Herpangina
Herpangina (pronounced: her-pan-JY-nuh) is an acute, viral, and infectious illness primarily affecting children. It is characterized by the sudden onset of fever, sore throat, and painful blisters or ulcers in the mouth and throat.
Etymology
The term "Herpangina" is derived from the Greek words "herpes," meaning creeping or crawling, and "angina," meaning inflammation of the throat or windpipe. Despite its name, herpangina is not related to the herpes virus.
Symptoms
The primary symptoms of herpangina include:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Painful blisters or ulcers in the mouth and throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
Causes
Herpangina is most commonly caused by the Coxsackie virus, but can also be caused by the Echovirus or other enteroviruses. It is highly contagious and spreads through contact with saliva, nasal mucus, or feces of an infected person.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of herpangina is typically based on the characteristic clinical presentation. Laboratory tests, such as throat swabs and stool samples, may be used to confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific virus causing the illness.
Treatment
Treatment for herpangina primarily involves relieving symptoms. This may include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce fever and relieve throat pain
- Plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
- Soft, bland foods to ease swallowing
Prevention
Prevention of herpangina involves good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and disinfecting common surfaces.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Herpangina
- Wikipedia's article - Herpangina
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