Anginas And Pharyngitis In Childhood

Certain illnesses are common in childhood. For example, this is the case with angina and pharyngitis. These types of respiratory diseases are caused by an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the tonsils and pharynx, respectively.

When these areas become inflamed, they can cause uncomfortable symptoms. In certain cases, they can become recurrent and severe. The cause is due to several factors, among which the incidence of various microorganisms stands out.

Angina and pharyngitis can cause fever, pain and inflammation. In some cases, tonsil infection leads to the appearance of tonsillitis, common in children. If it becomes a frequent problem, it can lead to surgical removal of the tonsils.

Angina and pharyngitis symptoms

In 90% of cases, pharyngitis usually occurs due to the presence of a virus, since it is part of the common cold. The remaining 10% is due to the action of bacteria in the pharynx. The same thing usually happens with angina, whose main trigger is the group A streptococcus bacteria.

To determine if it is a virus or a bacteria, it is necessary to carry out pharyngeal cultures. If the microorganism causing these conditions is present, the child will begin to have the following symptoms.

• Sore throat. In babies, this pain prevents them from eating properly and makes them cry often. In the case of older children, they can tell us that they feel the pain. If we can look at your throat with a little light, we can see that it’s red and glowing.
• When it comes to streptococcal pharyngitis, fever, swollen lymph nodes and headache may occur.

• In the case of viral pharyngitis, nasal and post-nasal secretion and watery mucus are common.
• In severe cases, it may be difficult to swallow and sometimes also to breathe.
• More complex conditions include the development of acute rheumatic fever, toxic shock syndrome, bacteremia and renal failure. These complications result primarily from the incidence of streptococcal pharyngitis.
• Severe cases can occur when a retropharyngeal abscess or a peritonsillar abscess develops. This is particularly true when it comes to severe mononucleosis pharyngitis.

Anginas and pharyngitis: what to do?

It is common for angina and pharyngitis to appear with greater incidence in cold climates. Especially in winter, respiratory diseases proliferate. Also, this particular type of condition tends to be quite contagious.

When one of these infections is suspected, the doctor examines the pharynx, lymph nodes, skin, and eyes. To rule out streptococcal pharyngitis, it is common to request a throat swab. Other additional crops are sometimes needed. If gonorrhea or mononucleosis is suspected, blood tests may also be ordered.

The treatment to act before the development of angina and pharyngitis is as follows.

• If it is a viral pharyngitis, the appropriate treatment is paracetamol, and ibuprofen is also indicated. These medications allow the relief of symptoms such as pain, fever and general malaise.
• To help reduce inflammation naturally, it is beneficial to gargle with warm salt water about six times a day. The mixture can be prepared with a tablespoon of salt for every glass of water.

• It is advisable for the child to consume soft foods, as they may present irritation and difficulty in swallowing
• If it is a case caused by bacteria, the indication will always be the administration of antibiotics. After 48 hours after the onset of infection, the risk of contagion is eliminated.
• Some situations require medical intervention, for example, when the sore throat does not go away after several days. Also, if the fever is very high and persistent, or if there is swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck.
• The children’s passivity and lack of motivation are warning signs, in addition to dryness of the skin and mouth. In these cases, it is necessary to suspend treatment and urgently seek the pediatrician.