Pharyngitis in children is a fairly common pathology, just like in children. It consists of inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the throat., often caused by a viral infection. However, its cause can also be bacteria.
Detecting any disease in a child is tricky, since they cannot communicate like adults. Many times the suspicion is given because the boy or girl is more irritable or doesn’t eat well.
Furthermore, we must add the complexity that children require special care and treatment. Here because, In this article, we explain everything you need to know about pharyngitis in children and what to do about it.
What is pharyngitis in children?
As we have mentioned, pharyngitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the throat. Often this pathology tends to be overdiagnosed or confused with other health problems; for example, a common cold.
In fact, sometimes the wrong treatments are prescribed to manage the symptoms. There is an inappropriate tendency to suggest the use of antibiotics in the face of pharyngeal irritation; however, this is wrong because it’s not always caused by bacteria.
First of all, it should be noted that not all respiratory infections that cause sore throat correspond to pharyngitis. Similarly, almost 70% of pharyngitis in children are caused by virusesTherefore, the use of antibiotics would not help cure the disease.
Frequently, this disease appears during the fall or winter; Moreover, Since it is usually caused by an infectious pathogen, contagion is common, especially between siblings.
Causes of pharyngitis in children
inside the viral forms, we have found numerous viruses that can cause pharyngitis in children. In general, the clinic usually does not show what the exact cause is. Also, this type of pharyngitis usually clears up on its own in about 5 days or less.
Some of the viruses that can cause it are adenovirus, enterovirus or herpes simplex virus. The clinic of these has some characteristic features. For example, in the case of adenovirus, there is usually a inflammation of the preauricular ganglion.
Also, it can be accompanied by conjunctivitis. Pharyngitis in children due to enteroviruses, on the other hand, tends to predominate in the summer or early fall. The herpes virus can present with ulcerated blisters on the palate or gums.
Bacterial pharyngitis in newborns
It is important to note that although rare, pharyngitis in children can be caused by bacteria. In particular, the most prevalent is from a bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes. Most cases occur in early spring.
This infection is relevant because it can produce much more extensive symptoms than pharyngitis itself. For example, it sometimes affects the skin or the kidneys. Also, antibiotics are indicated in this case.
What are the symptoms of pharyngitis in children?
Pharyngitis in children, like other pathologies, is difficult for parents to detect. Kids can’t express themselves and all that signs show that they are rather nonspecific. Newborns often have trouble sleeping or suffer from insomnia.
They are also irritable and tend to refuse to eat. There are those who perceive the sound of their crying to be a little different and, moreover, they may have a fever. Also, as we’ve already pointed out, some babies have swollen glands near their necks.
Fever is one of the symptoms of pharyngitis in children. Also, they tend to be more irritable than normal.
What can be done about it?
Suspecting this infection in children, the best thing to do is consult a doctor. Yes, OK 80% of cases correspond to a self-limiting viral infection, it is essential that a professional explore it and rule out other causes.
Once the cause of pharyngitis has been confirmed to be a virus, no treatment is usually needed. However, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can be used to ease the symptoms. This will reduce the pain.
It is also important that the child is hydrated and gets enough rest. In case the fever is very high, the use of paracetamol is recommended.
When the cause of pharyngitis is the Streptococcus pyogenes, yes it is necessary to prescribe antibiotics. Oral penicillin is often used. It helps to reduce the clinic and the risk of contagion.
Consulting your pediatrician is important
Although this infection is common in children and most cases are mild, it is best to consult the pediatrician to know how to manage it. Not all causes are bacterial, so it is incorrect to use antibiotics every time it occurs.
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