Acute pharyngitis in children: symptoms and treatment. Causes, symptoms and treatment of pharyngitis in children Treatment of pharyngitis in a 7-year-old child

Acute pharyngitis is an inflammatory process that develops in the larynx. The disease provokes severe swelling of the mucous membranes and pain.

Children of preschool and primary school age are at risk. In the absence of timely treatment, acute pharyngitis can become chronic.

Symptoms and treatment of acute pharyngitis in children have a number of features. Further prognosis will depend on a correctly designed course of therapy.

General concept and characteristics

Acute pharyngitis belongs to the category infectious and inflammatory diseases, affecting lymphoid tissue and mucous membranes of the oropharynx. A pathology with characteristic symptoms develops.

In most cases, the disease in children is provoked by complications after respiratory infections.

In the absence of timely treatment, pharyngitis can cause the development of additional diseases (, etc.).

Causes of the disease

As independent disease acute pharyngitis develops rarely.

Most often, the pathology becomes a complication of infectious processes progressing in the child’s body.

The factors that provoke the disease in an infant or older child can be not only respiratory tract diseases, but also intestinal infections. The risk of developing acute pharyngitis increases in the presence of negative external influences on the body of a small patient.

provoke Acute pharyngitis can be caused by the following factors:

1. Constant inhalation of polluted air by the child.
2. Progression of infectious diseases in the body.
3. Untimely and inadequate treatment of diseases of a viral and bacterial nature.
4. Low level of protective functions of the child’s body.
5. Complications of allergic reactions.
6. Frequent and excessive hypothermia of the child.
7. Consequences of endocrine disorders that reduce immunity.
8. Critical lack of vitamins in the child’s body.

Symptoms and signs

Acute pharyngitis in a child - photo of the throat:

The symptoms of acute pharyngitis depend on the disease against which the pathology arose, as well as on individual characteristics of the body child. When additional infections occur, the little patient’s condition worsens and is accompanied by an increase in body temperature.

If acute pharyngitis occurs against the backdrop of a progressive allergic reaction, then additional symptoms may include a rash on the skin and swelling of the mucous membranes of the eyes and nasal cavity.

Symptoms The following conditions can cause acute pharyngitis:

• increased body temperature (up to 38 degrees);
• painful swallowing;
• dryness and swelling of the mucous membranes of the larynx;
• whitish discharge on the mucous membranes of the oropharynx;
• and drowsiness;
• soreness and tingling in the throat;
• decreased or lack of appetite;
• enlargement and inflammation of the lymph nodes;
• pronounced vascular injection of the palate and posterior pharyngeal wall;
• sensation of a foreign body in the throat, causing a cough;
• inflammation in the form of red grains on the mucous membranes of the oropharynx;
• and voice disorder;
• stuffy ears and hearing loss.

Complications and consequences

Complications of acute pharyngitis may pose a threat to life child.

The inflammatory process quickly spreads to the respiratory organs and disrupts their functioning.

In addition, with pharyngitis the immune system the child significantly reduces its functions.

The small patient becomes vulnerable to viruses and bacteria. The disease may be accompanied by additional infections that complicate the therapy and recovery process of the child.

Consequences Acute pharyngitis can cause the following complications:

• spicy and ;
• cervical;
• peritonsillar abscess;
• tracheitis and;
• retropharyngeal abscess;
• respiratory failure;
• inflammation of the auditory tube;
• outbreak of fungal infection.

Diagnostics

Symptoms of acute pharyngitis may resemble diphtheria or catarrhal tonsillitis. The task of diagnosis is not only to determine the degree of the inflammatory process and confirm the diagnosis, but also to exclude the presence of these pathologies in the child.

In most cases, acute pharyngitis is detected during a visual examination of the oropharynx of a small patient, but other methods of examining the child may be prescribed.

At diagnostics The following procedures apply:

• auscultation;
• throat swab for microflora;
• virological studies;
• rhinoscopy;
• otoscopy;
• consultation with relevant specialists.

Treatment methods

Therapy for acute pharyngitis includes not only taking medications of certain categories, but also following additional rules that allow speed up recovery child.

You can supplement the main course of therapy with some options folk remedies, strengthening the immune system of a small patient and eliminating painful symptoms in the throat.

When treating acute pharyngitis, a child may be prescribed the following: medicines:

Inhalations are very effective in the treatment of acute pharyngitis. Such procedures can be carried out in medical institutions or at home (using a nebulizer).

The method eliminates the symptoms of the disease and speeds up the healing process little patient.

As solutions can be used for inhalation herbal decoctions, Berodual, Pulmicort, Dexamethasone and other drugs. Before starting the procedures, it is recommended to agree on the method with your doctor.

Folk remedies

Examples of folk remedies for the treatment of acute pharyngitis:

Indications for surgery

If there are complications of acute pharyngitis, surgery may be necessary. The main indication for surgery is lack of effectiveness of conservative therapy and the development of complications of the pathological process.

Inflammation with pharyngitis can spread to the tonsils and cause suppuration of the granules. If such a consequence occurs, then surgical intervention will be aimed at removing them.

Doctor Komarovsky's opinion

Uncontrolled use of antibiotics can significantly disrupt the functioning of a child’s body. This category of drugs is prescribed only in the presence of a bacterial nature inflammatory process. For other etiologies of pharyngitis, the use of antibiotics is unacceptable.

Dr. Komarovsky additionally gives the following: recommendations:

Prevention

The main measure to prevent acute pharyngitis in children is control of the level of protective functions of the body. If the immune system does not work fully, then the risk of developing complications even after colds will increase.

Chronic pharyngitis can accompany every attack on a small patient’s body by viruses or bacteria. The treatment process will take a long time, and the respiratory system will be constantly subject to inflammation.

Prevention measures acute pharyngitis are the following recommendations:

Treatment of acute pharyngitis in most cases limited to 7-14 days. After proper therapy, the little patient recovers completely.

If the course of treatment was carried out incorrectly or was completed prematurely, then there is a risk of developing chronic pharyngitis.

How and with what to treat acute pharyngitis in children? Find out from the video:

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

Pharyngitis is more common in children than in adults due to the weakness of the children's immune system. Symptoms of pharyngitis in children begin immediately - on the first or second day of the disease and usually manifest themselves in the form of redness of the throat.

Pharyngitis can be an independent disease (with viral lesions), but much more often in children it develops secondarily, that is, it is a consequence of another underlying disease.

To consolidate the treatment of acute pharyngitis during the recovery period, as well as to treat chronic pharyngitis, lubricating the pharynx with solutions of Lugol, protargol, propolis, etc. is used.

In situations where pharyngitis develops in children: treatment involves carrying out the activities described in this article.

How to treat pharyngitis in children? The disease usually goes away on its own without treatment within a few days. However, treatment can speed up the recovery of a sick child.

Pharyngitis, treatment in a child

Pharyngitis- inflammation of the pharynx, or rather, its back wall, is rarely an independent disease, but is, as a rule, a symptom of respiratory infections. Chronic pharyngitis is associated with stomach diseases and is often the result of reflux of gastric contents, especially at night. This disease responds well to traditional treatment; recipes based on traditional medicine can relieve soreness, pain when coughing, and symptoms.

In children under 2 years of age, pharyngitis is more severe. The disease is often combined with inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and acute catarrhal rhinitis.

And now a little about the symptoms themselves and folk treatment of pharyngitis. In acute pharyngitis, symptoms include a sore throat (especially when swallowing), a dry cough, and discharge of mucus or pus. Acute pharyngitis often develops after hypothermia, ingestion of cold or too hot food, or inhalation of irritating gases and dust. Patients complain of sore throat and sore throat, dry and sometimes painful cough. Symptoms of chronic pharyngitis are less pronounced. Patients complain of a dry or sore throat and a dry, painful cough. With exacerbation, the symptoms of chronic pharyngitis resemble those of acute pharyngitis.

Symptoms of pharyngitis

Symptoms and treatment of acute pharyngitis in a child. Pharyngitis is a fairly common disease and occurs in a variety of forms. According to localization, it can be superficial - the mucous membrane of the pharynx suffers - this is a catarrhal form. Damage to the lymphadenoid elements located in a deeper layer, under the mucous membrane, is another form called granulosa pharyngitis.

Pharyngitis can be limited, for example, to the area of ​​the lateral ridges and more widespread throughout the posterior wall of the pharynx. The nature of inflammation can be acute, subacute and chronic. Pharyngitis can be an independent disease (with viral lesions), but much more often in children it develops secondarily, that is, it is a consequence of another underlying disease. Typically, such pharyngitis is a symptom of acute or subacute adenoiditis, tonsillitis, or exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis.

There are complaints of discomfort in the throat ("sore throat"), pain, which in most cases is insignificant, but sometimes very sharp and accompanied by a rise in body temperature to 38 ° C.

Acute pharyngitis in young children is severe, with high fever and pronounced general symptoms: adynamia (severe lethargy), lack of appetite, sleep disturbance, increased ESR to 25-30 mm/h. However, it must be considered that in these cases the disease should be regarded as acute adenoiditis with corresponding symptoms.

The diagnosis is made based on examination of the pharynx: there is hyperemia (redness), swelling and infiltration of the mucous membrane of the posterior wall of the pharynx, velopharyngeal arches, and sometimes the soft palate. With lateral pharyngitis, hyperemia and swelling of the lateral ridges of the pharynx are determined.

Viral pharyngitis is usually observed in acute viral respiratory diseases. Characterized by extensive bright red hyperemia, involving the palatine tonsils and soft palate. Sometimes red dots (pinpoint hemorrhages) or blisters appear on the mucous membrane of the back of the throat.

Local sensations are represented by a dry, irritating cough for 2-3 days, which gradually subsides. General manifestations may be absent. When a secondary infection occurs, the signs of the disease change accordingly.

Acute pharyngitis is an acute inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa - a common manifestation of acute respiratory diseases. As a rule, with pharyngitis, children complain of pain, discomfort in the throat (burning, soreness, itching), coughing, and sometimes itching and pain in the ears. Infants cannot complain of being unwell, but attentive parents pay attention to restless behavior, sleep disturbances, and worsening appetite. Pharyngitis can be combined with other manifestations of acute respiratory infections, such as runny nose, cough, fever, conjunctivitis.

It should be noted that acute pharyngitis is rarely an isolated disease. It is usually combined with other upper respiratory tract diseases. In children under 2 years of age, the disease is more severe and is often combined with inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and acute catarrhal rhinitis. In this case, symptoms of acute rhinitis will be observed - impaired nasal breathing, copious mucous or mucopurulent discharge from the nose.

Treatment of pharyngitis

Treatment is carried out by an ENT doctor at a clinic or a pediatrician.

Therapeutic measures for pharyngitis include the following manipulations.

In case of acute and exacerbation of chronic pharyngitis, not accompanied by pronounced disorders of the general condition, symptomatic treatment is sufficient, including a gentle diet, hot foot baths, warm compresses on the front surface of the neck, milk with honey, steam inhalations and gargling.

In children under 2 years of age the disease is more severe and is often combined with inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and acute catarrhal rhinitis.

Treatment of pharyngitis in children under two years of age involves dry warming of the neck, plenty of warm drinks and taking mild restoratives.

How to properly treat a child with a sore throat: Selecting medications for children is not easy, since many of the drugs that are successfully used by adults are contraindicated for children, or do not have all the necessary properties. In most cases, throat diseases cause erosive damage to the mucous membrane of the oropharynx and the appearance of epithelial defects. The faster these defects are eliminated, the faster the unpleasant symptoms will disappear and recovery will occur. Conventional drugs are not able to restore the damaged integrity of the mucous membranes of the oropharynx. Drugs that can perform this task include Derinat, which, in addition to antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and immunomodulatory properties, also has a pronounced reparative effect, that is, it restores the integrity of the epithelium and its protective functions. Thanks to these properties, the drug helps at all stages of the disease. The most convenient way to treat a throat is to use the drug Derinat in the form of a spray. Derinat speeds up the healing process, strengthens the immune system, which prevents possible recurrence of the disease.

Treatment of cough in infants and children under 1 year of age at home is quite difficult. Very few folk remedies are suitable for this. The softest and safest remedy for infants is compresses. And also massage. Compresses should not be used at elevated temperatures.

Compresses for infants with pharyngitis

Honey mustard scone
This folk remedy will help cure a cough in an infant. You need to mix equal amounts of honey, mustard powder, flour, vegetable oil, vodka, divide into two parts, place on a cloth, apply to the chest and back. Secure with a bandage and put on pajamas. This compress can be left overnight if cough is being treated in children under 1 year of age - for two hours. And it’s even better to do this: for the first use, leave it for two hours, if the child tolerated this remedy well and there are no allergic reactions on the skin, then leave this compress on all night

Compress for a child’s cough with honey and fat.
Mix 2 tbsp. honey, vodka, pork or goose fat. Rub this mixture onto the child's chest, back, feet, wrap the torso in a warm diaper, put on socks and put him to bed.

Potato compress.
Boil finely chopped potatoes (better yet, peel them), drain the water, put them in a plastic bag, tie them, then wrap them in several layers of cloth and secure them on your chest. We must make sure that it is not hot, but pleasant. The temperature of the compress can be adjusted by layers of fabric - as it cools, remove excess layers. Warm the baby's chest for 1 hour. After several procedures, the cough goes away.

Treatment of cough in infants

Mustard wraps

Treatment of cough in infants

In addition to compresses, treatment of cough in infants and children under one year of age requires the following measures:
1. Do not limit the child’s mobility - movements promote the discharge of sputum and help cleanse the bronchi of mucus.
2. Take the baby in your arms more often, pat it gently on the back, this will also improve bronchial drainage
3. To quickly cure a baby’s cough, let him drink warm water as often as possible.
4. Get a massage. You can use vegetable oil or massage creams to treat colds in children. You can do a light honey massage. Foot massage is very useful.
5. Humidify the air in the room where the sick baby is, use a special device for this, in winter you can hang a damp cloth on the radiator, or even better, go into the bathtub where the shower was previously running. Moist air will improve the baby's condition.

Mustard wraps
Treatment of cough in children under 1 year of age can be carried out using mustard wraps. This is safer than mustard plasters, which are used to treat coughs in older people.
1 tbsp. l. dissolve dry mustard in 500 ml of warm water, moisten 4 layers of gauze in the solution and wrap the baby’s body, or place the cloth on the back. Wrap a towel on top and cover with a blanket. After 5 minutes, remove the compress and wipe the skin with warm water. After 4 such procedures, the child’s dry cough goes away

Treatment of pharyngitis at home

Irritating foods (hot, cold, sour, spicy, salty) are excluded from the diet; plenty of warm drinks are recommended - tea with lemon, milk with mineral water, etc.

Treatmentpharyngitisatchildrenfolkmeans: Gargling with antiseptic, herbal solutions (for example, a solution of 1% chlorophyllipt, rotokan, sea salt, eucalyptus, etc.) 3 - 4 times a day after meals. However, this is only possible in children older than 2-3 years. Who already know how to gargle.

The following herbal infusions are most effective for gargling:

1. Calendula flowers, plantain leaves, sage leaves, chamomile flowers.

2. Chamomile flowers, oregano herb, sage leaves, St. John's wort herb

3. Dandelion flowers, plantain leaves, birch leaves, pine buds.

Preparation of fees 1-3:

Mix the components in equal parts. 1 tbsp. collection, pour 1 cup of boiling water, boil for 3 minutes over low heat, leave for 1 hour, strain.

4. Oak bark - 2 parts, linden flowers - 1 part

5. Linden flowers - 2 parts, chamomile flowers - 3 parts

Preparation of fees 4-5:

Brew 1 teaspoon of the mixture in 1 glass of boiling water, strain, and cool.

Rinse with warm infusion 5-6 times a day.

To gargle, you can use pharmacy tincture of eucalyptus - 20-30 drops per glass of warm water and eucalyptus oil - 15-20 drops per glass.

Irrigation of the pharynx with antiseptic or antibiotic-containing aerosols (a list by age is given below) 2-3 doses 2-4 times a day. Alternate gargling with herbal infusions and antiseptic solutions.

Gargling should be combined with inhalations. For inhalation, you can use an infusion of the following herbs: St. John's wort, mint herb, sage leaves, coltsfoot leaves, oregano herb, wild rosemary herb, chamomile flowers, eucalyptus leaves, plantain leaf. It is better to use a mixture of 2-3 herbs. The infusion is prepared as in collections 1-3.

1. Linden flowers, raspberries (if there are no allergies).

2. Raspberry berries - 2 parts, black currant leaves - 2 parts, coltsfoot leaves - 1 part, oregano herb - 1 part.

3. Plantain leaves, linden flowers, raspberries, anise.

Preparation: pour 1 tablespoon of the mixture with 1 glass of boiling water, boil for 3-5 minutes, leave for 30 minutes. Drink the decoction in 2 doses (1/2 cup each) with an interval of 2 hours.

Resorption of tablets or lozenges with antibacterial, analgesic, emollient substances (faringosept, falimint, strepsils, laripront, etc.), in children over 5 years old.

For bacterial pharyngitis, systemic antibiotics are necessary. Antibacterial therapy is justified only if the etiology of the disease is known or suspected to be streptococcal. Unjustified antibacterial therapy contributes to the development of resistance to antibiotics, and can also be complicated by adverse drug reactions. Antibiotics, if necessary, will be prescribed to you by your doctor!

Infants and young children cannot gargle or swallow tablets, so they are only prescribed to drink plenty of fluids and irrigate the throat with an antiseptic. It should be noted that children under two years of age should use all aerosols with caution due to the possibility of developing a spasm of the glottis.

Rinse method: take one sip of the prepared solution, clearly pronouncing the letter “O” or “E”, gargle, then spit out the solution. Rinse 3-4 times a day after meals.

For influenza, rimantadine is prescribed, for herpes infection - acyclovir.

For bacterial pharyngitis, local antibacterial drugs are prescribed - Bioparox (4 inhalations in the mouth every 4 hours) or Hexasprey (2 injections 3 times a day). The limitation for the use of these drugs is age up to 2.5 years (laryngospasm may develop).

The drug Yox, an otorhinolaryngological disinfectant containing polyvidone iodine, which releases active iodine upon contact with the mucous membrane, has a good therapeutic effect. Iodine, in turn, has a wide spectrum of antimicrobial effects; in addition, iodine accelerates the process of cleansing the mucous membranes of necrotic tissue (plaques). Yox also has an anesthetic (pain-relieving) effect.

Prevention: hardening the body, eliminating harmful factors, restoring impaired nasal breathing, increasing the body's defenses (use of immunocorrector drugs)

Chronic pharyngitis is often not an independent disease, but a manifestation of the pathology of the entire gastrointestinal tract: chronic atrophic gastritis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis. The entry of acidic gastric contents into the pharynx during sleep with gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernia is often a hidden cause of the development of chronic catarrhal pharyngitis, and in this case, without eliminating the underlying cause of the disease, any local treatment methods provide an insufficient and short-lived effect. Smoking (and passive smoking too) and tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils) lead to the development of atrophic changes in the pharyngeal mucosa.

Pharyngitis often develops with constantly difficult nasal breathing. It can be caused not only by switching to mouth breathing, but also by the abuse of vasoconstrictor drops, which flow from the nasal cavity into the pharynx and have an unnecessary anemic effect there. Symptoms of pharyngitis may be present with the so-called postnasal drip (postnasal drip). In this case, discomfort in the throat is associated with the flow of pathological secretions from the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses along the back wall of the pharynx. In addition to constant coughing, this condition can cause wheezing in children, which requires differential diagnosis with bronchial asthma.

Local antibacterial agents can be widely used in the treatment of pharyngitis. The choice of the optimal drug is determined by the spectrum of its antimicrobial activity, the absence of allergenicity and toxic effect. Of course, the most effective local drugs will not completely replace the need for systemic administration of antibiotics for sore throat and pharyngitis caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcus. On the other hand, due to the nonbacterial etiology of many forms of pharyngitis, the emergence of an increasing number of resistant strains of bacteria, as well as the undesirable effects of general antibiotic therapy, local administration of drugs with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity is in many cases the method of choice.

Treatment of pharyngitis in a child with folk remedies

For treatment of pharyngitis In children, local, symptomatic general and folk remedies are used that increase immunity.

• Mix the juice of half a lemon, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of honey and a glass (200 ml) of hot red (dry) wine. Boil for 2-3 minutes, add a little cinnamon and 1 clove bud. Leave for 20 minutes, strain and drink hot. This is a good remedy for the first symptoms of pharyngitis(stingling, painful cough).
• If you have a slight headache, sore throat, weakness, you need to pour very hot water into a bowl, add a 20-30% decoction of pine needles or chamomile flowers and steam your feet well. You need to dry them with a hard towel and immediately put on woolen socks. The next procedure is to heat the chamomile decoction well in a saucepan, tilt your head over it, covered with a towel, and breathe in the hot steam. Finally, before going to bed, you need to drink a mug of viburnum tea with honey (mash viburnum fruits with honey, pour boiling water over them, and rub). You can add mint and linden blossom to viburnum.
• Take 3 teaspoons of finely grated carrots, add 1 chopped golden mustache joint and 1 teaspoon of honey. Stir and hold in the mouth, dissolving, pushing the tongue to the back of the throat, 5 - 7 minutes, once a day. Then spit it out. The course of treatment is 7 days.
• Eucalyptus tincture has anti-inflammatory, expectorant, strong antiseptic, and analgesic effects. It is used internally for pharyngitis. 10 drops per half glass of warm water 2-3 times a day.
• Rosehip tea perfectly strengthens the mucous membrane of the back of the throat. You need to drink this tea for 2-3 months. You can add viburnum berries, lemon balm and sage to the rose hips. Pour the collection with boiling water in a thermos at the rate of 1 tbsp. spoon of the mixture in a glass of water, leave for 2 hours and strain. Before use, add 1-2 drops of sea buckthorn oil.
• For pharyngitis, propolis inhalation is useful: place 60 g of propolis and 40 g of wax in an aluminum bowl or mug with a capacity of 300 ml and place it in another larger container with boiling water. Propolis and wax will dissolve under these conditions, and the volatile substances of propolis, together with water vapor, will sublimate. Inhalations are recommended for 10-15 minutes in the morning and evening. People suffering from pharyngitis need to think about increasing local immunity. As studies in recent years have shown, with pharyngitis, the protective forces of the pharynx are reduced. They can be supported with herbal infusions, teas, and natural juices. At home, they are prepared from available berries, fruits, herbs and honey. Used to prevent seasonal exacerbations of the disease. Here are some recipes.
• Take a glass of raisins and cranberries, but 1.5 glasses of walnut kernels and honey, 1 glass (200 ml) of vodka. Grind all solid components, pour in vodka and slightly warmed honey. Stir everything. Take 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day an hour before meals. One serving per course of treatment.

Attention! Medicines containing alcohol should not be given to children and adolescents!

• Mix the juice from fresh plantain leaves with an equal amount of honey and cook for 20 minutes, store in a tightly closed container, take 1 tbsp. spoon 2-3 times a day.
• Take 1 teaspoon of sage herb, add a glass of water, bring to a boil, cool, strain, add 1 teaspoon of honey. Drink at night.
• Take 5 g of rose hips (chopped), nettle herb and thyme herb. Pour 15 g of collection into 200 ml of cold water, boil for 2-3 minutes, leave for 1 hour. Take 10 ml with honey as hot tea 2 times a day after meals. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.
• For acute pharyngitis, a hot decoction of wild apples (2 tablespoons per 200 ml of water) is useful; it is recommended to take a glass 1-2 times a day for 10-20 days.
• Fresh agave juice with honey (1:1 ratio) 1 teaspoon 4 times a day is a good remedy for prolonged pharyngitis.
• Take 1 tbsp. spoon of St. John's wort herb and pour 1 glass of boiling water in a thermos, leave for 1-2 hours and strain. Add 20 drops of pharmaceutical alcohol tincture of propolis to the infusion. Gargle 2-3 times a day and the illness will go away.

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It is a disease that is accompanied by a strong inflammatory process in the lymphoid tissue and mucous membranes of the throat. This pathology is often diagnosed in children and causes unpleasant symptoms.

The insidiousness of pharyngitis lies in the fact that it can be infectious in nature and in childhood this disease is more pronounced. The progression of such a disease in the body can cause many complications, so parents should know how to treat pharyngitis in children. To eliminate pathology, both drug treatment and traditional medicine are widely used.

In most cases, it develops in children and adults as infections of viral or bacterial origin progress in the body. This leads to the development of an active inflammatory process in the mucous membranes of the throat. Most often, inflammation develops under the influence of the following groups of pathogenic microorganisms:

• influenza and parainfluenza viruses
• rhinovirus
• coronaviruses
• adenoviruses

The development of pharyngitis of bacterial origin occurs under the influence of:

• hemophilus influenzae infection

If the child’s immune system is impaired, this can trigger the development of fungal pharyngitis. In childhood, this type of disease is diagnosed with severe pathologies and intensive treatment with antibacterial drugs.

More rare causes of the development of an inflammatory process in the pharynx are:

• allergic reactions
• injuries of various types
• performing surgery
• penetration of foreign objects
• effects on the mucous membrane of the throat of potent drugs

The likelihood of developing pharyngitis increases when the child’s body is exposed to the following factors:

• severe hypothermia
• decrease in the body's protective functions
• progression of chronic diseases
• increased concentration of irritants in the air

Another important reason for the development of chronic pharyngitis is the penetration of stomach contents into the pharynx during regurgitation, reflux, vomiting and hiatal hernia.

Chronic pharyngitis can occur when inflammatory processes in the nasal cavity, tonsils and paranasal sinuses progress in the child’s body. Pathology can be provoked by constant breathing through the mouth due to nasal congestion, as well as long-term treatment with. The fact is that such drugs fall on the back wall of the pharynx and thereby cause severe irritation of the mucous membrane.

Symptoms of pathology

Pharyngitis in children causes the following symptoms:

• discomfort in the throat area
• severe itching and burning
• the appearance of pain during swallowing
• rise in body temperature to 38 degrees

Medical practice shows that pharyngitis in young children is quite severe. There is a rise in body temperature and a deterioration in the general condition, which is complemented by pronounced lethargy of the baby. Pharyngitis is often combined with the course of a disease such as adenoiditis, as evidenced by deterioration of appetite, sleep problems and increased ESR levels in the body.

To make a diagnosis, a specialist examines the child’s pharynx and notes the following signs of illness:

• the throat turns bright red
• the mucous membrane becomes swollen and infiltrated
• the palatine arches and soft palate become inflamed
• the mucous membrane of the posterior pharyngeal wall becomes granular

With further progression, the lateral ridges in the pharynx become stained. Children are often diagnosed with pharyngitis of viral origin, which is characterized by a bright red throat with the appearance of hemorrhages and blisters on the back of the throat. Local symptoms continue for 2-3 days, an irritating cough and cough appear, which gradually subside.

In some cases, there may be no general signs of the disease, but a secondary complication develops in the form of adenoiditis.

Sometimes patients complain of referred pain in the ears, which is considered one of the symptoms of pharyngitis. Medical practice shows that this disease is most severe in young children and causes the development of complications.

The most dangerous complications after pharyngitis are considered to be autoimmune pathologies, which develop as a result of the child’s body’s increased sensitivity to pathogenic microorganisms that provoked the disease.

In fact, pharyngitis does not pose a serious danger to the body, but its progression and lack of effective treatment can cause the development of many complications.

The greatest danger is streptococcal pharyngitis, the progression of which in the body causes various complications. The most common purulent complications are:

• a retropharyngeal abscess develops when pus accumulates in the area of ​​the lymph nodes and tissue of the retropharyngeal space
• peritonsillar abscess is characterized by inflammation of the tissue around the tonsils, where ulcers appear

In young children, complications may develop as a result of damage to the nasopharyngeal region in the form of and. In addition, after pharyngitis the following can be diagnosed:

• conjunctivitis

The most dangerous complication is inflammation of the membranes of the brain, which experts call meningitis and encephalitis.

Features of the treatment of pharyngitis in children of different ages

In the smallest children under 1 year of age, the disease is too painful and at that age they do not yet know how to gargle on their own. If parents suspect acute pharyngitis, they should definitely seek advice from a specialist. In the absence of high body temperature and an allergic reaction, it is allowed to apply a honey-mustard compress to the throat area. In addition, you can treat the pharynx with antiseptics without menthol and alcohol.

Experts recommend the following treatment regimen for pharyngitis in young children: it is necessary to crush the Faringosept tablet well, dip a pacifier in it and offer it to the child. It is recommended to pick up the child and lightly pat him on the back, which helps improve drainage in the bronchi.

In children aged 1-2 years, pharyngitis is also quite severe, but not as intense as in infants. Treatment of the disease involves:

• organization of sufficient drinking regime
• in the absence of contraindications, you can do it
• carrying out inhalations with a nebulizer with or Borjomi water

At this age, treatment of pharyngitis can be carried out using antiseptic drugs in the form of a spray, for example, Yox or Givalex. Such medicines have a disinfecting effect on the throat and speed up the child’s healing process. It is recommended to constantly ventilate the room where the child is and ensure that the required humidity is maintained.

When pharyngitis develops in children over 3 years of age, it is necessary to adhere to bed rest and drink large amounts of liquid that contains alkali.

In addition, it is necessary to organize a gentle diet and completely exclude fried and sweet foods from the child’s diet.

To treat the disease, you can make honey-based compresses and apply them to your feet. Hot foot baths and inhalations have a good effect. It is recommended to gargle with special antiseptic agents purchased ready-made at the pharmacy. You can prepare gargling solutions yourself at home by dissolving 2-3 drops of iodine in 30 ml of warm water. This mixture must be brought to room temperature and offered to the child for rinsing.

Good results are achieved by using antiseptic sprays such as Yox and Givalex. If the child already knows how to dissolve medications in the form of tablets, then you can offer him:

• Faringosept
• Septolete
• Angisept

The use of antibacterial drugs in the treatment of pharyngitis in children remains a rather controversial issue. There are many situations where it is possible to cure a disease without the use of antibacterial drugs. Despite this, in severe forms of pharyngitis you simply cannot do without antibiotics, especially in situations where there is a threat to the child’s life or an advanced stage with atrophied mucosa is diagnosed. Most often, antibiotics are prescribed when diagnosing a viral, bacterial or infectious disease.

More information about pharyngitis can be found in the video:

Treatment of pharyngitis in children can be carried out by laser exposure to the pharyngeal mucosa. If the disease reaches an advanced stage, then the following is prescribed:

• cryodestruction of side rollers and granules
• cauterization with silver nitrate
• radio wave shading

In some cases, treatment of the inflammatory process in the pharynx is carried out through surgery. The specialist uses a laser to target purulent granules and overgrown mucous membranes, but healthy tissue is not affected.

Traditional medicine against disease

It must be remembered that treatment of pharyngitis in children with folk remedies is carried out only after consultation with a specialist. Independent use of various herbal decoctions, infusions, and bee products can lead to undesirable consequences for children's health.

At home, you can make a honey compress on your feet according to the following scheme:

• it is necessary to melt the bee honey to a liquid consistency in a water bath
• You should lubricate the child’s feet with this honey and wrap them in several layers of gauze.
• for a stronger effect of the drug, it is recommended to wear warm socks
• You need to keep this compress on your feet for 20-30 minutes

When treating acute pharyngitis, you can use herbal decoctions for. With their help, it is possible to get rid of pain, reduce the severity of the inflammatory process and alleviate the general condition of the child. To prepare herbal infusions you can use:

• chamomile
• lavender
• mint
• raspberries
• eucalyptus
• marshmallow

Such herbal decoctions also have an analgesic effect on the inflamed tissue of the larynx, and it is necessary to gargle with their help until the child recovers completely.

A folk remedy made from tomato juice and carefully chopped garlic gives a good effect. It is recommended to use this medicine every day after lunch for 7 days. It should be remembered that treatment in this way is contraindicated in patients with gastrointestinal problems.

Pharyngitis is not considered a very dangerous disease, but its consequences can pose a serious threat to the child's health.

It is for this reason that when a child shows the first signs of illness, it is necessary to show him to a specialist. Proper nutrition, fortification of the body, increasing the protective properties of the body and timely vaccination help to avoid infection with such a pathology.

This is a fairly common illness among children. And in the autumn-winter season, the incidence of pharyngitis increases significantly. This is facilitated by low air temperature, hypothermia of the body and decreased immunity. Being able to recognize pharyngitis in the initial stages is an important skill for parents, because the health of their child depends on it.

Reasons for the development of pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is called inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx. Pharyngitis rarely occurs in isolation and is often observed together with or. Pharyngitis is caused by microorganisms: all kinds of viruses, bacteria and even fungi. But often the culprit in the development of pharyngitis is viruses (and, and, RS virus). Basically, pharyngitis in children is a manifestation.

It is not difficult to suspect pharyngitis in a child. Yesterday the baby was still active, but the next day he was already lethargic, coughing and complaining of a sore throat.

In this situation, the mother can ask the baby to open his mouth and examine his throat. With pharyngitis, the mucous membrane of the pharynx and the back wall of the pharynx are red and swollen. In this case, it is important to pay attention to the palatine tonsils, are there any changes on them? If plaque can be detected on the tonsils, it means the child has it.

Why can't you self-medicate?

Pharyngitis is not such a harmless disease as many people think. With early detection and adequate treatment, the child will recover very quickly. However, the lack of proper treatment can lead to complications. So, In young children, pharyngitis is often complicated.

Bacterial streptococcal pharyngitis is particularly dangerous. The lack of specific antibacterial treatment in this case can lead to the spread of infection. This is fraught with the development of complications such as:

1. Peritonsillar abscess;

Principles of treatment of pharyngitis in children

A child with suspected pharyngitis must be shown to a pediatrician. Only the attending physician can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the necessary therapy.

Treatment of pharyngitis can be local and general. At the same time, it is very important to create comfortable conditions and peace for the child, to follow a routine and diet.

Local treatment of pharyngitis

Local treatment involves local action on the inflamed mucous membrane of the pharynx. This can be achieved by gargling, gargling, or sucking medications. eliminates inflammation and promotes speedy recovery. But this method of treatment is only suitable for older children who can gargle on their own without choking.

Gargle four times a day after meals. For this purpose, solutions of chlorophyllipt, eucalyptus, and sea salt are used. Parents need to remember that these herbal alcohol solutions are very concentrated. That is, the medicine must be diluted with the required amount of water before use. In addition, you can resort to folk remedies as an auxiliary treatment method. So, Gargling with a decoction or reduces inflammation of the pharynx.

In the complex treatment of pharyngitis in older children, absorbable dragees and lozenges (Strepsilis, Faringosept, Falimint, etc.) are also used.

These dosage forms eliminate inflammation, soften the irritated mucous membrane of the pharynx, and some of them even have an analgesic effect. Nowadays, pharmaceutical companies add flavoring additives to the lollipops, so children enjoy using them.

But irrigation of the oropharynx with sprays can be used as a treatment for children aged three years and older. To do this, parents ask the child to open his mouth wide and press the spray dispenser once or twice. Pediatricians recommend irrigating the baby's oropharynx after he eats. This approach minimizes the effect of the drug on the child’s gastrointestinal tract. For pharyngitis, a wide variety of antiseptic sprays are used, such as Yox, Givalex, Kameton, Ingalipt, etc.

Diet for pharyngitis

In addition to using medications, it is important to ensure that your child drinks enough fluids. Firstly, toxins of viruses and bacteria leave the body with fluid, which promotes speedy recovery. Secondly, the liquid helps eliminate dryness of the pharyngeal mucosa.

note

The liquid should be at a comfortable temperature, neither hot nor cold. You can give your child regular warm water or compote, herbal tea.

During the illness, the child should be fed food that will not cause damage and irritation to the pharyngeal mucosa. Preference should be given to mushy and liquid foods. In this case, the dishes must be warm. It is also worth excluding spices and spices from your diet.

General treatment of pharyngitis In some cases, the doctor may prescribe systemic drugs to the child that will act on the causative agent of the disease. As noted above, viruses are often to blame for the development of pharyngitis. However

rarely used for pharyngitis. It’s another matter if a child’s pharyngitis is caused by bacteria, for example. In this case, you can’t do without

Pharyngitis is diagnosed more often in children than in adults. This is due to the weakness of children's immunity. Acute pharyngitis in a child manifests itself within a day with specific symptoms - redness of the throat, fever and other unpleasant signs. The disease can be either independent or secondary, which is more typical for children. Treatment of pharyngitis in childhood has its own characteristics, which will be discussed below.

Causes of frequent pharyngitis

As a separate disease, pharyngitis develops as a result of exposure to the pharyngeal mucosa of various infectious pathogens. Secondary pharyngitis develops against the background of the presence of general infections in the body, infections of the intestinal tract, as a complication of inflammatory processes in the upper respiratory tract.

Most often, pharyngitis is caused by viruses or bacteria. In the first case, these can be influenza viruses, herpes, adenoviruses, and so on, as for bacterial flora, mainly hemophilus influenzae and streptococci. Sometimes pharyngitis is caused by a fungal infection.

In children, acute pharyngitis can be a complication of measles, ARVI, scarlet fever and other diseases, and the chronic form can be associated with stomatitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis, dysbacteriosis, allergies and others.

Children's pharyngitis occurs when the body is overcooled, both general and local; in addition, it can be triggered by dusty air, cigarette smoke and other irritants that negatively affect the pharyngeal mucosa. In some cases, pharyngitis is a consequence of vitamin deficiency and endocrine disorders.

Pharyngitis, which is caused by infectious agents, is contagious; it is transmitted by airborne droplets, so a child can become infected with it in kindergarten, at school and in crowded places. Children's immune system does not work at full capacity, so the body cannot always fight infection.

When to see a doctor

The following symptoms are observed with pharyngitis:

• painful swallowing;
• the child complains of a feeling of a lump in the throat;
• temperature - with the bacterial form, a very high temperature is observed, which lasts as long as the bacterial flora multiplies in the affected area;
• red throat;
• bowel disorder.

Such signs are characteristic not only of pharyngitis, but also of sore throat, laryngitis, tracheitis, so it is very important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Only a pediatrician or ENT doctor can say exactly what exactly the child is sick with. You should not start treatment without consulting a doctor, since different forms of pharyngitis require different treatments.

Usually pharyngitis is treated at home, but in especially severe cases, when the disease occurs in a complicated form, the child may need to be hospitalized.

You need to see a doctor as quickly as possible, preferably on the first day of symptoms, since in the early stages it is faster and easier to cure pharyngitis than in advanced cases.

Rules for caring for a sick child

In addition to treating pharyngitis correctly, you also need to know how to care for a child during illness. A properly organized diet and care will help speed up recovery.

General rules:

1. It is necessary to control the temperature and humidity in the room where the child is. The optimal temperature is 23ºС. It is recommended to frequently ventilate the room, carry out wet cleaning and humidify the air using humidifiers or other methods.
2. Eliminate drafts and allergens.
3. The child must remain in bed.
4. It is advisable to give your child plenty of warm liquids.
5. Strictly exclude foods and drinks that can irritate the larynx - sour, salty, hot and cold.
6. Introduce vegetables, fruits and protein-rich foods into your diet.
7. If a child does not have a temperature, you can and should go for a walk with him - fresh air will have a beneficial and strengthening effect on the body.
8. You can also bathe your child if there is no fever. A child up to one year old can have herbal baths with chamomile, sage or eucalyptus.

Doctor's advice on how to protect your child from colds and what to do so that children get sick less.

General treatments

With proper treatment, the disease lasts no more than 10 days; in the absence of it, pharyngitis becomes chronic, and in this case it will be extremely difficult to get rid of it completely.

It must be remembered that in children, treatment of pharyngitis should be comprehensive. Namely, do not forget such methods as:

Each of them has contraindications. Therefore, before starting treatment, you should familiarize yourself with each of them.

Treatment of the disease is complex and includes the following:

1. Antipyretics that are used at temperatures above 38ºС. If the temperature is lower, it is not advisable to give them to the child.
2. Antibiotics. They are prescribed only if the disease is caused by bacterial flora; if the disease is of a different nature, these remedies will not be effective.
3. Antiviral drugs are prescribed for the viral nature of the disease; they do not act on the bacterial flora.
4. Antiseptics are prescribed for local use - for treating and irrigating the throat.
5. Antihistamines are necessary if pharyngitis is allergic in nature, as well as to prevent swelling of the larynx in children prone to allergies.
6. Vasoconstrictor nasal drops.
7. Antitussive drugs.
8. Expectorants.
9. Physiotherapy is prescribed as needed, depending on the severity and nature of the disease.
10. Traditional methods of treatment.
11. Surgery may be required in severe cases, such as when abscesses occur.

All medications should be prescribed only by the attending physician. This is especially true for newborn children, since most medicines have age restrictions.

Medication

After making an accurate diagnosis, the doctor prescribes a list of medications, depending on the severity of pharyngitis, its form and the age of the child. These may be the following groups of drugs:

1. Antipyretic. Pharyngitis is not always accompanied by an increase in temperature; in some cases it occurs without fever. If the temperature rises above 38 ºС, the child can be given Paracetamol or an ibuprofen-based drug. The temperature with pharyngitis of bacterial origin can rise high and last for quite a long time, until all bacterial agents die. That is why antibiotics are prescribed to fight pathogenic organisms.
2. Antibiotics. This group of drugs must be recommended by a doctor, since the resistance of certain bacteria to drugs is taken into account. When taking antibiotics, medications are prescribed that regulate the balance of intestinal microflora - Linex, Bifidumbacterin. Pharyngitis of a bacterial nature can be cured without antibiotics, but it takes longer, is more difficult and is fraught with the development of complications.
3. Antiseptics. These are topical products - Furacilin, Chlorphyllipt, Rotokan, Protorgol, Lugol's solution, lozenges - Imudon, Faringosept, Strepsils, as well as sprays - Ingalipt, Yox, Miramistin.
4. Antiviral drugs - Arbidol, Remantadine, Tamiflu, Tsitovir.
5. Solutions for inhalation - Decasan, Soda buffer.
6. Immunostimulating drugs - Aflubin, Viferon.
7. Antifungal agents are prescribed for fungal pharyngitis - Nystatin, Exifin.
8. Antihistamines - Zyrtec, Feistil, Zodak.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic procedures are carried out only when the child does not have a fever. Physiotherapy is indicated for children with pharyngitis, this may include:

• steam inhalations with medications or decoctions of medicinal herbs;
• inhalation with a nebulizer;
• warm inhalations with coarse aerosol;
• oil inhalations;
• OKUF therapy.

Folk remedies

Traditional methods of treatment must be used with caution. Most of them are based on the use of medicinal plants and bee products. Therefore, before using them, you need to make sure that the child does not have allergies.

For children with pharyngitis, traditional medicine recommends:

Folk remedies have contraindications. Therefore, before starting treatment, you should familiarize yourself with each of them.

The following remedies are considered the most effective:

1. Rosehip decoction, fruit drinks based on viburnum, black currant, raspberry.
2. To eliminate cough, use the following collection - coltsfoot, linden, blackberry and blackcurrant leaves. All ingredients are taken in equal quantities, a tablespoon of the product is poured into a glass of boiling water, infused and taken a tablespoon at a time.
3. To moisten the throat, you can give your child warm milk with honey.
4. For inhalations you can use sage, calendula, chamomile.
5. The recommended essential oils for inhalation are tea tree and eucalyptus oil.
6. For gargling, a soda-salt solution, elecampane, oak bark, and propolis tincture are recommended.
7. You can put freshly squeezed beet juice into your nose.
8. If there is no allergy, you can prepare a ginger drink for your child. The root of the plant must be boiled in milk, infused, honey added and given to the child overnight.

Watch a video with useful recipes against pharyngitis.

Folk remedies for allergic children should be used with great caution.

Surgical

Surgical treatment is prescribed extremely rarely. The need for it arises if the disease provokes an abscess. In this case, the child experiences severe pain and swelling, which can cause suffocation. The abscess can spread to the esophagus, mediastinum, and neck. In this case, surgery is indicated.

Treatment of children under one year of age

Treatment of infants should be as gentle as possible. They are usually prescribed antiviral drugs and symptomatic therapy. If the temperature above 38ºC does not go away within 3 days, it is advisable to start taking antibiotics.

It is clear that the baby will not be able to gargle, but it is still necessary to irrigate the affected area; it is better if it is not sprays, but a syringe or a spoon with a doctor-recommended product. On the recommendation of a doctor, you can apply warm compresses to the throat of a one-year-old child.

Treatment of the baby should be carried out under the close supervision of a pediatrician.

Treatment of children under 12 years of age

After 3 years of age, to treat pharyngitis in a child, you can:

• do inhalations over the steam of boiled potatoes or over decoctions of medicinal herbs;
• gargle with Furacilin, salt and soda;
• give lozenges;
• irrigate the throat with sprays with an antiseptic effect;
• apply compresses to the legs and throat.

It is better to use antibiotics topically, since in this case they have a more gentle effect, since they do not affect the functionality of the kidneys and liver. For example, Hexoral, Biseptol, Bioparox.

Treatment of adolescents

Treatment of acute pharyngitis in adolescents is not much different from the treatment of an adult; in the chronic course of the disease, physiotherapy can be used:

• magnetic therapy;
• electrophoresis;
• mud therapy;
• ultrasound;
• laser.

These methods of therapy are aimed at reducing the frequency of exacerbations of the disease, as well as to prevent hypertrophic changes in cells.

Forecast and preventive measures

With timely and adequate treatment, the prognosis of the disease is favorable. Prevention of pharyngitis is simple:

• control over air purity - eliminate dust in the room, passive smoking, the presence of lime, cement, chlorine and other caustic chemicals in the air;
• increasing the child's immunity;
• frequent walks in the fresh air;
• balanced diet;
• timely and high-quality treatment of colds;
• reducing the possibility of hypothermia in the child.

It cannot be said that pharyngitis is a very dangerous disease, but with improper therapy or its absence at all, the child may develop dangerous pathologies that can lead to undesirable and serious consequences.