The baby always complains of sore throat, it turns out they are the cause

Sore throat is a common symptom of respiratory tract infection. Some long-lasting sore throats are not serious and do not affect eating and daily life. They are mild pharyngitis. Drinking plenty of water and eating a light diet can relieve them on their own. But some sore throats that appear in recent days and are more obvious are caused by more serious infections. Let's take a look at the main infectious factors that cause sore throats.

1 Common cold

Sore throats are most often caused by common cold viruses. They usually occur in winter. In addition to sore throat and hoarseness, they are also accompanied by fever, runny nose and cough. They usually get better in about a week. Antibiotics such as cephalosporins are generally ineffective. You can choose traditional Chinese medicine that clears away heat and detoxifies. The best way is to ensure that you drink enough water and rest.

2 Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is an infectious disease caused by the enterovirus family. It is highly contagious among young children in summer and autumn. Early symptoms mainly include fever and sore throat or mouth pain, followed by a rash, which is manifested as small redness and blisters, concentrated on the hands, feet, buttocks and around the mouth. Blisters and ulcers formed in the mouth and throat will cause pain when swallowing. Antibiotics are also ineffective. For hand, foot and mouth disease, pay attention to isolation, a light diet, good oral and skin care, and actively control high fever. Physical cooling can be used (warm water sponge bath, use of antipyretic patch), and antipyretic drugs (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) are used. Generally, it will heal within 1 week. Children can rinse or wipe their mouths with normal saline, and mainly eat liquid or semi-liquid food. It is not advisable to eat overheated or sweet and sour irritating foods. Those who have difficulty eating should supplement electrolytes appropriately and rest at home until the blisters heal.

3 Strep throat

Strep throat is an infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. It is common in children aged 5-15 years, less common in infants and young children, and usually occurs in winter and early spring. The inflammation affects the tonsils or the surrounding part of the throat. Symptoms include sore throat, pus in the tonsils, difficulty swallowing, fever and swollen glands, and some children also develop a red, sandpaper-like rash. Antibiotics are effective for this type of illness.

4 Acute tonsillitis

Acute tonsillitis is a non-specific acute inflammation of the palatine tonsils. It is common in preschool and school-age children. It is more susceptible in spring and autumn and when the temperature changes greatly. Fear of cold, high fever, headache, loss of appetite, fatigue, general discomfort; severe sore throat is its main symptom, often radiating to the ears, often accompanied by dysphagia, infants and young children often show drooling and refusal to eat. The general treatment is bed rest, light diet, drinking plenty of water, strengthening nutrition and maintaining smooth bowel movements; when the sore throat is severe or the fever is high, oral antipyretics and analgesics can be taken.

5 Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is an acute infectious disease caused by group A B hemolytic streptococci, which is common in children and adolescents. It is common in winter and spring. It is characterized by fever, pharyngitis, and rash. The initial pharyngeal pain is obvious, which affects eating. Rash appears within 24 hours of onset (starting from the ears, lower neck and upper chest, spreading to the back, upper limbs, and finally lower limbs within a day), the tongue coating is thick and white, the tongue papillae are red and swollen, and there are small protrusions on them ("strawberry tongue"). Antibiotics are effective for this type of disease.

Parents need to be aware that viruses and bacteria that cause sore throats can cause infection through contact with virus-contaminated hands, daily necessities, feeding utensils, etc., and can also be spread through respiratory droplets. Washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes with tissues or upper arms, cleaning toys, and not sharing water cups are the best ways to prevent the spread of diseases. If the baby has a persistent high fever or neurological symptoms (poor spirits, headaches, vomiting, convulsions, weak feeding, and unstable standing or sitting), seek medical attention in a timely manner.

Department of Pharmacy, Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital

Author: Pharmacist Wang Jia

Reviewer: Qu Suxin, Chief Pharmacist