developing disease that occurs immediately after contact with the causative factor. The form of the disease can be different: bacterial, viral, fungal, traumatic, allergic. It depends on the cause of the disease. In addition to these, there are types of inflammation, the formation of which is caused by the irritating effects of substances from environment. Most often in children it accompanies rhinitis, tracheitis, laryngitis, and other anomalies.
Its causative agents are often adenovirus, rhinovirus, cytomegalovirus, and influenza virus. Much less often, the throat begins to hurt from pneumococci, staphylococci, streptococci, and chlamydia. In such cases, the disease is a consequence of sinusitis. Pharyngitis of fungal etiology is formed as a result long-term use antibiotics.
Children most at risk of inflammation are those who are in kindergarten or school in the fall and winter - during the seasonal epidemic of colds and other acute respiratory viral infections. In children under 2 years of age, pharyngitis is more severe in combination with a runny nose and pathology of the nasopharynx.
Inflammation of the back of the throat is a clinical sign of a general or intestinal infection, disease respiratory tract, as well as various infections, burn injury to the throat, damage from a foreign object.
What determines the occurrence of pharyngitis in children?
Stenic inflammation of the back of the throat, caused by a viral or bacterial infection, occurs in most cases. Key pathogens playing main role in the appearance of inflammation, this is various kinds viruses. Bacterial factors in the development of the disease are staphylococcus, streptococcus, meningococcus, and hemophilus influenzae. Fungal inflammation occurs infrequently; it is caused by decreased immunity against the background of serious illnesses and massive use of antibiotics.
Occasionally the cause of the disease is:
- allergic reactions;
- pharynx injury during surgery;
- penetration of a foreign object into it;
- influence of potent substances (irradiation, chemical reagents;
- burns).
The likelihood of symptoms of the disease worsening due to hypothermia. Affects this:
- demotion immune condition child's body;
- severe chronic pathologies;
- increased dust content or chemical substances in the air;
- smoking, drinking alcohol.
An important point for the formation of chronic inflammation is the entry into the throat of gastric contents, which have an acidic aggressive environment, during regurgitation, vomiting, or hiatal hernia.
Exacerbation of pharyngitis, symptoms in children 2 years old which are known, is provoked by the fact that a child with a stuffy nose is constantly breathing open mouth during the cold season. During a runny nose, this process is influenced by the use of vasoconstrictors that flow along the back wall of the throat, irritating the mucous membranes.
If acute pharyngitis, starting with piercing pain, soon passes, then chronic inflammation lasts sluggishly for years, constantly relapsing with each arrival of the virus. Quite often this inflammation is caused by:
- constitutional characteristics of the child’s body;
- individual structure of the larynx;
- non-standard structure of the digestive system;
- potential entry of acid from the stomach into the esophagus, throat;
- prolonged influence of exogenous negative substances - smoke;
- difficulty breathing;
- exacerbation of seasonal allergic reaction;
- endocrine disorders;
- lack of many vitamins.
Types of pharyngitis
The disease is classified according to several criteria. The duration of the course and the nature of the inflammatory process qualify the disease as:
- acute, lasting about a month;
- protracted, lasting more than 30 days;
- chronic, lasting more than six months, often recurrent.
The type of chronic disease can be catarrhal, granulosa, or atrophic. Based on the cause of occurrence, the disease is divided into the following types:
- viral;
- bacterial;
- fungal;
- allergic;
- traumatic.
Catarrh
Acute pharyngitis is considered an inflammatory process in the throat, accompanied by an increase in the formation of thick mucus. It is characterized by discomfort, painful sensations in the throat, irritation, pain when swallowing. The disease occurs in a fairly mild form. Symptoms of pharyngitis in children often smoothed out, but cause inconvenience.
Soreness, burning, pain in the throat are symmetrical. Fever is usually not observed, occasionally the temperature reaches a low-grade level. The tonsils are swollen, red, and visible white coating. There is an impression of the presence of a foreign object in the throat due to the production of a thick secretion by the glands, which the patient tries to remove by coughing. The voice is often hoarse.
Called herpes pharyngitis painful inflammation pharyngeal mucosa caused by the herpes virus. This type of illness is observed only sporadically, in only 5% of cases of all types of the disease. Manifestations of the disease include painful lesions in the throat. The patient needs urgent treatment.
The causes of infection are:
- contact and household infection through kisses and common household items;
- airborne infection through sneezing and coughing;
- vertical way of spreading infection from mother to newborn.
The primary manifestation of herpes is acute; after the symptoms subside, the pathogen lingers indefinitely in the body, living in 90% of the population without any symptoms and recurring with hypothermia, severe emotional stress, vitamin deficiency, etc. Often there is a feverish state for a week, and the lymph nodes are enlarged.
The second name for granulosa pharyngitis is hypertrophic. It is accompanied by an increase in inflamed tissue, shows signs of discomfort and dryness of the throat, pain when swallowing food that radiates into the ear, and an accumulation of thick mucus. The redness of the throat is clearly expressed, the lymph nodes are enlarged.
The allergic form of the disease is characterized by a dry cough and throat congestion. There is no fever, the patient does not experience sore throat.
Symptoms of the disease
Children, as a rule, when ill, complain of discomfort in the throat, expressed in soreness, irritation, and mild pain. Pain when swallowed is combined with an increase in temperature to 38 degrees. In children, acute inflammation often occurs in a severe form with general well-being disorder, lethargy, refusal to eat, and problems falling asleep. The disease is usually diagnosed by examining the throat, which is swollen, red, and inflamed.
The viral disease is characterized by redness of the soft palate and tonsils, the back wall is covered with reddish vesicular and pinpoint hemorrhages. Local symptoms in children with viral pharyngitis continue for 2 or 3 days, the child suffers from a dry cough that gradually subsides. Sometimes there is a reflection of pain in the ears. The disease is worst in the youngest children; they often have complications.
Signs of pharyngitis in children are characterized by:
- redness and swelling;
- hoarseness of voice;
- coughing associated with sore and irritated throat;
- painful when swallowed;
- spreading pain to the ear area.
Diagnosing pharyngitis
Correct diagnosis of a child who contacts a pediatrician, accurately prescribed and carried out treatment of acute pharyngitis ensures recovery. The return of symptoms requires the intervention of an otolaryngologist who tries to understand the causes of pharyngitis in children , often disguised as acute respiratory infections. It often turns out that a baby who did not comply with a special vocal regime, straining the ligaments, received complications in the form of nodules, and this required longer-term serious treatment, perhaps even surgery.
Doctor, for the purpose of staging accurate diagnosis, may prescribe laboratory tests: throat swabs for the presence of microflora and susceptibility to antibiotics, as well as a blood test. Recurrence of pharyngitis requires the following:
- endoscopy of the nasal cavity, throat;
- consultation with an allergist to exclude allergic etiology of the disease;
- examination by a gastroenterologist to eliminate the possibility of reflux esophagitis.
Drugs for the treatment of pharyngitis
The doctor's prescription of medications depends on the type and extent of the disease. It is necessary to punctually follow all recommendations so that the disease is completely cured as quickly as possible. Any violation is fraught with further unpleasant consequences. The following methods usually help healing and are recommended by a specialist:
- rinsing the throat with antiseptics (furacilin with iodine, saline and soda solution, weak pink potassium permanganate, hydrogen peroxide, etc.);
- Antibiotics are prescribed to children only in case of a viral, bacterial or infectious nature; local medications are usually used (Bioparox, Hexoral), much less often - internal use(ampicillin);
- laser treatment, exposure to radio waves, cryodestruction of granules, cauterization with silver nitrate are prescribed for prolonged course of the disease;
- antiseptic sprays are popular among doctors and patients (inhalipt, hexaspray);
- clearing the throat with Lugol's solution, protargol, propolis;
- children especially like treatment with lollipops, lozenges, which have a pleasant taste and antibacterial effect, which are a favorite children's medicine for a sore throat: falimint, faringosept, imudon, septolete;
- oil inhalations are used for atrophic pharyngitis;
- enhances immune protection;
- Antifungal drugs are used to treat pharyngomycosis: lubricating and irrigating the throat with Diflucan, Nizoral.
Sometimes therapy for a disease requires surgical intervention which is carried out using a laser. On Dr. Komarovsky’s website you can find photos and videos about the treatment of the disease.
Non-drug treatment
Many folk remedies from pharyngitis, symptoms in children 3 years old which are not typical, have proven themselves well, however, when using them, it is necessary to first consult with doctors so as not to cause harm to the baby’s health instead of benefit. Typically, such drugs are considered an addition to traditional methods and speed up recovery when used correctly at home.
A honey compress on the feet for infants is performed by generously lubricating the feet with liquid warm honey and wrapping them for half an hour; the procedure is done every day until complete healing.
Herbal infusions and decoctions show excellent results when gargling, reducing pain, relieving inflammation, and making the child feel better. For this, chamomile, lavender, eucalyptus, oak bark, raspberry, etc. are used. Rinse three times every day until complete healing.
A vodka gauze neck compress is wrapped in cellophane and a warm scarf for the baby and left for 2 hours. Daily exercise brings healing effects.
Garlic has disinfectant properties, two crushed cloves of which should be added to the heated tomato juice. The use of this remedy is contraindicated for a child with stomach diseases.
Inhaling potato steam is also very popular, as are mustard foot baths. The duration of the procedure is from 15 to 20 minutes, during the procedure you need to add hot water. Manipulation cannot be used when elevated temperature bodies. Correct execution of the doctor’s prescriptions will allow for quick and uncomplicated treatment of pharyngitis in children.
Preventive measures
Measures to prevent your baby from developing pharyngitis include the following:
- do not allow to become overcooled or overheated;
- do not allow inhalation of polluted air;
- increase immunity using a variety of methods;
- completely cure any disease;
- provide vitamins;
- avoid injuries and mechanical damage to the face.
Regular preventive measures will allow you to avoid complications for the child after illness or prevent it from happening.
Pharyngitis can be diagnosed in children of any age. It requires medication therapy to prevent the acute form from becoming chronic. Symptoms of acute pharyngitis depend on the personal health qualities of the little patient and the state of his immunity. Prevention can eliminate the factors that provoke the disease. Parents should know the symptoms, since children are quite often susceptible to this disease.
Increased body temperature, itching, sore throat and sore throat when swallowing, redness and swelling of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, dry irritating cough, rhinitis and exudate. All these are symptoms of pharyngitis. The disease occurs mainly against the background of a viral or bacterial infection, and occurs in children much more often than in adults. Which is understandable: in childhood, the immune system develops and strengthens, but its protective functions Sometimes it doesn't fulfill it completely. Therefore, parents should know what pharyngitis is and how it occurs, and how it is treated.
Pharyngitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the back of the throat
Pharynxitis (pharyngitis) - translated from Latin “pharynx” means “throat”, and the suffix -itis indicates inflammation. The name of the disease speaks for itself. Pharyngitis is an inflammatory process that spreads to the mucous membrane of the posterior wall of the pharynx, tissue of the soft palate, and in a complicated course, affecting lymphoid tissue.
As an isolated condition, pharyngitis is rare. It is more of a symptom, a consequence of the progression of the underlying disease. And it develops when microbes, viruses, and allergens come into contact with the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx and respiratory tract.
Therefore, its symptoms can be supplemented by signs of acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, allergic reactions, hypothermia, etc. The peak incidence occurs during periods of seasonal epidemics - autumn and spring.
In newborns and children under 2 years of age, pharyngitis is especially severe - due to the immaturity of the respiratory system and mucous membranes.
The condition of children is aggravated by an increase in body temperature to 40°C, they refuse to eat, sleep poorly, become capricious, and foci of inflammation provoke the development of complications: otitis media, conjunctivitis, acute catarrhal rhinitis, edema and stenosis of the larynx, suffocation.
Symptoms of pharyngitis manifest themselves depending on the type of disease and the form of its course. Therapeutic measures are also developed taking into account the causes of inflammation and the severity of damage to the mucous membranes.
Types and forms of the disease
Pharyngitis is a disease that occurs depending on what pathogen caused the inflammation, how extensive the damage to the mucous membranes is, whether there are aggravating factors, whether soft fabrics and lymph nodes, etc. The disease is classified according to the degree of influence of all these factors on its development.
What is pharyngitis like?
- Spicy. It usually develops rapidly, as a secondary sign of an acute respiratory infection, and lasts up to a month.
- Subacute. Lasts more than 30 days. It develops when seeking help untimely or due to unqualified treatment of acute pharyngitis.
- Chronic. Lasts 6 months or more. Develops as a result of constant irritation of the mucous membranes by aggressive agents (allergens, gastric juice with reflux) or against the background of other chronic ENT diseases (sinusitis, adenoiditis, rhinitis, tonsillitis, tonsillitis). In turn, it is divided into:
- lateral - when inflammation spreads to the lateral ridges (side walls) of the pharynx;
catarrhal (or superficial) - only the mucous membrane of the pharynx becomes inflamed, occurs without profound changes in the structure of the mucous membranes and tissues;
granulosa - when inflammation affects the lymphadenoid elements located under the mucosa, and ulcers form on its surface in the form of red nodules or granules;
hypertrophic - with proliferation of lymphoid tissue;
atrophic - over a long period of time, the pharyngeal mucosa becomes thinner (atrophies), this is the last and most severe stage of chronic pharyngitis.
- Viral. When the mucous membranes become inflamed due to exposure to influenza or parainfluenza viruses, rhinovirus, adenovirus or coronavirus (including herpes, enterovirus - in in this case pharyngitis is defined as herpetic, enteroviral). Aphthae (aphthous) form on the pharyngeal mucosa - very painful ulcers. Transmitted by droplets. It is more often registered in children who attend school or preschool institutions.
- Bacterial. It develops when pathogenic bacteria (streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci, etc.) come into contact with the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and respiratory tract.
- Allergic. From irritation of mucous membranes by inhaled allergens (dust, pollen, animal hair, car exhaust, mold, etc.), dry air.
- Gribkov. When fungal spores get on the mucous membranes. This form of the disease occurs mainly in infants, as a complication candidal stomatitis and thrush of the oral mucosa.
Pharyngoscopy (examination of the pharynx), laboratory tests of blood from a finger, urine, and a smear of mucus from the throat help doctors diagnose and classify pharyngitis.
An increase in ESR and leukocytes in the blood indicates an inflammatory process. The number of neutrophils is increased - inflammation is caused by bacteria, lymphocytes - by viruses. Mucus analysis identifies the infection and provides information about the sensitivity of pathogenic microflora to antibacterial and antiseptic drugs (if the cause of the disease is bacteria).
In children, in 70–90% of cases, acute pharyngitis develops due to infection of the mucous membranes of the pharynx and respiratory tract with viral microflora.
Video: treating pharyngitis (Children's doctor)
Treatment in a child
Pharyngitis in children is treated by an otolaryngologist (ENT) or a pediatrician. In the absence of serious complications, therapeutic measures can be carried out at home - on an outpatient basis.
Hospitalization is mandatory:
- newborns and babies up to one year old - due to the high likelihood of developing complications and the need for constant monitoring of the condition by specialists;
- in severe cases of the disease - high temperature, purulent discharge, severe swelling of the mucous membranes;
- with an infectious etiology of pharyngitis - when inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa is caused by scarlet fever, diphtheria, measles (to prevent infection of others).
Pharyngitis therapy is always comprehensive and includes:
- symptomatic treatment - to alleviate the condition;
- treatment aimed at eliminating the source of inflammation and normalizing the pharyngoscopy picture.
Any procedures and medications can only be prescribed to a child by the attending physician. Self-medication leads to complications and increases the risk of the disease spreading into chronic form.
Treatment of pharyngitis begins, first of all, with lifestyle correction. It is important that the child is in a favorable environment, eats properly, follows a drinking regime, and breathes fresh air, didn't get overtired.
An air humidifier is a device that will benefit all family members. With sufficient hydration of the mucous membranes, they perform their protective functions more effectively. And with pharyngitis, humidified air is less irritating to inflamed mucous membranes
What will the doctor's orders be?
- Bed rest. For pharyngitis, it is mandatory in the first few days of the disease, when the baby’s body temperature is high and he experiences pain. Next, you need to focus on the child’s condition. If he feels well, moderate physical activity is welcome: it speeds up metabolism.
- Walks. Allowed and recommended during the recovery stage. Undesirable in the acute period. They will be replaced by regular ventilation and wet cleaning of the room where the patient is. It is very good if the air in the room is humidified using a special humidifier (this will help reduce a sore throat). If you don't have a humidifier, you can hang wet towels.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Necessary for sufficient hydration of mucous membranes.
- Diet correction. It is necessary to exclude from it those foods that irritate the mucous membrane: too hot or very cold, spicy, hot, salty, sour. As well as carbonated drinks and sweets. Food should be easily digestible and contain sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals.
- Voice mode. Its observance during pharyngitis is recommended so that inflammation does not spread to the mucous membrane of the larynx and vocal cords.
Medicines are used according to indications; the treatment strategy can be adjusted depending on test results and assessment of the effectiveness of the prescribed therapy.
Drug therapy
The choice of certain medications depends on the type and form of pharyngitis. What was used to treat the neighbor's boy is unlikely to be suitable for your baby. Selection therapeutic methods individual for each child.
With the help of medications, the primary disease is eliminated and the inflammatory process in the pharyngeal mucosa caused by it is stopped. At the same time, erosive lesions are healed, epithelial defects are removed, swelling is removed, and the production and discharge of mucus is normalized.
Video: cough medicines (Dr. Komarovsky)
Table: medications for the treatment of pharyngitis in children
| Group of drugs | Names | Action | Indications | Contraindications | Features, recommendations |
| Antipyretics, painkillers |
| At elevated body temperatures, they relieve fever, reduce pain in the oropharynx, in addition, some have an anti-inflammatory (non-steroidal) effect. | Conditions accompanied by increased body temperature and pain syndrome: respiratory viral diseases, inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx and respiratory tract, among others. | Hypersensitivity to the components included in the composition. | For children under 6 years of age, it is better to give medications in syrup form (this also applies to other medications). Antipyretics are prescribed when body temperature is above 38 degrees. |
| Antihistamines |
| Neutralize the answer immune system prevent allergens from entering the body (into the respiratory tract and mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, in particular), and reduce swelling. | Allergic reactions of any origin, hyperemia of the mucous membranes, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, etc. | Prescribed if the cause of inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa is allergens. And also included complex therapy other types of pharyngitis to reduce swelling and prevent its spread to the mucous membranes of the soft palate and larynx. | |
| Vasoconstrictors |
| They have a pronounced vasoconstrictor effect. Reduce swelling and exudation. They facilitate nasal breathing during rhinitis, which is a frequent accompaniment of pharyngitis. | Acute rhinitis with respiratory infections. | Intolerance to components, dry inflammation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa. | Vasoconstrictor drops (sprays) are used in short courses to avoid addiction and the development of vasomotor rhinitis. |
| Bactericidal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory local application |
| Used as local therapy. They destroy microflora sensitive to active substances, apply locally as analgesics, and restore the integrity of the mucous membranes. | Inflammatory processes on the mucous membranes of the oropharynx. | Individual intolerance to the components, for aerosols - children under 2 years of age, for tablets and lozenges - children under 6 years of age. | Aerosols are not recommended for children under 2 years of age due to the risk of developing bronchospasm. Tablets and lozenges can be given to children from 6 years of age, when they already know how to dissolve them. It is correct to use bactericidal agents 1–2 hours before meals or 1–2 hours after. |
| Antitussives |
| Oppress cough center, relieve spasm, expand the lumen of the respiratory tract, making attacks of irritating cough during inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and oropharynx occur less frequently and become less intrusive. | Dry debilitating cough with respiratory diseases and bronchospasm | Individual sensitivity, should not be taken simultaneously with expectorants | Antitussives are produced not only in the form of syrups and tablets, but also in the form of fine inhalers that act locally, which is why the effect of their use wears off faster. |
| Expectorants |
| Stimulate the production and facilitate the removal of mucus from the respiratory tract. Some have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. | Diseases of the respiratory tract with the formation of viscous, difficult to separate sputum | Intolerance to components. Do not take simultaneously with antitussives. | Prescribed on the 3rd–4th day of the disease, when the swelling of the mucous membranes decreases. |
| Immunomodulators, antiviral |
| Immunomodulators activate the immune response to pathogenic microflora entering the body, antiviral drugs destroy cell membranes viruses and prevent their reproduction. | Immunomodulators are prescribed for frequent respiratory diseases in a child, as a prophylactic agent, and for acute respiratory viral infections - for the purpose of mobilization defense mechanisms body. Antiviral agents - for infection with influenza viruses, parainfluenza, rotavirus, coronavirus, herpes simplex virus, etc. | Individual intolerance | It is advisable to take antiviral drugs in the first days after infection. When the inflammatory process of viral origin has already started, there is no need to prescribe these medications. |
| Antibiotics |
| Broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs. Effective against pathogenic microflora sensitive to their active ingredients. | Bacterial infections caused by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. | For children under 6 years of age, antibiotics are prescribed in the form of a suspension. | |
| Lacto- and bifidobacteria |
| Drugs that regulate the balance of intestinal microflora | Dysbacteriosis, including those caused by taking antibiotics | Individual sensitivity | Prescribed while taking antibiotics to prevent dysbacteriosis, as well as in recovery period- to normalize intestinal microflora and strengthen the immune system. |
| Multivitamin complexes |
| They replenish the lack of vitamins and minerals in the body and strengthen the immune system. | Treatment of hypovitaminosis and avitaminosis, prevention of immune deficiency | Allergic reactions to components, hypervitaminosis. | They are prescribed in the acute period to activate the immune response, as well as in long-term courses for the purpose of prevention, more often during seasonal epidemics of acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections. |
| Homeopathy |
| More often it is combination drugs natural origin, having analgesic, sedative, bactericidal, anti-edematous, anti-inflammatory effects. | Symptomatic treatment and prevention of diseases of the oropharynx and upper respiratory tract. | Individual reaction to the components of the drugs. | Homeopathic remedies are effective only when prescribed individually by an experienced homeopathic physician, taking into account the characteristics of the course of the disease. Although some of them are successfully used by neonatologists and pediatricians to alleviate the condition of even their youngest patients (Viburkol, Homeovox, etc.). |
Systemic antibiotics for pharyngitis in children are usually prescribed when antiviral therapy and the use of local antiseptics do not give the desired effect. Or on the 5th day after the first symptoms of the disease appear if the clinical picture worsens.
At fungal infection mucous membranes of the pharynx (pharyngomycosis), antifungal therapy is necessarily indicated:
- Fluconazole (Itraconazole, Ketoconazole);
- or Levorin (Nystatin, Natamycin);
- or Terbinafine.
Photo gallery: drugs for complex therapy of childhood pharyngitis
Derinat - vasoconstrictor drops, also contribute to the restoration of mucous membranes Viburkol (suppositories) - a complex homeopathic preparation, has an antipyretic, analgesic, sedative effect, approved for infants 
Lizobakt - local antiseptic 
Panadol - antipyretic, active ingredient paracetamol 
Vitamins - multivitamins to strengthen the immune system 
Stoptussin - a herbal medicine for cough Bifiform - a drug for normalizing intestinal microflora Hexoral - a bactericidal agent for local use Alphabet - a multivitamin complex Augmentin - an antibacterial agent for systemic use 
Cetrin - prescribed to neutralize an allergic reaction, relieve swelling 
Claritin - antihistamine 
Lacidophilus - regulates intestinal microflora 
Lazolvan - has an expectorant effect Ambrobene - expectorant 
Lugol - local antiseptic 
Aconite is a homeopathic remedy used for acute pharyngitis Nurofen is an antipyretic with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory effect 
Arbinol - antiviral agent Vibrocil - has a vasoconstrictor and anti-allergenic effect Erespal - antitussive syrup 
Viferon suppositories stimulate the immune response to the invasion of foreign microflora into the body 
Suprax is an antibiotic for the treatment of pharyngitis caused by those sensitive to it active substance bacteria
As for antipyretic drugs, products containing acetylsalicylic acid are not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
Nasal drops Protargol and Collargol (colloidal silver solution) fight well against both viral and bacterial microflora. They reduce swelling and mucus production. Therefore, they are very often prescribed to children suffering from inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose and pharynx. The drugs differ in the concentration of silver in them. Protargol (silver up to 8.3%) is suitable for kids, Collargol (silver up to 70%) is suitable for older children.
Video: antiviral agents (Komarovsky E. O., children's doctor)
Inhalations
Inhalation therapy for diseases of the respiratory tract and nasopharynx in children is effective for several reasons.
Firstly. During the procedure, the mucous membranes are moistened, which helps normalize their function and eliminate subjective symptoms. discomfort in a sick child.
Secondly. The mucous membranes of the respiratory tract are cleared of mucus and dried crusts, which helps reduce their irritation. In this case, the cough, which is a reflex response to their presence in the respiratory tract, stops.
And thirdly. Using an inhaler medicines are delivered directly to the inflamed areas of the mucous membranes of the pharynx and act locally. In uncomplicated cases of the disease, this is quite sufficient, and systemic antibacterial drugs are not prescribed.
- steam inhalations (warm, but in no case hot steam);
- warm - coarse aerosol;
- nebulizer - fine spray.
Solutions for inhalation are prescribed as follows:
- saline solution with the addition of bronchodilators and antihistamines, hormonal and antibacterial agents;
- sea water preparations;
- alkaline mineral water(Borjomi or Narzan) or sodium chloride solution 1%;
- with decoctions or infusions of medicinal herbs (chamomile, calendula, sage) - in the absence of allergies;
- with oils (sea buckthorn, fir, thuja, eucalyptus) - in the absence of allergies;
- with the addition of propolis tincture (if the child does not have an allergic reaction to bee products);
- with furatsilin, etc.
Procedures are carried out 1–4 times a day, depending on the drugs used. In most cases, the basis for preparing solutions is saline solution (or alkaline mineral water). Before and after inhalation, you should not eat or drink for 1–2 hours.
Your child’s attending physician will tell you how to prepare solutions for inhalation, how many times a day to administer them, and how long the course of treatment will last.
Some solutions can also be used to rinse or irrigate the oropharynx.
For children who do not yet know how to gargle, it is irrigated using a small rubber syringe. In this case, the child’s head should be turned to one side and tilted slightly forward so that the solution can flow freely and not enter the respiratory tract.
Video: treating a throat - gargling (E. O. Komarovsky)
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapeutic procedures are carried out with the aim of stabilizing the condition of the mucous membranes and directing the inflammatory process towards regression. Some are designed to restore the normal state of the tissues and epidermis of the pharynx.
- It can be: heat therapy, paraffin therapy - local impact
- dry heat (heated salt, sand, paraffin);
- UVR - visible and invisible ultraviolet rays (topically on the throat, quartz tube of the nose) have a noticeable bactericidal effect;
- electrophoresis - when drugs are delivered directly to areas where the inflammatory process progresses, using a direct electric current, the therapeutic effect of drugs introduced into the body in this way is prolonged;
UHF - ultra-high frequency therapy has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, etc.
When lymphatic tissue grows (hypertrophic pharyngitis), it is cauterized with a laser, galvanic current or liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy).
Surgical intervention Possible with chronic pharyngitis - granulosa and hypertrophic. Tonsils in children are removed only according to indications - when frequent relapses
To restore nasal breathing when lymphatic tissue grows, adenotomy (adenoids are removed), polypotomy (polyps are removed), septoplasty (the shape of the nasal septum is corrected).
But again, emphasis should be placed on the fact that these operations are a last resort when conservative treatment does not bring the desired effect.
Folk remedies
At home, remedies prepared according to traditional medicine recipes will help speed up the child’s recovery. Many of them are recommended by certified physicians. And their effectiveness has been tested for more than one generation.
But you should not prescribe this or that drug to your child on your own. Be sure to consult with your doctor about the possibility of using any traditional recipe.
Garlic with honey for pharyngitis
Acts as an antiseptic and tonic. Use is only possible if the child is not allergic to honey or bee products.
Ingredients:
- garlic - 1 head (medium);
- honey (preferably linden) - 100 ml (or 0.5 cups).
Preparation.
- Peel the garlic.
- Grind using a garlic mince (you can grate it on a fine grater).
- Place in an enamel bowl.
- Fill with honey.
- Place in a water bath for 20 minutes - the garlic should dissolve in the honey.
- Then let the mixture sit, covered, for 30 minutes.
- Place the syrup in the water bath again for 10 minutes.
- Cool and strain.
- Store garlic syrup in a dark place.
Give your child 0.5–1 teaspoon (depending on age) 3–4 times a day, 30 minutes before meals, until his health improves.
Infusion of medicinal herbs for rinsing
Gargling during inflammatory processes in the oropharynx moisturizes the mucous membranes and disinfects them.
Ingredients:
- dry chamomile - 1 part;
- sage (dry raw materials) - 1 part;
- dried calendula flowers - 1 part;
- dried eucalyptus leaves - 1 part;
- water (boiling water) - 1 glass (200 ml).
Preparation.
- Prepare herbal tea, mixing chamomile, sage, calendula and eucalyptus in equal proportions.
- Take 1 tablespoon of the mixture (about 8–9 g), place it in a teapot (or a thermos), and pour boiling water over it.
- Leave for at least half an hour.
- Strain.
- Cool until the infusion is warm (not hot).
Let's rinse the baby herbal infusion throat 3-5 times a day. 1 hour before the procedure and 1 hour after the baby should not eat or drink anything.
Ginger tea
Relieves irritation in the throat, softens cough, strengthens the immune system.
Ingredients:
- fresh ginger root (chopped) - 1 tbsp. l. (10–12 g);
- water (boiling water) - 1 tbsp. (200 ml);
- lemon - 1 slice;
- honey - to taste (if there is no allergy).
Preparation.
- Pour boiling water over chopped ginger root (you can peel it and grate it).
- Leave covered for 30 minutes.
- Strain.
- Add a slice of lemon and honey to your tea.
Give the child warm, 2-3 times a day, 100-200 ml, depending on age, until the condition improves.
You can prepare ginger with milk for a child with a dry, irritating cough: 1 tbsp. l. grated ginger, pour 200 ml (1 tbsp.) of milk and boil for 20 minutes over low heat, cool, strain, divide the portion into 4 portions.
Rosehip tea
Restores and strengthens the back wall of the pharyngeal mucosa. You can also add medicinal herbs (sage, lemon balm, Linden blossom) and viburnum berries (prepare the collection in equal proportions and take 1 tbsp per 250 ml of water). Then the drink will acquire antiseptic and immunomodulatory properties.
Ingredients:
- rose hips - 1 tbsp. l. (10–12 g);
- water (boiling water) - 200 ml (1 tbsp.);
- honey - to taste (if there is no allergy);
- sea buckthorn oil - 1–2 drops.
Preparation.
- Place rose hips in a thermos and pour boiling water over them.
- Leave for at least 2 hours.
- Strain.
- Before giving it to your child, add honey and sea buckthorn oil to the tea.
A child should drink this tea 1-2 times a day, 100-200 ml, for 2-3 months.
Potato-honey flatbread
Modern doctors do not recommend alcohol compresses, as well as mustard plasters and cups for use by children. But no one doubts the effectiveness and safety of the good old potato cake.
When preparing honey-potato cake, you can add 0.5 tsp. mustard powder. But keep in mind that then the child will feel a burning sensation during the procedure. Therefore, for children under 6 years old, it is better to make flatbreads only with potatoes and honey - without mustard
Ingredients:
- potato tubers (medium size) - 2 pcs.;
- honey - 2 tsp. (8 g).
Preparation.
- Wash the potatoes and boil them in their skins until tender.
- Cool it so it is not hot.
- Place the tuber on inside wrists for a while: you should feel a pleasant warmth, but not a burning sensation.
- Mash the potatoes with a fork and mix them with honey.
- Form into 2 flatbreads.
- Place one on the front of the child’s neck (but without affecting the thyroid gland).
- The other is on the chest, in the middle, where the bronchi are (circling around the heart area).
- Cover both tortillas with wax paper or just plastic bag, wrap the application areas with a warm scarf.
The duration of the procedure is 30–40 minutes. When you remove the cakes, grease the skin under them well with goose fat (goat fat, badger fat).
At adequate treatment pharyngitis in children is cured in 1–2 weeks. The disease rarely becomes chronic. But the main condition for this is timely detection and competent therapy. primary disease, the consequence of which is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the oropharynx.
Children, especially children under 2–3 years old, get pharyngitis quite often. But this disease is quite treatable at home. Consultation with a doctor is required. Its symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory diseases. Therefore, only timely accurate diagnosis and competent therapy can prevent the development of complications.
Pharyngitis is an acute respiratory disease manifested by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the pharynx.
Causes
More often the disease is of viral origin. It can be triggered by influenza virus, parainfluenza, rhinosyncytial virus, adenovirus, parvovirus, coronavirus, etc. Cases are not uncommon bacterial pharyngitis. The most common bacteria are staphylococci, streptococci, and pneumococci. Less commonly, infection with fungi (mainly Candida) leads to the development of inflammation.
Predisposing factors
- General hypothermia. Most cases of the disease are recorded after general hypothermia of the child’s body;
- local hypothermia. Pharyngitis often occurs in children who like to eat ice cream, chilled drinks, cottage cheese and yoghurt from the refrigerator;
- decreased immunity. During periods long-term stress(for example, when passing exams), after persistent physical activity, during diets, the body's resistance to various infections decreases.
- foci of chronic infection. Dental caries, chronic inflammation of the tonsils, nasal mucosa, and paranasal sinuses are all foci of infection. With the flow of blood or lymph, microorganisms that cause these diseases can penetrate into any organ (including the pharynx) and lead to inflammation;
- early childhood. Acute pharyngitis is more often diagnosed in preschool and younger children school age. After 10-12 years, its incidence becomes lower.
Symptoms
Acute pharyngitis is manifested by pain in the throat when swallowing, increased body temperature, weakness, and increased fatigue. With adeno viral infection o.pharyngitis is combined with inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eyes, mucous or purulent discharge from them. With enterovirus, abdominal pain, vomiting, and loose stool. During an infection caused by coronavirus, the patient's body may appear pinpoint rash, which goes away after recovery from ARVI.
In children younger age general symptoms predominate: they become lethargic and moody. Their sleep deteriorates, their appetite disappears, and their temperature rises.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis in most cases is made immediately after examination. The back wall of the pharynx becomes swollen and turns bright red. Often thick, white mucus drains from the nose (with nasopharyngitis). Posterior wall graining may be noted.
With pharyngitis, regional groups of lymph nodes become inflamed: cervical, submandibular, chin. They increase in size and become denser. When examining them, the patient may experience a feeling of pain.
In a clinical blood test, inflammation is detected: the level of leukocytes increases, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) increases, and a shift towards younger forms of leukocytes appears. An increase in the level of neutrophils suggests bacterial cause diseases, according to an increase in the number of lymphocytes, viral etiology.
To establish the specific type of pathogen, a culture of discharge from the back wall of the pharynx is performed. The sensitivity of the microorganism to different groups antibiotics.
Treatment
- Drink plenty of fluids. Drinks with a high content of vitamin C are recommended: cranberry juice, blackcurrant compote, orange drink. If the child does not drink them, then mineral water without gases, warm tea, and juices are suitable.
- Vitaminized, easily digestible food. Considering that the main symptom of pharyngitis is severe pain in the throat when swallowing, hard, irritating foods should be excluded from the child’s diet.
The baby should receive a first course every day. It is better if it is light, chicken soup without frying.
Of the second courses, it is better to give preference to mashed potatoes, steamed cutlets, and milk porridges.
Fruits (especially oranges, tangerines, kiwis) and vegetables are recommended in large quantities. - Antiviral therapy. In many cases, pharyngitis is a manifestation of ARVI, so antiviral drugs are successfully used in its treatment.
In young children, products produced in the form of rectal suppositories. This is Viferon, Kipferon. The course of treatment with them is 5 days.
From 6 months of age, Anaferon for children and Ergoferon are approved for use. They are accepted according to a special scheme. On the first day, the child should receive 7 tablets; on the second and subsequent days, the drug is used 1 t*3 times a day. The tablets dissolve in water and are given to the child regardless of meal time.
From 3 years of age it is possible to take tablets: Kagocel (course of treatment 4 days), Arbidol (5 days).
- Antibacterial therapy. In cases where the bacterial nature of the disease is suspected (an increase in the level of neutrophils in the blood, the ineffectiveness of antiviral drugs for 3 days, etc.), it is necessary to start taking antibiotics.
Children under one year of age are often prescribed Flemoxin-Solutab (in the form soluble tablets for oral administration), Augmentin, Sumamed, Suprax (in the form of suspensions for the preparation of syrup). At older ages, these drugs are prescribed in tablets.
In case of severe intoxication (high temperature, severe drowsiness of the child, serious abnormalities in blood tests), injectable antibacterial drugs are recommended (for example, Ceftriaxone, Cefazolin, Amikacin).
- Preparations for topical use.
Drops for oral administration
These drugs include Tonzilgon-N. This is the only one medicinal product for local treatment of mucous membranes, approved for use in children under one year of age. It is available in the form of drops, which are dosed depending on age. The drug has a combined herbal composition. Like all tinctures, Tonsilgon-N is produced in alcohol. The alcohol it contains is not absorbed into the child’s general bloodstream, but only has a local warming effect on the tonsils and pharyngeal walls.
Medicinal aerosols
They contain various antiseptics. Most aerosols are approved for use from 5 years of age. This is due to the fact that when treating the oral cavity with a spray, a young child may reflexively stop breathing. However, if the child does not belong to the group of allergy sufferers, then these drugs may be recommended to him earlier than the specified period.
Of the aerosols for pharyngitis, the most commonly prescribed are Miramistin, Hexoral, Tantum Verde, Lugol (iodine-based), Bioparox. Bioparox has a local antibacterial effect, so its use is justified when bacterial infections. Miramistin is a spray that has no obvious medicinal taste or odor. It tastes like water. Children tolerate it well. Miramistin can be prescribed from an early age. The only condition for its use is the child’s ability to open his mouth wide at the request of an adult. Otherwise, instead of irrigating the back wall of the pharynx, which becomes inflamed with pharyngitis, parents will treat only the back of the tongue.
Rinse solutions
Solutions can be herbal and made independently or medical.
For preparing a solution at home, common chamomile, calendula, and linden flowers are well suited. These medicinal plants have a slight antiseptic effect. You need to rinse the oropharynx with such infusions or decoctions 5-6 times a day.
Among specialized rinsing agents, they are widely used water solution Furacillin, Chlorhexidine. Increasingly, for pharyngitis, Hexoral in solution is used, which has wide range actions (including it has an antifungal effect), Miramistin.
Preparations for resorption
Lollipops, tablets for local treatment prescribed to children from 4-5 years of age. Such drugs include Grammidin, Faringosept, Falimint.
They have a certain medicinal taste, so it all depends on the organoleptic characteristics of the drug and the individual preference of the child. For example, Faringosept has a more pleasant, sweet taste, and children absorb it more readily than others.
Prevention
- exclude general and local hypothermia of the child,
- minimize contact with sick people,
- pay attention to hardening, strengthening the immune system,
- timely and correct treatment of viral infections,
- do not self-medicate, especially uncontrolled use of antibacterial agents.
Pharyngitis is a respiratory disease that every person experiences at least once in their life. It is important to approach its treatment competently, it is better if this is done by a qualified pediatrician or pediatric otolaryngologist (ENT).
With the wrong treatment approach, intermittent (not course) use of antibiotics, or irregular local treatment, it is possible to artificially create resistance of microorganisms to the therapy received. In the future, select effective treatment it will be much more difficult for such a patient, and the risk of transition acute form diseases into chronic ones will increase significantly.
– an infectious-inflammatory process in the mucous membrane and lymphoid tissue of the oropharynx. Pharyngitis in children occurs with symptoms of dryness, burning, rawness, sore throat, coughing, and hoarseness. Diagnosis of pharyngitis in children is based on the pharyngoscopy picture and results microbiological research swab from the back of the throat. For pharyngitis in children, local therapy is usually carried out: gargling, lubricating the mucous membrane of the back of the throat with antiseptics, inhalation, irrigating the throat with aerosols.
General information
Pharyngitis in children is a manifestation of an acute respiratory infection that occurs with inflammation of the mucous membrane and lymphoid structures of the posterior pharyngeal wall. In frequently ill children, pharyngitis accounts for about 40% of all cases of morbidity. In otolaryngology, chronic pharyngitis in children accounts for 9% of the total number of upper respiratory tract diseases. Given the tendency of children to diffuse damage to the respiratory tract, pharyngitis in a child is often combined with rhinitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis.
Causes
As an independent nosology, pharyngitis in children develops with the direct impact of infectious pathogens on the pharyngeal mucosa. In addition, acute pharyngitis can serve as one of the manifestations of inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, general infections, intestinal infections, etc.
The greatest role in the etiology of pharyngitis in children belongs to viral infections (influenza and herpes viruses, adenoviruses, enteroviruses) and bacterial microorganisms (Haemophilus influenzae, moraxella, streptococci of groups A, C, G, diplococci, corynebacteria diphtheria), fungi, intracellular agents (mycoplasma, chlamydia). Acute pharyngitis of viral etiology in children accounts for 70% of cases, bacterial and others - 30%.
Acute pharyngitis in children can accompany the clinical course of ARVI, infectious mononucleosis, measles, scarlet fever. In some cases, the cause of pharyngitis in children may be burns and foreign bodies in the pharynx. Chronic pharyngitis in children is usually associated with other inflammatory diseases ENT organs (rhinitis, adenoiditis, sinusitis, stomatitis, tonsillitis, chronic tonsillitis), caries, dysbacteriosis, gastroesophageal reflux, allergic reactions. Tonsillectomy, performed at the age of 3-7 years, during the period of active immunogenesis, can stimulate compensatory hypertrophy of the lymphoid tissue of the posterior pharyngeal wall and the development of chronic pharyngitis in children.
The occurrence of pharyngitis in a child is predisposed by general and local hypothermia, exposure to the pharyngeal mucosa of various irritants (tobacco smoke, spicy food, cold or dusty air, etc.), constitutional anomalies, hypovitaminosis (vitamin A deficiency), endocrine disorders (hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus). ).
Classification
Based on the nature of inflammation of the pharyngeal tissues, acute (lasting up to 1 month), protracted (lasting more than 1 month) and chronic pharyngitis in children (lasting more than 6 months with frequent exacerbations) are distinguished. Chronic pharyngitis in children can occur in catarrhal, hyperplastic (granulosa) and atrophic forms.
Since viral and bacterial agents have a tropism for the epithelium of the upper and lower respiratory tract, pharyngitis in children usually occurs not in an isolated form, but in the form of nasopharyngitis, pharyngolaryngitis, pharyngotracheitis, and pharyngobronchitis.
Taking into account the influencing etiological factors pharyngitis in children can be viral, bacterial, fungal, allergic, or traumatic in nature.
Symptoms of pharyngitis in children
Signs of acute pharyngitis in children are a sudden burning sensation, dryness, soreness, rawness and pain in the throat when swallowing. Characterized by a shallow cough and hoarseness. Body temperature may be normal or low-grade; if pharyngitis in a child develops against the background of a viral infection, the temperature is usually high due to the underlying disease, headache, intoxication syndrome, and regional lymphadenitis are pronounced. In infants, pharyngitis is much more severe; in this case, general symptoms predominate: severe fever, sleep disturbance, decreased appetite, salivation, dysphagia, dyspepsia, runny nose, conjunctivitis, rash on the body.
The pharyngoscopic picture is characterized by bright hyperemia and pronounced vascular injection of the posterior wall of the pharynx, velopharyngeal arches, and soft palate; the presence of protruding inflamed follicles in the form of red grains. With lateral pharyngitis in children, hyperemia and edema involve the lateral ridges of the pharynx and uvula.
Severe acute bacterial pharyngitis in children may be complicated by the development of a retropharyngeal abscess, purulent otitis media or purulent mediastinitis.
With chronic catarrhal pharyngitis, children are bothered by discomfort and the sensation of a foreign body in the throat, and an obsessive cough. Upon examination, the mucosa is loosened, diffusely infiltrated and hyperemic.
Chronic hyperplastic pharyngitis is characterized by hyperplasia of the epithelium, submucosal layer and lymphoid elements. Children complain of sore and dry throat, accumulation of viscous mucous secretion with the urge to vomit, pain when swallowing, radiating to the ear. Hyperemia of the mucous membrane is moderate, but against this background there is noticeable thickening of the mucous membrane and lateral ridges, the presence of lymphoid granules or strands of lymphoid tissue, sometimes blocking the mouths of the auditory tubes and leading to the development of conductive hearing loss in children.
Atrophic pharyngitis in childhood is rare and almost never occurs in isolation. It is usually accompanied by atrophic rhinitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, and clinical course accompanied by an obsessive dry cough and voice disturbance such as dysphonia. Endoscopy of the pharynx in children reveals a pale, dry (with a “varnish shine”), thinned mucous membrane with translucent vessels, dried and difficult to remove crusts.
Subjective symptoms of fungal pharyngitis in children (pharyngomycosis) do not differ from catarrhal and hyperplastic forms. Objectively, cracks and erosions in the corners of the mouth (candida seizures), enlargement of the posterior cervical lymph nodes, and a cheesy coating in the posterior wall of the pharynx, under which a bright red, often eroded, mucous membrane is visible, are often detected.
Diagnostics
Recognizing pharyngitis in children is not difficult, but it should be distinguished from catarrhal tonsillitis, diphtheria and others infectious diseases. Therefore, a child with pharyngitis should be consulted by a pediatrician, pediatric otolaryngologist, pediatric infectious disease specialist, and pediatric allergist-immunologist.
When diagnosing pharyngitis in children, data from the anamnesis and pharyngoscopy picture are taken into account. To identify concomitant pharyngitis in children inflammatory processes Auscultation, rhinoscopy, otoscopy are performed. Examination of a smear from the pharynx for microflora makes it possible to clarify the causative agent of the infection in order to select etiopathogenetic therapy.
Treatment of pharyngitis in children
As a rule, for pharyngitis in children, they are limited to the prescription of local therapy. During acute inflammation, irritating foods (spicy, sour, cold, hot) and exposure to nicotine should be excluded from the diet, comfortable temperature and humidity levels in the room should be ensured, and voice strain should be limited.
Local treatment of pharyngitis in children includes disinfectant gargles (herbal decoctions, antiseptics), treatment of the back of the throat with drugs (Lugol's solutions, iodinol, etc.), medicinal and alkaline inhalations, spraying anti-inflammatory aerosols, resorption of lozenges with an antibacterial, softening, analgesic effect . Young children who cannot rinse their mouths or dissolve tablets are prescribed plenty of fluids and endopharyngeal instillation of antiseptics. If there is a threat of bacterial complications (descending infection, rheumatism), systemic antimicrobial therapy is indicated.
In case of severe hyperplasia of lymphoid tissue, laser treatment is performed on the granules of the pharynx, OKUF therapy. Treatment chronic tonsillitis in children can be carried out under the supervision of a pediatric homeopath.
Prognosis and prevention
With acute pharyngitis, children usually recover within 7-14 days. As part of the treatment of chronic pharyngitis in children, it is necessary to resort to regular symptomatic therapy or surgical tactics.
As measures to prevent pharyngitis in children, hardening procedures, strengthening the immune system, carrying out specific vaccine prevention of infections, maintaining a favorable indoor microclimate, and a nutritious diet are recommended. A child should not be allowed to develop chronic ENT pathology; It is necessary to treat diseases of the teeth, gums, and gastrointestinal tract in a timely manner.
