Herpangina: symptoms, causes, to treatment

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Definition

What is herpangina disease?

Herpangina is a viral infection that generally affects children. Some signs of herpangina are small, rash-like mouth sores on the roof of the mouth and behind the throat.

This is similar to another condition that affects children, known as illness hand, foot and mouth disease (Singapore Flu) . The cause is both enterovirus viruses. This infection can also cause sudden fever, sore throat, headaches, and neck pain.

Herpangina is quite similar to a disease hand, foot and mouth disease . Both of these diseases are caused by the enterovirus group, which is a disease-causing virus that usually attacks the digestive tract, but can spread to other parts of the body.

The enterovirus group that causes herpangina is highly contagious. Fortunately, symptoms can be relieved and usually disappear within 7-10 days.

The body's immune system produces antibodies to fight infection. Antibodies are proteins that play a role in recognizing and destroying harmful substances, such as viruses and bacteria.

However, babies and young children rarely have the right antibodies because they haven't formed yet. This makes them more susceptible to enteroviruses than adults.

How common is this disease?

Herpangina is a condition that can affect anyone, but it occurs most often in children under 5 years of age. The condition most commonly occurs in children who are often in public places, such as schools, child care, or public play areas.

This condition can be treated by reducing the risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of herpangina?

The signs and symptoms that arise due to this disease can vary depending on each individual. However, quoted from Healthline, in general, the symptoms of herpangina are as follows:

• Fever that appears suddenly
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Neck pain
• Swollen lymph glands
• Difficulty swallowing
• Loss of appetite
• Saliva (in babies)
• Vomiting (in infants)
• Small ulcers (sores) on the back of the mouth and throat start to appear about 2 days after the start of the infection. Ulcers tend to be light gray in color with a red border. Ulcers usually heal within 7 days.

When should I see a doctor?

You should contact your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of herpangina:

• Has a high fever, the temperature is above 40 degrees Celsius.
• Sores in the mouth or sore throat that lasts more than five days.
• Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth and eyes, weakness, infrequent urination, dark urine, and sunken eyes.

Early diagnosis and treatment can stop this condition from worsening and prevent other medical emergencies. Talk to your doctor immediately to prevent this serious condition.

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes herpangina?

Herpangina is a condition caused by group A coxsackieviruses . But in other cases, this disease is also caused by group B coxsackieviruses , enterovirus 71, and echovirus.

The virus is highly contagious and spreads easily between individuals, especially in schools and child care centers. People who are infected with herpangina are most likely to transmit the disease in the first week of infection.

Coming into contact with contaminated feces, droplets of sneezing and coughing from an infected person are common ways to transmit the disease.

This means you can get herpangina if you touch your mouth after touching something that's contaminated with fecal particles or droplets from an infected person. Viruses can live on surfaces and objects, such as table surfaces and toys, for several days.

Triggers

What puts me more at risk of getting herpangina?

The factors that trigger a person to get herpangina are:

• Children under 5 years of age
• Children who go to school, are entrusted to day care centers, or public play areas.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is this disease diagnosed?

Because ulcers caused by herpangina are quite unique, your doctor can usually diagnose the condition right away by doing a physical exam and reviewing your symptoms and medical history. Other special diagnostic tests are usually not needed.

What are the medications that can be used to treat herpangina?

The main goal of treating herpangina is to reduce and manage symptoms, especially pain. The treatment options used will usually depend on a variety of factors, such as age, symptoms, and tolerance to certain medications. Herpangina disease is a viral infection. This means that antibiotics are not an effective treatment.

Your doctor may suggest some of the following treatments:

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen

These medications can relieve discomfort and reduce fever. Do not use aspirin to relieve symptoms of a viral infection in children and adolescents, as it has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a life-threatening disease that causes swelling and sudden inflammation of the liver and brain.

Topical anesthesia

Certain anesthetics, such as lidocaine, can relieve sore throat and other mouth pain associated with herpangina.

Increase fluid intake

It is important to drink plenty of fluids during recovery, especially milk and cold water. Eating ice bars can also soothe sore throats. Avoid drinks that contain citrus (acid) and hot drinks because they can make the condition worse.

With treatment, the symptoms will disappear within 7 days without any lasting effects.

Prevention

What can I do at home to treat or prevent herpangina disease?

Here are some lifestyle things you can do at home to help deal with herpangina:

• Good hygiene habits are the best way to prevent herpangina. Wash your hands thoroughly, especially before eating and after using the shower.
• It is important to cover the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing to prevent the spread of the virus. Teach children to do the same.
• When your child has herpangina, you should wash your hands more often, especially after coming into contact with used diapers or the mucus they pass out.
• Clean surfaces, toys, and other objects with a disinfectant to kill germs.
• Don't let your child go to school or child care to avoid spreading the virus for a few days.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.