A loose throat in a child is a physiological structure. Loose throat - how to treat, what does the symptom mean
When examining a child, parents sometimes notice that his throat looks unhealthy - reddened and as if loose. What does it say?
Normally, the surface of the mucous membrane of the oropharynx is smooth, even, pale pink. If tubercles, folds, growths, etc. appear on it, they say that the child has a “loose throat”. Of course, “loose throat in a child” is not a diagnosis, and not even medical term. But at the same time, loosening of the lymphadenoid tissue - important feature which must be taken into account when making a diagnosis and prescribing treatment. Loosening may accompany some inflammatory diseases pharynx and tonsils, which we will discuss in detail in this article.
When do children with loose throat mucosa need treatment? How to determine the cause of the disease and choose effective therapy? Read about all this below.
When a Loose Throat Isn't a Cause for Concern
The appearance of tubercles on the surface of the mucous membrane is often observed in childhood. The reasons for this may be hypothermia, familiarity with new viruses and bacteria, the use of spices and other allergenic products nutrition, breathing polluted air, etc. In such cases, slight redness and hypertrophy of the follicles are signs immune reactions in tonsil tissue. The fact is that tonsils - immune organ. They are constantly in contact with food, water, air, reacting to potentially dangerous components. Every second, a lot of microorganisms enter the child's oral cavity, but due to the protective function of the tonsils, they do not harm health.
Since the child's body is only developing, and its the immune system encountering many germs for the first time, it is not uncommon for the tonsils to look lumpy.
If there are no signs of illness ( discomfort when swallowing, perspiration, fever, plaque on the tonsils, etc.), you should not worry. To make sure that everything is in order with the child, contact a specialist - an internal examination will show whether any treatment is required in your particular case.
Loose red throat - a sign of acute respiratory infections
Redness, along with swelling, pain, and mucus production, are classic signs of inflammation. Red flaky throat typical manifestation acute inflammatory response in the upper respiratory tract. Acute respiratory diseases(i.e., ARIs) that affect the throat area include:
- tonsillitis - inflammation pharyngeal tonsils;
- pharyngitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx;
- laryngitis - inflammation of the larynx.
With tonsillitis, the infection is localized in the tonsils. The tonsils (or tonsil) become inflamed - enlarged, reddened, covered with plaque. If the tonsils are not enlarged, but the throat is red, especially the visible part of the back wall, pharyngitis occurs.
With laryngitis, the throat may be reddened and loose only if, in infectious process throat retracts. It is impossible to see the inflamed larynx when examining the throat, so the diagnosis of "laryngitis" is made on the basis of external symptoms, primarily voice changes (hoarseness, wheezing).
Thus, a red throat with a loose surface indicates acute inflammation of the tonsils or pharynx. The child has either tonsillitis or pharyngitis.
Acute pharyngitis
Red and loose back wall child's throat clear sign acute pharyngitis. Its symptoms:
- elevated body temperature (37C and above);
- sore throat, may radiate to the ears;
- headache;
- swelling, loosening, redness of the visible part of the pharynx, suppuration, petechial hemorrhages are often formed;
- in children, pharyngitis is often accompanied by nasal congestion, runny nose, cough.
The disease develops acutely, usually after hypothermia and contact with infection carriers (sick or infected children and adults). The causative agents of pharyngitis are SARS viruses, as well as bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus. Symptoms of viral and bacterial pharyngitis in children are similar, so accurate diagnosis can only be placed on the basis of laboratory tests. However, this is not always resorted to - it is simply not necessary. If state baby light or moderate, in the first place he needs treatment local antiseptics. If necessary, anti-inflammatory drugs are also used. In general, treatment 
includes:
- gargling with infusions medicinal herbs, warm water with salt or soda;
- application of sprays antiseptic properties(Bioparox, Kameton, Ingalipt, Lugol) for irrigation of the oropharynx;
- resorption of lozenges and throat tablets with antiseptic and analgesic effects, for example, Septolete, Strepsils and many others;
- with an increase in body temperature above 38.5 ° C - antipyretics, for example, paracetamol, ibuprofen.
Antibiotics for pharyngitis are used only when severe course diseases - suppuration, severe fever, which is not amenable to the action of antipyretic drugs.
During treatment, children should adhere to bed rest. Patients need plenty warm drink, balanced diet(fresh fruits and vegetables, soups, meat, eggs, dairy products).
Acute tonsillitis
Acute tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils. Its symptoms:
- enlargement and redness of the tonsils, as well as the pharynx, soft palate and tongue;
- tuberosity of the mucous membrane of the tonsils, caused by an increase in their follicles ("loose throat");
- acute pain in the throat, making it difficult to swallow;
- enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes;
- fever (in children, body temperature often reaches 39C);
- possible formation of plaque on the tonsils in the form of dots, spots, films.
Tonsillitis can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Acute tonsillitis caused by bacterial infection called angina. Streptococcus is the most common bacterial pathogen. Streptococcal angina should be treated with antibiotics and viral infections with 
antiviral agents.
The question of including antibiotics in the treatment plan is decided by the doctor. Do not give up antibiotics if they are prescribed - untreated tonsillitis often gives complications to the heart, joints and kidneys.
In addition to antibiotics or antiviral drugs treatment for tonsillitis should include antiseptic preparations for local therapy(rinsing and treatment of tonsils). You can use the same remedies that are prescribed for pharyngitis. In addition, with tonsillitis with loosening of the tonsils, resorption of tablets is shown to restore the structure and functions of the lymphadenoid tissue. These include the drug Tonsilotren.
Chronic inflammation is the cause of loosening of the mucosa
Chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract are caused by indolent infections that affect the tissues of the pharynx, tonsils and other organs. Chronic inflammation is often the result of improper treatment of acute respiratory diseases (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, etc.).
Chronic pharyngitis is a sluggish, periodically aggravated inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx. In chronic granular pharyngitis, changes in the structure of the mucosa are observed - its surface is covered with nodules, tubercles, folds, necrotic areas are formed.
In chronic pharyngitis, the throat looks "loose", while the child may not complain of a sore throat or feeling unwell.
How to understand that a child has chronic pharyngitis:
- frequent coughing, especially in the morning (caused by the need to constantly cough up accumulated mucus);
- bad breath;
- the child may complain of dryness in the throat;
- loss of appetite;
- moderate enlargement of the lymph nodes under the lower jaw, there may also be pain when touching them;
- child's lethargy, drowsiness, fatigue.
Loose tonsils in a child are often a sign of chronic hypertrophic tonsillitis. In chronic inflammation of the tonsils, pathological changes lymphadenoid tissue - loosening, the formation of cicatricial adhesions and seals. 
Change in the appearance of the lymphadenoid tissue of the tonsils - characteristic manifestation chronic tonsillitis.
In addition, the disease has the following symptoms:
- enlarged tonsils;
- the presence of plugs or pus in the lacunae of the tonsils;
- persistently enlarged cervical lymph nodes.
With an exacerbation of chronic inflammation of the tonsils, symptoms characteristic of moderate angina are observed. Body temperature usually does not reach 39 C, sore throat is moderate.
Treatment chronic inflammation long-term, step-by-step First of all, the infection is destroyed, then the inflammation is removed. After that, measures are taken to restore the structural and functional integrity of the tissue and strengthen immunity.
Chronic infections in childhood are rare, but if a child often has a sore throat, and his tonsils look loose and scarred, you should consult a specialist - perhaps you are faced with chronic inflammation.
For the treatment of a red loose throat in a child, rinsing is often used, and means for local disinfecting treatment. Antibiotics and folk methods not suitable for small patients.
If an adult has been diagnosed with loose, treatment includes, in addition to rinsing and inhalation, antiviral, antibacterial or antifungal drugs, anti-inflammatory agents. For owners of chronic tonsillitis and other permanent pathologies, prevention is important to maintain the health of the throat and tonsils.
Is it dangerous?
How to cure a loose throat and is there an urgent need for this? For many children and adults similar condition tonsils is the norm, lymphoid tissue constantly hypertrophied, but it does not cause discomfort. If the throat is loose, but not red, then there is no inflammation in the throat and there is nothing to worry about.
The reasons
Having found loose tonsils in the throat of yourself or your baby, which are accompanied by signs of inflammation, you should consult a specialist to determine the cause of this disorder, most often it is:
- acute tonsillitis ();
- chronic tonsillitis;
- acute or chronic pharyngitis;
- colds, bacterial, fungal or viral infections of the throat, larynx, bronchi and lungs;
- autoimmune diseases, acute allergic reaction.
Sometimes loose tonsils in a child - congenital pathology lymphoid tissue, in which its hypertrophy is observed, but it functions normally, supporting local immunity.
Associated symptoms
To find out why the tonsils are loose, you need to conduct an external examination, do bacterial culture a swab from the throat and collect an anamnesis - a complex of accompanying symptoms, as they will help clarify the diagnosis.
In acute tonsillitis, enlarged tonsils and a red, loose throat in a child or adult are accompanied by severe pain when swallowing, fever, chills, weakness. a bright sign staphylococcal angina is a pale plaque with bad smell- purulent discharge, formed due to the surface activity of bacteria.
Chronic tonsillitis is not so bright, there is no fever, there is a constantly loose back wall of the throat in a child or an adult, the tonsils are always hypertrophied, hard plugs often fall out of them, hyperemia - there is no reddening of the tissues, there is bad breath.
Acute or chronic pharyngitis is a pathology of the mucous tissues of the throat, accompanied by fever, discomfort when swallowing or eating food. The patient observes a change in the timbre of the voice, wheezing appears in it, the throat is red and swollen, sometimes joins.
A cold, bacterial or viral infection is accompanied by fever, body aches, chills, weakness, a white coating appears on the tonsils. During similar pathologies the patient has problems with digestive system: loss of appetite, persistent nausea, bad chair.
Which doctor treats a loose throat?
If an adult or a child has a red, loose throat and a temperature, then it's time to contact a specialist. The pediatrician will treat the baby, and adult patients need to visit a therapist and an otolaryngologist.
Treatment
Loose throat therapy is necessary in cases where the patient has tissue hyperemia, fever and other signs of pathology. You should not choose drugs on your own, because in order to draw up a treatment regimen, you need to know exact reason disorders.
In children
When the pediatrician has determined why the child has a loose throat, therapy must begin. The main procedures for small patients are inhalations. They allow you to wash the tonsils and throat, remove excess mucus, reduce inflammation. Used for rinsing weak solution salt and iodine, Furacilina or pharmacy tincture calendula. For inhalation take Rotokan, saline or mineral water.
Antibiotics are rarely used because similar treatment loose throat in a child negatively affects his well-being. Sprays (Ingalipt, Tantum-Verde) and Lugol are suitable for disinfecting the throat, which lubricate the surface of the throat.
In adults
In addition to rinsing, inhalation and drugs for external treatment permitted for children, antibiotics of the penicillin or macrolide series, antiviral (Ocilococcinum, Arbidol) and antifungal (Miramistin and similar external treatment agents) preparations, lozenges (Decatilene, Faringosept, Septolete) are added.
Physiotherapy can be prescribed for adults, for example, warming up the throat with ultraviolet light, as well as artificial cleansing of the tonsils - the doctor removes plugs from the tonsils using ultrasound and treats them with an antiseptic solution.
Prevention
Prevention regularly (2-3 times a week) must be performed if an adult or a child has a loose throat all the time, chronic tonsillitis is present, autoimmune diseases, frequent infectious pathologies throat. The list of supporting procedures includes:
- gargling with a solution of salt and soda in equal proportions (1 tsp per glass of water);
- rinsing with solution sea salt and iodine (1 tablespoon of salt and 5 drops of pharmacy solution iodine);
- (2 tablets per glass of water);
- inhalation with mineral waters or pharmacy saline;
- gargling with herbal decoctions(sage, chamomile, oak bark, nettle, celandine), but these procedures are only suitable for adults, because medicinal plants often cause allergies in children.
Loose throat and tonsils are a sign of the active struggle of the immune system with pathogenic microorganisms, as well as an autoimmune reaction or chronic tonsillitis. To make a diagnosis, you need to contact a specialist who will conduct an examination, collect an anamnesis and tests.
Therapy for adults and children is different, since many drugs are contraindicated for small patients. Owners chronic diseases throat and those who often catch throat infections should take preventive measures so that the situation does not worsen.
Useful video about gargling for throat
If you look at the neck of the baby, you can see a slightly bumpy surface of the mucous membrane of the larynx. Similar phenomenon is not always a symptom of any disease of the ENT organs.
With absence accompanying signs colds, parents should not sound the alarm, this is quite normal physiological phenomenon. But now, if a child has a loose throat accompanied by pain when swallowing, redness and enlargement of the tonsils, this is a reason to seek the advice of a doctor.
The definition of "loose throat" is not a scientific term and is not used in medical practice. By and large, this is a vernacular language, however, many doctors use it to in simple terms explain to parents the clinical picture of what is happening.
The causes of looseness in the throat can be different and often not dangerous, but sometimes, on the contrary, the neglect of the process of microbial reproduction leads to the chronic form of such diseases:
- tonsillitis;
- pharyngitis;
- bronchitis.
Definition
So, the tonsils consist of lymphoid tissue, which, when viewed from the throat, is found in large quantities. At the same time, the tonsils contain an excessive number of follicles located on the back of the throat. When foreign pathogens enter, the follicles and tonsils begin to effectively produce lymphocytes.
They are the first sources of the immune system's reaction to the appearance of pathogens:
- fungi (see);
- viruses;
- bacteria.
During the period of seasonal infections, when cold air is inhaled, microbes enter the nasopharynx and, under favorable conditions for them (hypothermia, exposure to a huge dose of infection, contact with an infected patient, overwork), they begin active reproduction. As a result, the child has a red loose throat, enlarged tonsils, which means the development of an inflammatory process, which is the beginning of SARS, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, etc.
Interesting fact. The child's body is in constant acquaintance with many different microbes, respectively, therefore, in children, the throat is characterized by a loose mucosal surface.
The reasons
When a loose throat is observed in a child during examination, the reasons may be different. An ENT doctor can diagnose the disease, taking into account the accompanying symptoms. You need to start worrying about the baby if, in addition to friability, there is reddening of the tonsils, weakness, fever.
The main causes are the following ENT diseases:
| Disease name | Description |
| SARS, common cold | The most common infection that causes reddening of the tonsils, friability and sore throat. Lack of appropriate treatment can lead to the development of a more serious illness, such as pharyngitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, pneumonia, and even tuberculosis. |
| Pharyngitis | This disease is characterized by inflammation of the pharyngeal mucosa and lymphoid tissue. Occurs on its own or as a complication after mild form ENT diseases. Accompanied by a feeling of pain when swallowing, fever, dry cough, reddening of the tonsils. If the causative agent is a bacterium, ulcers are visualized on the tonsils. |
| Angina | The first symptom of a sore throat is a high temperature, which sometimes reaches 40 degrees. Children develop fever, chills, severe sore throat, cough. Purulent lumps may form on the tonsils, which is typical for purulent tonsillitis. The child becomes capricious, refuses to eat. |
Attention. If a child has a constantly loose throat, this, as noted above, may be a physiological feature of the structure of the throat mucosa. Parents need to be especially observant of the health of their baby. This feature organism as a magnet attracts to itself various infections. In a loose throat, their reproduction occurs several times more actively than in a child with normal structure epithelium. Therefore, such children are recommended regular preventive procedures, hardening and taking vitamins.
Symptoms
Looseness of the throat is just a visual picture that the doctor observes during the examination.
Symptoms of the disease can be different:
It is important for all parents with children under 7 years of age to observe the necessary microclimate in the room. It is easier for a child's body to cope with pathogenic microorganisms when humidity conditions contribute to this.
Treatment
When clinical picture looks in the following way, redness of the tonsils, purulent plaque, high fever, loose throat in a child, treatment is prescribed only by the attending physician after determining the nature and nature of the disease. The main rule for treating the throat is rest, rinses, warm drinks and compresses.
Medications are prescribed after the tests:
- laryngoscopy;
- throat swab;
- blood analysis.
Antibiotics are prescribed for severe disease. It is important to note that self-replacement antibacterial drugs(the price does not match, an allergic reaction has manifested itself, it is not for sale, etc.) is strictly prohibited.
The dosage of drugs is calculated depending on the individuality of the child's body, age, weight and other characteristics. And the instructions for many antibiotics contain a general explanation of the dilution and administration of the medicine.
Compliance following tips will help to more effectively overcome the disease:
- Well helps in the treatment of diseases of the throat soaring feet with mustard. After the procedure, it is recommended to put on socks and lie down under a warm blanket.
- The nutrition of the baby should be complete and fortified. With laryngitis, there is a lack of calcium and vitamin D, which leads to a sharp reduction in muscle tissue throat. Therefore, there is a need to replenish the lost substances.
- Inhalations and heavy drinking based on herbs (chamomile, eucalyptus, mint, St. John's wort, calendula) will be very useful.
In addition to rinsing and inhalation, depending on the severity of the disease, a course of the following activities is prescribed:
- Physiotherapy. Effective in the treatment of throat magnetotherapy, laser therapy, ultrasound, electrophoresis. It is carried out in a course, the duration of which is from 10 to 14 days.
- Vacuum. This method of treatment is carried out only by a medical specialist. It is prescribed for children who have purulent lumps on the tonsils. Vacuum is able to remove pus and speed up the healing process of wounds.
Important. If the child has lumps with purulent contents, it is strictly forbidden for parents to remove them with their own hands or with the help of improvised means. This procedure is quite dangerous and can only be performed in a hospital. medical worker using special tools.
If parents notice changes in the behavior of their baby, and upon examination they see a red and loose throat in a child, you should immediately pay attention to the accompanying symptoms. The first step is to measure body temperature, observe breathing. If all the signs point to the presence of ENT diseases, you should definitely seek help from a doctor.
In the video below in this article, experts talk about associated symptoms, and what could be the consequences if treatment is not started in a timely manner.
A red, sore baby throat is a real scourge for most parents. The child is dragged to the doctors, looking for all sorts of means and ways to reduce the number of cases of throat disease, but often all in vain. The well-known pediatrician and TV presenter Yevgeny Komarovsky tells about why it hurts in children and what to do with moms and dads.
Komarovsky about the problem
Everyone knows how a sore throat manifests itself. The child refuses to eat, because swallowing gives him discomfort, and sometimes it is almost impossible to even give him tea or compote. However, few parents imagine exactly what processes occur in this case in the child's body.
The mucous membrane of the larynx has a mass nerve endings, which is why the range of sensations in case of sore throat is so wide - from perspiration and tingling to acute pain which prevents you from speaking and eating normally. Inflammation is usually caused by viruses. less frequently bacteria. There is another reason - allergens from the outside (dirty air, household chemicals etc.).
According to the statistics cited by Evgeny Olegovich, 85% of cases of pain and redness in the throat are acute pharyngitis, in some cases, tonsillitis. Another 5% comes from bacterial lesions. The remaining 10% is allergic reactions, external stimuli, toxic fumes, toxins, dirty air and mechanical damage larynx.
There are many reasons, but there is only one way out - to act and not wait for everything to pass by itself. Komarovsky recommends in no case to ignore the baby's complaints about the throat.
Procedure
- Peace. The best thing that mom and dad can do is to provide the child with a calm rhythm of life, to exclude or significantly limit outdoor games, to ensure that the child is more silent and speaks less. This will reduce the load on the inflamed organ.
- Drink. Drinking regime should be switched to active mode, and the drink itself should be warm and plentiful. Even if it hurts the child to swallow, you should drink it a little, a teaspoon or a tablespoon, but always in sufficient quantities.
- Microclimate. The correct climate in the apartment will contribute to recovery. No need to wrap the baby in a few cotton blankets and put several heaters around the bed. Air temperature - should not be lower than 18 and did not go out 20 degrees, and air humidity at the level of 50-70%. The second parameter is extremely important so that the mucus in the throat does not dry out, especially if the baby has a runny nose and breathes through the mouth, since drying out of the mucous membrane can cause serious inflammation and complications.
- Food. Food should be crushed as much as possible, for example, with a blender. It should not be thick and contain large hard fragments. Salty and sour foods, soda should be completely excluded from the diet of a sick baby.
Treatment according to Komarovsky
The best treatment is rinsing. Evgeny Olegovich claims that sage grass or flowers can be used for this chamomile. However, there are several nuances here. The child should already be at the age when he can gargle. Then the procedures can be repeated every 2-3 hours. Too frequent rinsing, which some moms and dads “sin” who believe that the more often the better, can lead to additional irritation of the larynx. Everything is in good measure.
If the baby does not know how to gargle, Komarovsky advises not to torment him, but to use pharmacy antiseptics, which can be given in the form of a lozenge or sprayed into the throat. One of the safest and effective drugs Evgeny Komarovsky calls "Faringosept", but these tablets are not suitable for babies under 3 years old, since they practically do not know how to dissolve the drug, and they strive to chew it as soon as possible.
A compress for a sore throat is a rather dubious method, says Komarovsky, since the harm from it can be much more than the potential benefit. For example, warm compresses for angina - Right way to go to the hospital and for a long time to treat severe inflammation, which became more after warming up the throat. Compresses categorically can not be placed on children who have elevated body temperature.
How to properly treat a sore throat, doetor Komarovsky will tell in the next video.
Reasons for alarm
Yevgeny Komarovsky warns that sore throat- a serious symptom, and it does not always make sense to try to cope with the problem on your own.
You need to call a doctor as soon as possible if the child has a high temperature (above 38 °), if the child has difficulty breathing, if the ear additionally hurts, severe wheezing appears when inhaling, and nausea appears.
Urgent medical assistance also requires a sharp increase in the size of the tonsils, the appearance white coating on them, as well as the appearance of pain and some swelling in the joints, severe headache, rash. So, if only pershit - you can rinse. If there were additional symptoms- call a doctor.
Red throat and loose throat
If the doctor says "red throat," sensible parents who remember anatomy lessons in school should clarify what exactly is being said. The larynx, trachea, muscles, and the initial section of the esophagus can also turn red with inflammation. Accordingly, it is necessary to treat such a "red throat" in different ways. By redness alone, it is impossible to make a correct diagnosis, Komarovsky believes. Be sure to analyze the accompanying symptoms.
If a child has a sore throat and the diagnosis is confirmed, it may require antibiotic treatment.
In all other cases, Komarovsky does not advise rushing into therapy at all. Perhaps you just need to rest the neck, do not scream, do not talk loudly and everything will return to normal. The fact is that the tender neck of the baby can turn red from a loud cry. In this case, it should be treated only with rest. If the redness was preceded by an injury or burn, you can immediately start rinsing, but do not saline solution, as most parents believe, but exclusively with decoctions of herbs. Salt can increase irritation.
Doctor's diagnosis "loose throat", which mothers often hear from their local pediatricians, does not exist in medicine at all. This is a pseudo-medical semi-diagnosis, Komarovsky believes. Doctors say this when they observe an excessive amount of lymphoid tissue during examination. And, as a rule, this term is used when it comes to chronic tonsillitis. In this situation, not streptococci, not a fungus and not viruses are “guilty” of everything, but weak local immunity.
When else can a sore throat?
In babies under 1 year of age, the most common cause of sore throat is viral infections. They don't need to be treated with antibiotics, Yevgeny Komarovsky says, because antimicrobials, which successfully cope with bacteria, do not affect viruses in any way.
If a red throat is accompanied by a rash in the form of watery blisters on the arms, legs, and also in the mouth, we can talk about the Coxsackie virus.
Throat problems accompany Infectious mononucleosis, various injuries of the larynx, which is not so uncommon, given how often children drag everything that lies badly into their mouths.
Viral lesions do not need any treatment, you can only gargle to alleviate the condition a little. Usually, such ailments go away on their own in a week or a little more.
However, if the pediatrician takes a swab from the larynx and finds streptococci in it, then "tonsillitis" will be diagnosed, and there will be serious treatment antibiotics, from which parents should in no case refuse if the health of their beloved child is dear to them.
Prevention
There is no special prevention from sore throat, it is entirely aimed at strengthening the general immunity of the child, says Yevgeny Komarovsky. This and correct image life, and active sports, private walks on fresh air in any weather, and hardening, which can be started from birth.
It is possible to harden the throat very in a delicious way which will be appreciated by boys and girls of any age. Komarovsky recommends giving ice cream to children. First a teaspoon, then a tablespoon, and then a portion. It is also useful to freeze in the freezer fruit juice and give it to children to dissolve. It is both tasty and healthy, as it increases local immunity.
Watch Dr. Komarovsky's program about red throat - you will learn many nuances.
Unfortunately, not all children are prone to illness due to the fact that their immune system is in the process of becoming. It is painful for any parent to watch their child suffer from various ailments. Almost always, diseases of children affect the throat - it turns red, loosens, tickles, hoarseness appears, in addition to this, fever and cough may appear. Highly unpleasant situation, frankly, which requires immediate treatment. The main question that parents have in such a situation is that the child has a red throat: how to treat it? - Dr. Komarovsky gave many answers to it, which can be found below.
Treatment of red throat according to Komarovsky: the basics
Sometimes, when examining the neck of a child, it can be found that the tonsils and pharynx have an uneven mucosa with a bumpy surface. Such changes are characterized by an increase in the tonsils with large quantity recesses.
The tubercles themselves have a pink-yellow or pink color. This phenomenon is called a loose throat in a child. This is not a medical term, but "folk".
Often with a loose throat, there are no signs of inflammation, such as high fever, pain, plaque on the tonsils, and drowsiness. In this case no special reasons for worry. But if the baby's tonsils are loose, you should find out what exactly provoked this condition.
Often in the first years of life in children, the mucous throat reacts to environment and is a response of the immune system. It is worth noting that in the pharynx of each person there is lymphatic tissue, and its concentration forms follicles that dot the back wall. On hit different kind microbes through the nasopharynx begins the process of their rapid reproduction, which causes a loose throat.
In the inflammatory process, lymphocytes are produced in the body, which are immune cells. In the process of their production, reddening of the tonsils is observed, they increase in size, and the mucous membrane becomes uneven. By appearance loose tonsils are like a sponge.
Because of children's body constantly meets and gets acquainted with new microorganisms that surround us, this symptom often manifests itself in babies. In medicine, this condition in the vast majority of cases is considered the norm and does not require treatment. In addition, the tonsils can be enlarged after an infectious disease.
A loose throat is visually determined by parents or a doctor when examining a child. However, the symptoms of the disease itself can manifest themselves in different ways.
- Bad smell. Due to the fact that the tonsils have an uneven surface, food can linger in them. As a result, the spread of bacteria begins, which leads to the appearance of an unpleasant odor from the oral cavity.
- Pain sensations. The development of infection leads to soreness of the throat, which is especially acute when swallowing.
- Headache. Due to swelling of the pharyngeal mucosa, breathing becomes difficult, which is accompanied by general weakness and headaches.
- Temperature rise.
- Lethargy. The active development of infection in the body leads to its weakening. The child cannot fully breathe during sleep, so he quickly gets tired and looks lethargic.
Red loose throat in children does not need therapy if there are no concomitant symptoms of the disease. In certain cases, this condition may signal a initial stage infection development.
Loose tonsils can be associated with the following diseases:
- colds, SARS;
- tonsillitis;
- angina;
- pharyngitis.
Treatment traditional means is required only in certain cases, therefore, at the first signs of illness, it is worth contacting a medical institution. Home therapy is acceptable for colds or SARS. They are accompanied by symptoms such as runny nose, soreness when swallowing, non-critical fever.
AT without fail you should consult a doctor if the loose surface of the throat in a child is combined with the following manifestations:
- severe redness of the mucosa;
- discomfort when swallowing;
- soreness in the throat;
- the presence of plaque and plugs from pus on the tonsils;
- an increase in the size of the lymph nodes under the neck;
- high temperature;
- the presence of a film on the walls of the throat.
In such cases, a number of studies are prescribed to determine the type of infection and the optimal treatment tactics are selected.
Often, antibiotic therapy is required.
Parents should be wary if the baby quickly gets tired, lethargic, feels bad for long period, with no apparent reason for this. Such behavior requires an immediate visit to the doctor, since such symptoms can be the cause of chronic tonsillitis. When diagnosing this disease there is a soft palate, swelling of the tonsils, accumulation of pus and a yellowish-white coating.
A loose throat can also mean a sore throat. chronic form. This disease is quite specific and often causes problems that are caused by disruption of other organs. Chronic angina needs to be treated. As a diagnosis, pharyngoscopy is used.
With such a phenomenon as loose tonsils in a child, treatment requires individual approach. Tactics are determined after complete diagnosis with the surrender of all necessary analyzes. A swab is taken from the throat to determine the nature of the disease and the resistance of bacteria to certain drugs.
Light and average degree pathologies do not require hospitalization, you can easily cope at home. To do this, it is enough to take care of the moderate mode and plentiful drink. Also, the doctor may recommend washing, with which pus plugs are removed from the tonsils, and their swelling decreases. Usually, similar procedure carried out in a medical facility.
At home, you can do rinses with herbal solutions. Most effective option- Means based on calendula. To prepare it, you need one spoon of tincture and a glass of warm boiled water. To relieve swelling of the tonsils, a gradual decrease in the temperature of the water for rinsing is recommended. Thus, the effect of hardening the child's throat is achieved.
If the throat is not red and the baby does not complain of pain when swallowing, then you should not use antiseptic drugs. In such a situation, it is better to rinse the affected area with a salt solution.
This remedy relieves inflammation and removes plaque. To prepare it, you need to dilute one large spoonful of sea salt in a glass of water. With an exacerbation of the disease, it is necessary to rinse every 30 minutes.
At loose tonsils cleansing of the tonsils is also prescribed. It can be done in the hospital with an ultrasound or at home with a small spoon. Before the procedure, it is necessary to treat the throat antiseptic to prevent the spread of infection.
More severe forms diseases require the use of ultraviolet, laser or ultrasound. Last method is the most efficient. In most cases positive result treatment gives the removal of pus from the lacunae of the tonsils. All procedures of this kind are aimed at full recovery and prevention of surgery.
Sometimes with frequent severe inflammation tonsils need to be removed. But this is an extreme measure. The fact is that the tonsils perform protective function. So they prevent the penetration of pathogenic microbes into our body. Their removal contributes to the development of various infectious diseases. That is why it is important to determine the cause of a loose throat and eliminate it in time with conservative treatment.
If a child has a predisposition to this kind of disease, it is important to prevent their development. The main goal is to increase immunity and reduce the possibility of developing an infection in the throat. To do this, you need to observe oral hygiene, because pathogenic microorganisms often multiply on the teeth and tongue.
It is also necessary to periodically visit an otolaryngologist, who will carry out preventive washing of the palatine lacunae. If for some reason it is not possible to consult a doctor, then you can wash the tonsils yourself with a solution of furacilin. It has a detrimental effect on streptococcal and staphylococcal infection, which can cause the development of an inflammatory process in the tissues of the nasopharynx.
Alternation allowed medical solutions with herbal teas. For their preparation, it is recommended to use chamomile, sage or calendula. It is necessary to rinse for four weeks, then take a break for the same amount.
It is important to provide an optimal microclimate in the room so that the children's body can quickly cope with pathogens. Dry mucous is a favorable environment for the development of bacteria in it, therefore it is necessary:
- drink frequently;
- provide daily walks;
- organize wet cleaning in the child’s room more often and ventilate regularly;
- monitor the level of humidity in the room where the baby is.
All children, regardless of whether there is a loose throat or not, are recommended to harden different ways in order to strengthen local immunity.
Normally, the surface of the mucous membrane of the oropharynx is smooth, even, pale pink in color. If tubercles, folds, growths, etc. appear on it, they say that the child has a “loose throat”. Of course, “loose throat in a child” is not a diagnosis, and not even a medical term. But at the same time, loosening of the lymphadenoid tissue is an important sign that must be taken into account when making a diagnosis and prescribing treatment. Loosening may accompany some inflammatory diseases of the pharynx and tonsils, which we will discuss in detail in this article.
When do children with loose throat mucosa need treatment? How to determine the cause of the disease and choose an effective therapy? Read about all this below.
The appearance of tubercles on the surface of the mucous membrane is often observed in childhood. The reasons for this may be hypothermia, exposure to new viruses and bacteria, the use of spices and other allergenic foods, breathing polluted air, etc. In such cases, slight redness and hypertrophy of the follicles are signs of immune reactions in the tissue of the tonsils. The fact is that the tonsils are an immune organ. They are constantly in contact with food, water, air, reacting to potentially dangerous components. Every second, a lot of microorganisms enter the child's oral cavity, but due to the protective function of the tonsils, they do not harm health.
Since a child's body is just developing and her immune system is exposed to many germs for the first time, it is not uncommon for her tonsils to look lumpy.
If at the same time there are no signs of the disease (unpleasant sensations when swallowing, perspiration, fever, plaque on the tonsils, etc.), you should not worry. To make sure that everything is in order with the child, contact a specialist - an internal examination will show whether any treatment is required in your particular case.
Redness, along with swelling, pain, and mucus production, are classic signs of inflammation. A red, loose throat is a typical manifestation of an acute inflammatory reaction in the upper respiratory tract. Acute respiratory illnesses (i.e., ARIs) that affect the throat area include:
- tonsillitis - inflammation of the pharyngeal tonsils;
- pharyngitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx;
- laryngitis - inflammation of the larynx.
With tonsillitis, the infection is localized in the tonsils. The tonsils (or tonsil) become inflamed - enlarged, reddened, covered with plaque. If the tonsils are not enlarged, but the throat is red, especially the visible part of the back wall, pharyngitis occurs.
With laryngitis, the throat may be reddened and loose only if the pharynx is drawn into the infectious process. It is impossible to see the inflamed larynx when examining the throat, so the diagnosis of "laryngitis" is made on the basis of external symptoms, primarily voice changes (hoarseness, wheezing).
Thus, a red throat with a loose surface indicates acute inflammation of the tonsils or pharynx. The child has either tonsillitis or pharyngitis.
The red and loose back wall of the throat in a child is a clear sign of acute pharyngitis. Its symptoms:
- elevated body temperature (37C and above);
- sore throat, may radiate to the ears;
- headache;
- swelling, loosening, redness of the visible part of the pharynx, suppuration, petechial hemorrhages are often formed;
- in children, pharyngitis is often accompanied by nasal congestion, runny nose, cough.
The disease develops acutely, usually after hypothermia and contact with infection carriers (sick or infected children and adults). The causative agents of pharyngitis are SARS viruses, as well as bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus. Symptoms of viral and bacterial pharyngitis in children are similar, so an accurate diagnosis can only be made on the basis of laboratory tests. However, this is not always resorted to - it is simply not necessary. If the child's condition is mild or moderate, first of all he needs treatment with local antiseptics. If necessary, anti-inflammatory drugs are also used. In general, treatment 
includes:
- gargling with infusions of medicinal herbs, warm water with salt or soda;
- the use of sprays with antiseptic properties (Bioparox, Kameton, Ingalipt, Lugol) for irrigation of the oropharynx;
- resorption of lozenges and throat tablets with antiseptic and analgesic effects, for example, Septolete, Strepsils and many others;
- with an increase in body temperature above 38.5 ° C - antipyretics, for example, paracetamol, ibuprofen.
Antibiotics for pharyngitis are used only in severe cases of the disease - suppuration, severe fever, which is not amenable to the action of antipyretic drugs.
During treatment, children should adhere to bed rest. Patients need a plentiful warm drink, a balanced diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, soups, meat, eggs, dairy products).
Acute tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils. Its symptoms:
- enlargement and redness of the tonsils, as well as the pharynx, soft palate and tongue;
- tuberosity of the mucous membrane of the tonsils, caused by an increase in their follicles ("loose throat");
- acute pain in the throat, making it difficult to swallow;
- enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes;
- fever (in children, body temperature often reaches 39C);
- possible formation of plaque on the tonsils in the form of dots, spots, films.
Tonsillitis can be caused by viruses or bacteria. Acute tonsillitis caused by a bacterial infection is called tonsillitis. Streptococcus is the most common bacterial pathogen. Streptococcal tonsillitis should be treated with antibiotics, and viral tonsillitis with 
antiviral agents.
The question of including antibiotics in the treatment plan is decided by the doctor. Do not give up antibiotics if they are prescribed - untreated tonsillitis often gives complications to the heart, joints and kidneys.
In addition to antibiotics or antiviral drugs, the treatment of tonsillitis should include antiseptic preparations for local therapy (rinsing and treating the tonsils). You can use the same remedies that are prescribed for pharyngitis. In addition, with tonsillitis with loosening of the tonsils, resorption of tablets is shown to restore the structure and functions of the lymphadenoid tissue. These include the drug Tonsilotren.
Follicles and tonsils - local immune defense. This means that with the ingress of pathogens, they are the first to start the fight. Produced in the glands a large number of lymphocytes, and due to this, their tissues begin to grow intensively. In what cases does it require serious treatment and when can preventive methods be dispensed with.
The tonsils are accumulations of lymphodenoid tissue, which are located on the posterior arches of the soft palate (two palatine), posteriorly - upper surface nasopharynx (pharyngeal), and on the root of the tongue (lingual). The mucosa of the pharynx also has dotted growths of lymphodenoid tissue. All structures together serve as a protective barrier to infection and are called the Pirogov-Waldeyer pharyngeal lymphadenoid ring.
The palatine tonsils may differ: small (similar to almond grain), enlarged (the size of Walnut). In childhood, in the pharyngeal tonsil, as a rule, a hypertrophied state is considered the norm.
Loose tonsils (or loose throat) is one of the signs of chronic tonsillitis, an indicator of inflammation. But, on the other hand, this suggests that mechanisms have been launched in the body to combat pathogenic pathogens.
From frequent colds with infections, the overgrown lymphoid tissue cannot fully fulfill its protective function, and itself becomes a source of inflammation in the nasopharynx.
Loose tonsils are just a visual picture. It is accompanied by:
- An unpleasant odor from the oral cavity due to the decomposition of food debris on the tonsils.
- sore throat,
- Discomfort when swallowing.
- An increase in temperature to subfebrile (37–37.5 ° C).
- Periodic headaches and malaise.
- Enlargement and tenderness to palpation of nearby lymph nodes.
If outwardly healthy tissues are smooth, even, pink, then with inflammation they become covered with white-yellow purulent plaque. The surface becomes bumpy, the mucous membrane of the throat is reddened and swollen. If these external manifestations accompanied by high fever, you should immediately consult a doctor. Immediate medical attention required.
Pathologies
Loose tonsils in a child on the background wellness not dangerous. This is normal in childhood. A growing organism, faced with pathogenic pathogens, produces a large number of lymphocytes, and thus signals the danger of infection. In another way, the children's immune system cannot react.
For diseases that require emergency treatment and are accompanied by friability of the palatine and pharyngeal tonsils, include tonsillitis, tonsillitis and others.
Angina
The most common pathology of the autumn-winter period. The cause may be general hypothermia, cold or wet feet, drinking cold drinks. Provoking factors:
- Weak local immunity, when the tonsils do not cope with their main task.
- Overwork.
- Transferred infections.
- Chronic diseases of the nasopharynx (otitis, sinusitis, adenoids).
Angina begins acutely. The temperature rises sharply to 39–40 °C. Disturbed by fever, chills, weakness. On the second day there is a sore throat. Tonsils loose, covered purulent accumulations, under which areas with erosion are visible. The lymph nodes enlarge and become painful. The condition is always accompanied by hoarseness and lasts about a week.
Tonsillitis (strep throat)
The disease happens as an independent or develops due to the inflammatory process in the nasopharynx. On the initial stage gives sore throat with dry cough. Loose tonsils, reddened, with areas of suppuration or sores.
The disease gives regular exacerbations (5-6 times a year) against the background of immunodeficiency states, general hypothermia, viral infections. The situation is aggravated by carious teeth, a deviated nasal septum.
Pharyngitis
A disease in which the posterior pharyngeal wall is involved in the inflammatory process, combined chronic tonsillitis and looseness of the tonsils.
Symptoms:
- Sore throat.
- Dryness.
- Feeling of constriction.
- Malaise.
- Enlarged lymph nodes.
Accumulates in the oropharynx significant amount thick mucus, which is coughed up with great difficulty. Frequent episodes of pharyngitis give a persistent proliferation of lymphodenoid tissue and increase the risk of developing rheumatism, arthritis, and kidney disease.
Treatment program
The methods of therapy that are used for loose tonsils directly depend on the age and severity of the pathology.
On the initial examination doctor prescribes laboratory research scraping to determine the sensitivity of the flora.
Only after the type of pathogenic agent is established, the necessary therapy is prescribed.
If the growth in the tonsils passes without signs acute inflammation recommended preventive measures:
- Mandatory frequent ventilation.
- Washing and moisturizing the cavities of the nose and mouth.
- hardening.
- Active physical education in the fresh air, outdoor games
- Vitamin therapy.
At inflamed tonsils prescribe a course of physiotherapy (10 days - 2 weeks). It can be ultrasound, herbal medicine, oil and alkaline inhalations, laser treatment. After active influence when the inflammation has passed, the tonsils return to regular sizes, are smoothed out.
At home, rinses with furatsilin, chamomile, sage, calendula are recommended for a month, salt solutions. Helpful in hardening the throat. It begins with rinsing with cool water, with gradual decline temperature. To get used to the tonsils to the cold, the resorption of small ice cubes is recommended.
In extraordinary, poorly yielding conservative therapy cases, cauterization with silver nitrate is prescribed.
Removal
When does tonsil hypertrophy reach large sizes, this means that there is a mechanical barrier to breathing, swallowing and speech production. In this case, their partial excision of two growths is shown - tonsillotomy.
But this is an extreme measure. To remove means to open the way for pathogens. In addition, after the procedure, the mucous membrane will be prone to drying out, which, in turn, will lead to frequent pharyngitis and discomfort in the throat. Without protective barrier pathogens will freely penetrate into the bronchi and lungs.
Removal of the tonsils is indicated only if the damage to health exceeds their benefits, and the growths become a breeding ground for infection. The operation is indicated when the inflammation is severe and requires antibacterial treatment more than 4 times a year.
