Herpangina
Definition
- A viral infection that causes little ulcers in the back of the mouth
Call or Return If
- Trouble breathing or drooling occurs
- Sore throat lasts more than 7 days
- Fever lasts more than 3 days
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Your child becomes worse
About This Topic
Symptoms
- Small ulcers (sores) surrounded by a red ring. May first look like tiny water blisters before they change to open sores.
- Located near the tonsils and on the roof of the mouth.(soft palate)
- The average child has 5 of these ulcers, though there can be more.
- There are no ulcers in the front of the mouth or on the gums.
- Sore throat is the main symptom. Pain is made worse when the child swallows.
- Also causes pain with swallowing and decreased appetite.
- Fever for 2 to 3 days
- No runny, cough or other symptoms of a cold
Cause
- Herpangina is caused by Coxsackie A viruses.
- A person can get herpangina up to 5 times.
Prevention of Spread to Others
- Good hand washing can prevent spread of infection.
After Care Advice
Overview: - Herpangina is a throat infection caused by a Coxsackie virus.
- It will go away on its own.
- Your job is to make sure your child drinks enough fluids.
- Herpangina can be treated at home.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
Sore Throat Pain Relief: - Age over 1 year. Can sip warm fluids such as chicken broth or apple juice.
- Age over 6 years. Can also suck on hard candy or lollipops. Butterscotch seems to help.
- Age over 8 years. Can also gargle. Use warm water with a little table salt added. A liquid antacid can be added instead of salt. Use Mylanta or the store brand. No prescription is needed.
- Medicated throat sprays or lozenges are generally not helpful.
Pain Medicine: - To help with the pain, give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Use as needed.
Fever:- For fevers above 102° F (39° C), give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Note: Lower fevers are important for fighting infections.
- For ALL fevers: Keep your child well hydrated. Give lots of cold fluids.
Antibiotics Not Needed:- Antibiotics are not helpful for viral infections.
- They can only kill bacteria.
Fluids and Soft Diet: - Try to get your child to drink adequate fluids.
- Goal: Keep your child well hydrated.
- Cold drinks, milk shakes, popsicles, slushes, and sherbet are good choices.
- Solids. Offer a soft diet. Also avoid foods that need much chewing. Avoid citrus, salty, or spicy foods. Note: Fluid intake is much more important than eating any solids.
- Swollen tonsils can make some solid foods hard to swallow.
- For babies, offer fluids in a cup, spoon or syringe rather than a bottle. Reason: The nipple may increase pain.
What to Expect: - Fever lasts 2 to 3 days.
- The sore throat and ulcers last 4 or 5 days.
Return to School: - Your child can return to school after the fever is gone.
- Your child should feel well enough to join in normal activities.
Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP
Copyright 2000-2021 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC
Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.
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