Pediatric Pharyngitis - Causes, Risks, Symptoms, Complications, Diagnosis, and Management

Introduction

Pharyngitis is an infection that causes inflammation and soreness in the throat. It is known as pharyngitis when the pharynx between the larynx and tonsils is affected. Most children are prone to viral and bacterial infections during winter and cold weather. Children get infected from contact with another infected person, as pharyngitis and tonsillitis are very common. Tonsils are part tissue masses on both sides of the back of the throat. They are part of the immune system that fights infections and other diseases. The child can acquire either infection of the pharynx, tonsil, or both (pharyngotonsillitis).

What Is Pharyngitis?

Pharyngitis is redness, pain, and swelling of the pharynx. There is inflammation of the tissue and structure in the child's pharynx. It is also known as "sore throat."It causes pain in the throat and difficulty in swallowing. It is mostly seen in colder months, and children are affected commonly. A strain in muscles associated with voice results in a painful throat.

What Are the Causes of Pharyngitis in Children?

There are various causes of pharyngitis.

• Viral Infections - Viruses are the most common cause of pharyngitis. There are various numerous viral diseases causing pharyngitis, such as measles, adenovirus, chicken pox, and mononucleosis.

• Bacterial Infections - Streptococcus infections cause pharyngitis. Other causes of bacterial pharyngitis include gonorrhea, chlamydia, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and corynebacterium.

• Fungal Infections - Occur in immunosuppression or chronic use of steroids and antibiotics.

• Allergies - Hay fever or allergic rhinitis can cause sore throat.

• Sinus Infections - Frequent sinus infections can cause pharynx infections. Dry indoor air and chronic mouth breathing can lead to pharyngitis.

• Stomach Acid - Gastroesophageal reflux diseases can lead to a chronic sore throat. Stomach acid reflux irritates the throat.

Who Are at Risk of Pharyngitis?

Children going to daycare and school are at high risk for this disease. Infection can spread through close contact. Children with low immunity develop this infection quickly. The spread of disease increases during the winter season. Crowding in schools and daycare increases the risk of disease spread.

What Are the Symptoms of Pharyngitis?

The symptoms of pharyngitis usually depend on the cause of the infection and the person infected. In some children, the onset may be sudden, whereas, in some children, there is gradual onset. The incubation period of the infection is two to five days. The length of the contagious period depends upon the cause. If the child is suffering from viral fever, the contagious period runs through the course of the disease.

Following are the various symptoms:

• Sore throat.

• Fever.

• Running Nose.

• Body aches.

• Swollen Lymph nodes.

• Malaise.

• Unusual taste in the mouth.

• Sneezing.

• Headache.

• Loss of appetite.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Pain and difficulty in swallowing.

• Difficulty in talking.

What Are the Complications of Pharyngitis?

If the infection is left untreated, it can result in kidney, lung, and heart infections. Infection can spread from the middle ear to the brain and spinal cord. A serious throat and lung infection can lead to breathing problems. Loss of fluid can lead to dehydration in the body. Inflammation in the throat causes difficulty in swallowing and eating. Respiratory disease in children younger than three years old manifests as acute pharyngitis. Mucopurulent rhinitis followed by fever, irritability, and anorexia is seen in the child.

How Is Pharyngitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of pharyngitis requires a physical examination and laryngoscopy to determine the possible cause of pharyngitis. In physical examination, the pediatrician looks for any white or gray patches, swelling, and redness in the neck. Examination of lymph nodes is done. Depending upon the symptoms, throat culture and blood culture are advised. A rapid strep test rules out if the child has strep throat. A blood investigation is done to rule out any infections.

How Is Pharyngitis Treated?

Medical treatment is important if viral and bacterial infections cause it. The treatment plan depends upon the cause of the infection. Full assessment of the child in clinics helps pediatricians to rule out the cause. In bacterial infections, antibiotics are prescribed. Prompt antibiotic therapy is required. In viral pharyngitis, the patient is advised to gargle with warm water and salt. Pain relievers such as Acetaminophen and increased fluid intake help to alleviate the symptoms. The patient is advised to take throat lozenges. If the infection is fungal, antifungal medications are prescribed.

How to Prevent Pharyngitis?

Proper care of children can avoid infections in the child.

Following are a few prevention measures:

• Practice good hand hygiene.

• Keep the child away from sources of infections and people suffering from sore throats, colds, and respiratory infections.

• Vaccination of children should be updated.

• Alcohol-based sanitizer should be used if soap and water are not available.

• Avoid sharing food, drinks, and utensils.

What Should Parents Do if a Child Is Suffering From Pharyngitis?

Parents can do home care remedies to help in relieving symptoms of infection. Plenty of water should be given to children to prevent dehydration. Warm water and warm food relieve pain due to sore throat. Warm water with one teaspoon of salt should be given to gargle. The humidifier should be kept in the room. Proper rest should be given until the child feels better.

Apart from all these precautions and care, parents should immediately seek a doctor for the following conditions:

• Suppose the child has had a sore throat for more than a week. If the fever is persistent and the temperature is above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Suppose there is swelling in the lymph nodes if there is redness in the throat or the presence of rashes. Suppose all the symptoms are not resolving even after a full course of antibiotics is completed.

• If there is a recurrence of symptoms after completing the course of antibiotics.

Conclusion

Pharyngitis is one of the most common illnesses that children suffer from and seek treatment for. The clinician should diagnose the disease properly and guide the treatment plan according to age. There should be proper clean hygiene and respiratory etiquette for children as it helps reduce the spread of infection. Parents should always have proper child health conditions along with treatment options.