Viral pharyngitis (VF) is an inflammation of the infectious nature of the pharyngeal mucosa. Most often, pathology is observed in the off-season (that is, during the period of changing weather conditions), when the level of immunity decreases. As a rule, the causative agent of viral pharyngitis in adults (as well as in children, too) are viruses, as a result of which penetration into the endothelium, changes in the pharyngeal mucosa occur.
In the case of an acute form of pathology, the infection is localized directly in the oropharynx and nasopharynx. If adequate therapy is not started, then the disease can go into a chronic stage, descending into the lower part of the pharynx, that is, the larynx.
Note! Only a doctor can diagnose the true cause of the disease and prescribe the necessary therapy, which will depend on the type of virus that has become the root cause of the disease, the capabilities of the patient's immune system, the patient's age, and many other factors. Remember: viral treatmentpharyngitis is the prerogative of a specialist. Do not self-medicate.
Varieties of pharyngitis
Besides viral, what other pharyngitis are:
- Allergic. May occur as a result of adverse environmental conditions; due to pollen from flowers and plants, work with harmful chemicals, as well as ordinary dust. The main thing in this situation is to establish the “provocateur” of the pathology, that is, the allergen, and take all necessary measures to prevent the development of serious complications.
- Fungal. In this case, the inflammatory process in the pharynx is associated exclusively with the development of yeast-like or moldy microorganisms, that is, fungi. If you do not start treatment on time, then the disease can develop into nasopharyngitis (if it develops, a runny nose appears). Most often, the disease is diagnosed in people with immunodeficiency and with malfunctions in the functioning of the endocrine system.
- Bacterial. The inflammatory process of the lymph nodes and pharyngeal mucosa is caused by pathogenic microorganisms. This pathology can occur both against the background of a viral form of malaise, and as a completely independent disease.
Important! If you notice the first signs of illness, you should immediately seek help from a medical institution. Otherwise, pathogenic microflora can infect nearby tissues, and even cause diseases such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
How to distinguish viral from bacterial pharyngitis
This can be done according to the characteristic symptoms:
- Signs of infectionin both forms they are quite pronounced, but in bacterial they disappear after 7-10 days (there is a high risk of serious complications), and in viral pathology much faster.
- Viral pharyngitis is characterized by rapid development (within 2-5 hours), and pathogens of bacterial pathology will take about 1-2 days to spread.
- Temperature with viral pharyngitis is a mandatory "attribute" of the disease.
- In bacterial pharyngitis, there are crusts on the walls of the pharynx, and a gray coating on the tongue. Also, the patient may expectorate purulent discharge. Viral pathology is characterized by redness of the oropharynx, its swelling and expansion of the vascular plexus.
Causes of WF
Viral pharyngitis can be caused by:
- Adenovirus. Diseases (namely, SARS) caused by this infection are characterized by damage to the conjunctiva, upper respiratory mucosa and lymphoid tissue.
- Parainfluenza or influenza virus.
- Rhinovirus. It affects not only the oropharynx, but also the nasopharynx.
- Herpes virus. This is a very common causative agent of pathologies of an infectious nature. Most often, this virus affects the mucous membranes and skin.
- Coronavirus. It can cause the development of acute respiratory pathology, which can safely end in a couple of days. And it can also cause SARS or SARS infection, which can lead the patient to death.
- MS infection (i.e. respiratory syncytial). Causes diseasescharacterized by damage to the lower respiratory tract (for example, pneumonia, bronchitis, or bronchiolitis).
- CMV (cytomegalovirus). Has an impact on the human immune system and may cause increased susceptibility to diseases in the future.
- Enterovirus (for example, Coxsackievirus and others).
If the virus even got into the body, it does not immediately begin to act. The following factors can contribute to this process:
- The presence of allergies in patients, disorders in the digestive tract.
- Weakened immunity.
- Inflammatory process of the pharyngeal mucosa.
- Smoking.
- Dust.
- Overheating or hypothermia of the body.
- Drafts.
- The presence of chemical toxic substances in the air inhaled by a person.
- Unfinished mouth sanitation.
- The presence of diseases of the upper respiratory tract (for example, rhinitis, SARS, sinusitis or influenza).
- Lack of minerals and vitamin complex.
Transmission of viruses
Transmission of any virus that causes pharyngitis can occur:
- Contact-household method, that is, through the use of common household items (for example, cups, spoons or plates).
- Airborne droplets during a conversation with a sick person or when coughing and sneezing.
- Contact method (this happens if you like shaking hands, hugging and kissing).
Can also be sexually transmittedway
Remember! Infection with pharyngitis of a child can occur from the mother or other family members. In public places (for example, in schools, kindergartens or shopping malls), a large crowd of people can also cause illness. Moreover, the incubation period of pharyngitis is about 5-7 days (depending on the protective functions of the body). Avoid contact with people who are already infected at all costs.
WF symptoms
Symptoms of viral pharyngitis:
- Pain in the throat, sometimes radiating to the ear. Pain is especially aggravated when swallowing and at the moment of speaking.
- Rhinitis in the form of a clear liquid.
- Nasal congestion.
- In children, viral pharyngitis can be accompanied by diseases such as rubella, scarlet fever and measles.
- The presence of enlarged lymph nodes under the jaw. You can determine them by palpation.
- Drowsy.
- Lack of appetite.
- Increase in body temperature to 38-39 degrees.
- Ear congestion.
- Lethargy and weakness.
- Excessive sweating.
- Chills.
- Having a dry cough that gets worse in the morning and at night.
- Aches all over.
Note! Symptoms of viral pharyngitis develop rapidly, literally after a few hours the patient has the whole spectrum of manifestations of this disease. If the patient's condition does not improve within 3-4 days (if necessary treatment is available), then we can talk aboutbacterial complication.
Diagnosis of viral pharyngitis
After the patient contacts the medical institution, the specialist conducts a visual examination and then prescribes the following:
- Laboratory studies of smears of the pharynx (to be more precise, from its back wall). This is done in order to determine the pathogen that is the provocateur of the disease.
- A blood test that allows not only to determine the type of virus, but also to identify exactly where the inflammation is.
According to the results of the research, the doctor prescribes the necessary therapy.
Therapy of viral pharyngitis
Treatment must be comprehensive, as the disease must be attacked from all sides. First of all, this is drug therapy, which, by the way, can only be prescribed by a doctor:
- "Rimantadine" (read more about this remedy below).
- "Cycloferon". Assigned if the patient has a sore throat.
Important! Antibiotics are never prescribed for VF therapy, because it is absolutely useless, and in some cases even dangerous, since they practically destroy the natural intestinal microflora, thereby significantly weakening the patient's immunity.
In the very first days with viral pharyngitis in adults, drugs like Ingaverin, Arbidol and Anaferon are simply necessary. If the treatment was started late (that is, on the 3rd or 4th day), then it is better to use Kagocel. A course of antiviral therapydrugs - 5 days
Important! Therapy of viral pharyngitis in children involves the use of such a drug as "Viferon". The form of its release is rectal suppositories. This antiviral drug is recommended for use in children from birth. In addition to this tool, you can also use "Kipferon".
If the pathology is accompanied by a significant increase in body temperature (up to 38.5 degrees), then antipyretics should be prescribed (for example, Ibuprofen, Nurofen or Paracetamol)
Important! In the event that the child has pathologies of a cardiovascular nature, or convulsions are observed, then it is necessary to begin measures to reduce the temperature already when it rises to 37.5-38 degrees. At the same time, do not forget to call the local doctor at home or an ambulance.
- Medicines for dry cough (for example, "Gerbion" or "Sinekod").
- Ascoril, Ambrobene or Abromhexal are well suited for sputum discharge.
- For gargling, you can use a furatsilin solution or herbal-based. Moreover, in the early days you need to do this about 8-10 times a day, that is, the more often, the better.
- It is worth irrigating the throat with antiseptics such as Hexoral or Tantum Verde (for adults); as well as "Miramistin" (for children).
- Lubricating the throat is recommended by Lugol, Chlorhexidine or Chlorophyllipt.
- Warming treatments (such as hot foot baths, compresses or inhalations) are welcome only if nottemperature.
- The use of lozenges that have not only antibacterial and antiseptic properties, but also painkillers: for adults - Grammidin Neo, Septolete Total or Hexoral; for children - "Lizobakt" or "Pharingosept".
- Copes well with the disease natural spray (for viral pharyngitis - this is "Aqua Maris").
Note! Never use the spray on children under 2 years of age.
- Don't forget to take vitamin and multivitamin complexes.
- If HF is accompanied by cough, conjunctivitis or rhinitis, then therapy should include medications, the mechanism of action of which is aimed at eliminating these symptoms too.
- In the treatment of viral pharyngitis, it is necessary to use immunomodulatory drugs (for example, Kagocel or Cytovir 3), which not only increase immunity, but also prevent the disease from becoming chronic. Moreover, the first remedy can be for children from the age of three, but the second, starting from one year. In order to avoid relapses, it is better to drink antiviral drugs to all family members in which there is a sick VF.
Remember! Drug treatment of viral pharyngitis is selected only by a doctor who, based on the situation, can add new procedures or drugs, as well as generally change therapy. Some drugs may be contraindicated in pregnant women, children, or people with pathologies of the internal organs of chroniccharacter. Therefore, any self-medication is excluded. In the same case, if all the doctor's prescriptions were followed exactly and on time, you can hope for a speedy recovery (in 7-10 days).
Treatment with "Rimantadine"
What is this cure for viral pharyngitis? The mechanism of action of this antiviral drug is to stop the reproduction of the virus after it has entered the cell. That is, the active substance "Rimantadine" blocks the entry into the tissue of the genetic material of the infection at the root.
Note! The most effective effect of the drug is noticeable when it is used in the first 3-4 hours after infection.
The release form of the drug is tablets (50 mg each) and capsules (100 mg each). "Remantadine" is completely absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract (although this happens rather slowly) and excreted through the kidneys (its half-life is about 24-30 hours).
Important! Take this drug with caution should be people suffering from epilepsy, hypertension (i.e. persistent increase in pressure) or atherosclerosis. There is a high risk of having a stroke or an epileptic seizure.
According to the instructions for use of "Remantadine", tablets should be taken as follows:
- 1st day - 100 mg 3 times a day.
- 2nd and 3rd days - 2 times a day, 100 mg.
- 4th day - 100mg once.
Note! The drug should be taken after meals. For preventive purposes, you can drink on the floortablets (i.e. 50 mg) per day. The course of treatment is 1, 5-2 weeks.
According to the instructions for use of "Remantadine", tablets are given to children as follows:
- At the age of 3 to 7 years - at the rate of 1.5 mg per kilogram of body weight 2 times a day.
- 7 to 10 years - 50mg twice daily.
- At 10 years old - three times a day, 50 mg.
Important! Children (starting from one year) are prescribed "Rimantadine", only in the form of syrup. In the pharmacy chain, it can be found under the names "Algirem" or "Orvirem".
Recommendations for patients with VF
Medicines are great, but if you follow our recommendations, you will get better even faster:
Do not carry the disease on your feet. Be sure to stay in bed for several days (even if you don't have a fever). This is the key to a speedy recovery
- The air temperature in the room should be about 18-20 degrees, and the humidity should be 65%.
- All pathologies of a chronic nature must be treated to the end without fail.
- Plentiful and warm drinking helps to quickly remove accumulated toxins from the body (for example, fruit drinks, tea with honey and lemon, herbal decoctions, dried fruit compotes or milk).
- It is necessary to constantly ventilate the room in which the patient is located. Wet cleaning is required.
- The patient should talk less, that is, limit the voiceload.
- Regarding nutrition: food should not be spicy, s alty, hot and hard to avoid injury to the oral mucosa. Porridges, soups with chicken broth, sour-milk products are welcome; as well as meat and fish, steamed or boiled.
- Constantly gargle with Furacilin solution or herbal decoctions.
- The patient must be placed in a separate room so that he does not infect other family members with pharyngitis. If this is not possible, then all relatives should wear medical masks.
- Give the patient your own individual set of dishes, which can be treated with boiling water or any disinfectant.
- If a person with pharyngitis has such a bad habit as smoking, then you will have to give it up (at least for a while). The fact is that resins can contribute to the transition of pathology into a chronic form. Take our advice and don't make things worse.
Physiotherapy
Your doctor may prescribe the following types of physical therapy:
- ultraviolet irradiation;
- laser exposure;
- electrophoresis;
- magnetotherapy.
If pharyngitis is not treated
If any pathology therapy is ignored, what complications are possible:
- Rheumatism.
- Inflammatory process in the kidneys.
- Respiratory and oral diseases such as tracheitis, laryngitis, bronchitis and tonsillitis.
- Inflammation of the joints.
- Problems related to the functioning of the lymphatic system.
Remember! With a disease such as pharyngitis, the immune system of both an adult and a child is very weakened. Therefore, the body cannot adequately resist viruses and bacteria. Only with the help of medications prescribed by a specialist, you can cope with the disease.
Prevention
Key preventive measures:
- When you come home after the street, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water (by the way, before eating too).
- In the season of epidemics, such activities as lubricating the nasal cavity with Viferon gel and gargling with ordinary boiled water give a good effect.
- Children need to be taught to use their own spoon, plate, cup and towel, and not to drink water from a shared bottle.
- Wet cleaning indoors is always good.
- Try to avoid large crowds (especially during the peak of the increase in the incidence).
- Take herbal immune-boosting drugs such as Eleutherococcus Tincture or Immunal.
- Don't forget your vitamins and minerals.
- Quit smoking and strong drinks.
- Stay he althy and active.
- Perform hardening procedures.
- Ventilate the room before going to bed and get a humidifier.
