What Is Herpangina In Babies?
Herpangina in babies is a benign condition caused by contact with the inhalation of a virus. It can affect anyone, but most often affects children under 5 years old who attend schools, day care centers or camps.
The point is that it is a very common type of angina caused by the Coxsackie virus group A. It is contagious and can spread quickly.
After all, you shouldn’t worry too much, as most cases resolve on their own in a week or so without further complications.
Symptoms
When contracting the virus, the process begins abruptly in a feverish context with abdominal pain. The symptoms that the child may experience are similar to those of classic angina. Here are the symptoms that herpangina in babies can cause:
- Abdominal, throat, head and neck pain.
- Inflamed lymph glands.
- Sudden onset of fever.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Loss of appetite.
- Vomiting.
- Babysitter.
Small ulcers on the back of the mouth and throat begin to appear approximately 2 days after the initial infection. They tend to be light gray in color and often have a red border. Ulcers usually heal within a period of 7 days.
How to prevent herpangina in babies?
Like many other viruses, herpangina is contagious and can spread easily. If the baby has the disease, it is important that you take precautions to prevent this from happening.
The maximum incidence of the disease is between the months of June and September. Keep in mind that the risk of contamination is high in young children, especially in summer, and that contagion happens through the air, or through contact with parts of the body and through objects.
It is very difficult to prevent herpangina in babies, as protecting the baby from elements such as pollution is sometimes an almost impossible task and, moreover, most people carry the virus without having symptoms.
If you have a case of herpangina in babies at home, we recommend that you avoid taking them to day care until they have fully recovered, so they will need to rest at home. In addition, you should be sure to wash your hands frequently throughout the day while your child is sick and to clean surfaces with which your child comes in contact.
What are the causes?
As with any angina, a virus is the cause of 60 – 75% of cases of herpangina in babies. It is usually caused by the group A Coxsackievirus virus. However, it can also be caused by the group B Coxsackievirus, Enterovirus 71 and Echovirus.
It is typically transmitted through contact with fecal material. The infection can also be transmitted through contact with the drops produced by a sneeze or through the cough of an infected person. Also, the virus can live on surfaces and objects such as tables and toys for several days.
How to treat?
To fight herpangina in babies correctly, it is necessary to seek a doctor who will evaluate the patient and determine the best pharmacological treatment to control symptoms and progressively alleviate discomfort.
If consistent treatment is maintained and additional measures are taken (good nutrition, good rest, etc.) the symptoms should disappear within 7 days.
After all, the specific treatment plan will depend on a variety of factors, including age, symptoms, and tolerance to certain medications.
It is a type of viral infection and therefore antibiotics are not an effective way. In return, the doctor may recommend that you take the following steps:
- Ibuprofen and acetaminophen. These medications will alleviate any discomfort and reduce the baby’s fever.
- Topical anesthetics. Certain anesthetics, such as lidocaine, can relieve sore throats and any other mouth ailments associated with herpangina.
- Increased consumption of liquids. It is important to drink plenty of fluids during recovery, especially water and cold milk. Also, it is necessary to prevent the baby from consuming citrus and hot drinks, as they can worsen the symptoms.
