Sore throatchildcaused by a viral infection is one of the most common reasons for doctor visits. Viruses easily infect children under 5 with immature immune systems.
HOW DOES THIS INFANT THEREOF?
It starts with a viral infection
The throat is a common vestibule of the alimentary and respiratory tract. It is therefore a place of particular exposure to constant contact with viruses, bacteria and other substances contained in the inhaled air and food intake. Therefore, acute inflammations of the throat caused by, for example, local weakening of resistance due to colds, or drinking a frozen drink or ice cream by a heated child - include the mucous membrane of the throat as well as the absorbent tissue.
The weakening of immunity opens the way to viruses
Viruses infecting the nose and throat of the viruses cause inflammation and destroy the epithelial lining of the nose and throat. The result is abundant cataracts causing mucosal swelling. Swelling of the mucous membrane blocks the sinuses of the paranasal sinuses, causes complications in the form of: acute mucosal inflammation, sinusitis and pharyngitis.
Sore throat and colds
Viral pharyngitis is an idiopathic disease. However, similar pain also accompanies general cold and flu symptoms. In the case of colds, this is a common occurrence. In the case of influenza, it occurs only sometimes.
Causes of recurrent pharyngitis
The reason for easy infection of the throat and nose may be the physiological protection of the nose against germs, and especially against viruses. Due to the immaturity of the immune system, small children are particularly at risk. The peak of illness usually occurs between 4 and 7 years of age. The most common diseases occur in the cold season, and the increased risk of illness includes children attending nurseries and kindergartens.
Mechanisms for the defense of the nose and throat
The immune system of a young child
Symptoms of sore throat
Symptoms of pharyngitis are: acute pain causing difficulty in swallowing, malaise; often a runny nose and a dry cough. The mucous membrane of the throat is congested.
The risk of bacterial superinfection
If the symptoms of sore throat exacerbate and persist for over 3 days or worsen - the development of bacterial infection and purulent streptococcal angina may be presumed. Report this type of symptoms to your contact doctor.
TREATING A BATTLE THROAT
In acute inflammations, we usually use anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents.
The most common cause of sore throat is a viral cold. Colds sore throat and accompanying symptoms - cough, runny nose, fever, headaches, muscles, weakness of immunity. It's good to start with a cold treatment - use vitamin C, syrups that liquefy the mucus in the nose and throat, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. For small children, only paracetamol is recommended. The older dodoatkowo ibuprofen. It should be remembered that acetylsalicylic acid is given only to adults who do not suffer from peptic ulcer disease; and for children - which this drug threatens so-called Rey syndrome, and - we give prerede to all paracetamol or ibuprofen. Particularly preferably, especially in children, it acts on the throat ibuprofen, which can alleviate the inflammation of the throat with relieve pain. Ibuprofen is a drug that is considered safe even for infants and young children. Ibuprofen works quickly and brings relief for a long time, even for 8 hours, which allows, for example, to sleep through the night. Do not underestimate or neglect treatment, as it may result in dangerous angina or other complications.
When do we use antibiotics?
Antibiotic should be given only in the case of symptoms of bacterial infection. Otherwise, the normal flora of the mouth and throat can be destroyed, and consequently the infection with yeast-like fungi may develop.
OTHER CAUSES OF THROAT PAIN
Sore throat from colds
Pain usually accompanies colds and flu. In the case of colds, this is a common occurrence. In the case of influenza, it occurs only sometimes.
Sore throat caused by mechanical injuries
Small children put on the face, deliberately or accidentally, various objects that can cause rubbing or injury to the mucous membrane of the throat. In such cases, you should go to the doctor with your child.
Throat pain accompanying acute infectious children
Sore throat may be associated with acute childhood infectious diseases such as rubella, chickenpox and measles (before the onset of rash) and may persist for several days.
Pain accompanying the inflammation of the mouth
Severe sore throat is also accompanied by herpetic stomatitis. The child then has difficulty swallowing fluids. In turn, severe sore throat obstructing swallowing, fever, enlargement of the tonsils with the presence of secretion on them is characteristic of scarlet fever and infectious mononucleosis. The child must necessarily check with a doctor who will recommend appropriate treatment.
TREATING A BATTLE THROAT
How to treat when it hurts from a cold?
The most common cause of sore throat is a viral cold. Colds sore throat and accompanying symptoms - cough, runny nose, fever, headaches, muscles, weakness of immunity. It's good to start with a cold treatment - use vitamin C, syrups that liquefy the mucus in the nose and throat, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. For small children, only paracetamol is recommended. The older dodoatkowo ibuprofen. It should be remembered that acetylsalicylic acid is given only to adults who do not suffer from peptic ulcer disease; and for children - which this drug threatens so-called Rey syndrome, and - we give prerede to all paracetamol or ibuprofen. Particularly preferably, especially in children, it acts on the throat ibuprofen, which can alleviate the inflammation of the throat with relieve pain. Ibuprofen is a drug that is considered safe even for infants and young children. Ibuprofen works quickly and brings relief for a long time, even for 8 hours, which allows, for example, to sleep through the night. Do not underestimate or neglect treatment, as it may result in dangerous angina or other complications.
Ed. Edward Ozga Michalski, MA
Literature:
1. Inflammation of the mucosa of the nose and throat in children - prof. dr hab. med. Grażyna Niedzielska from the Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Phoniatrics and Audiology, Medical University in Lublin; Medycyna Rodzinna 8 (4/1999)
2. Throat inflammation in children - Dr n. Med. Teresa Oleniacz; Department of Audiology, Phoniatrics and Laryngology IP-CZD; Warsaw; Health Service No. 3-4 2001
3. The role of purulent streptococci in pharyngitis and tonsillitis, Danuta Dzierżanowska, Lek_Sandoz-2004 website
4 Apothecary advises - Treatment of colds - doc. dr hab. Jadwiga Leszczyńska - Gazeta Farmaceutyczna 2000.
