herpangina

Herpangina is a viral illness that primarily affects children, although it can also occur in newborns, adolescents, and young adults.

Causes and Symptoms

• Herpangina is caused by a Coxsackie virus, specifically coxsackievirus A or B, or echoviruses [4][7].
• The symptoms of herpangina include:
  • Small blister-like bumps or sores (ulcers) in the mouth, often on the roof of the mouth, back of the throat, and tonsils [1][6][9][12].
  • Fever, which can be high-grade [11].
  • Painful vesicular lesions on the soft palate, uvula, tonsils, and posterior of the oropharynx [12].

Demographics

• Herpangina is most commonly seen in children who are in daycare or school settings [1].
• It can also occur in newborns, adolescents, and young adults, although this is less common [3][5].

Duration and Treatment

• The symptoms of herpangina typically last for about a week [11].
• Treatment for herpangina usually involves managing the symptoms with pain relief medication and hydration.
• In some cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms.

Note: The information provided is based on the search results and may not be an exhaustive list of all possible causes and symptoms of herpangina.

Herpangina is a viral illness that causes a range of symptoms, which can vary in severity from person to person. Here are some common signs and symptoms of herpangina:

• Fever: A high fever is often one of the first symptoms of herpangina, with temperatures sometimes reaching over 104°F (40°C) [1].
• Sore throat or painful swallowing: The virus causes ulcers to form in the mouth and throat, leading to pain when swallowing food or liquids [2][3].
• Ulcers in the mouth and throat: Small blister-like bumps or sores (ulcers) can appear on the roof of the mouth, tonsils, uvula, tongue, and other areas of the oral cavity [4].
• Headache: A headache is a common symptom of herpangina, often accompanied by fever and sore throat [5][7].
• Loss of appetite: As the virus takes hold, many people experience a decrease in appetite due to discomfort or pain when eating [2][4].
• Neck pain: Some individuals may also experience neck pain or stiffness as a result of herpangina [4].
• Swollen lymph glands: In some cases, swollen lymph glands can be felt in the neck or other areas of the body [4].

It's worth noting that while these symptoms are common, they can vary from person to person. Some people may experience additional symptoms not listed here.

References: [1] - Context result 1 [2] - Context result 2 [3] - Context result 3 [4] - Context result 4 [5] - Context result 5 [7] - Context result 7

Diagnostic Tests for Herpangina

Herpangina, a viral infection that affects children and adults alike, can be diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests.

• Clinical Evaluation: The diagnosis of herpangina is primarily based on the patient's medical history and physical examination. A healthcare provider will ask questions about the symptoms and perform a thorough physical exam to verify the diagnosis [5][9][10].
• No Specific Diagnostic Tests Required: In most cases, specific diagnostic tests are not necessary to identify herpangina [2][12]. The disease is usually self-limited and resolves on its own within a short period.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): PCR can be performed to detect enteroviral RNA in throat, blood, CSF, urine, feces, and tissue specimens. However, this test is not typically necessary for diagnosing herpangina [3].
• Serology: Serology tests can show a rising titre of specific antiviral IgM antibodies, which first appear after 1 week and persist for about 6 months [7]. However, these tests are usually not required in uncomplicated cases of herpangina.

Key Points

• Herpangina is primarily diagnosed through clinical evaluation.
• Specific diagnostic tests are not typically necessary.
• PCR and serology tests may be performed in some cases, but are not usually required.

Note: The information provided above is based on the search results and context provided.

Herpangina Drug Treatment

Herpangina, a viral infection, does not have a specific antiviral treatment. However, the symptoms can be managed with various medications.

• Pain and fever relief: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are commonly used to alleviate pain and reduce fever [4][8].
• Antipyretic and analgesic medication: These medications can help control fever and ease mouth and throat pain [5][6].
• Oral lidocaine is not recommended: According to some sources, oral lidocaine should not be used for herpangina treatment [12].

It's essential to note that antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections like herpangina. Therefore, no antibiotic therapy is indicated.

Medications to avoid

• Antibiotics: These medications will not help treat herpangina as it is a viral infection.
• Broad-spectrum antiviral drugs: The effectiveness of these drugs for treating herpangina is limited [13].

General treatment approach

The primary goal of drug treatment for herpangina is to alleviate symptoms and support the body's natural recovery process. This can be achieved through good oral hygiene, hydration, and pain relief as needed.

References: [1] - Not applicable (herpangina is a self-limited illness) [2] - No specific therapy is indicated [3] - Herpangina cannot be treated or cured, but medicines can help ease symptoms [4] - Ibuprofen: Used to ease pain and lessen fever. [5] - People with herpangina may take pain-relief medication... [6] - Nov 7, 2024 — Herpangina treatment · Ibuprofen: Used to ease pain and lessen fever. · Acetaminophen/paracetamol: Used to ease pain and lessen fever. [7] - How is herpangina treated in a child? · Drinking more fluids · Taking acetaminophen for any fever [8] - Dec 15, 2021 — Treatment of herpangina · Pain and fever relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help with both fever and pain. [9] - Not applicable (no data available) [10] - Herpangina is a self-limited illness, and the treatment is primarily supportive [11] - Treatment alleviates symptoms of the condition since antibiotics or antiviral medicine is ineffective at treating herpangina [12] - Treatment is supportive and directed toward hydration and pain relief as needed with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Oral lidocaine is not recommended, and antiviral treatment is not available. [13] - Considering the limitations of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs for the treatment of herpangina [14] - Herpangina treatment focuses on relieving symptoms with good oral hygiene and home care

Herpangina can be distinguished from other conditions through its unique symptoms and characteristics.

Similarities with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

• Herpangina is often confused with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), another enterovirus infection.
• Both conditions cause similar symptoms, including sores and lesions in the mouth and throat.
• However, herpangina can be distinguished from HFMD by the lack of skin lesions on the hands and feet.

Other Differential Diagnoses

• Herpangina can also be confused with primary herpes simplex virus infection, which causes similar symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and oral ulcers.
• Additionally, herpangina may be mistaken for bacterial pharyngitis, coxsackieviruses, early symptomatic HIV infection, enteroviruses, or other viral infections.

Key Differentiators

• Herpangina is typically caused by various enteroviruses, including coxsackievirus A16 and enterovirus 71.
• The condition is characterized by the presence of vesicles (small blisters) in the mouth and throat that rupture to form ulcers.
• Herpangina often presents with a sudden onset of high fever, sore throat, and malaise, followed by the appearance of rash.

References

• [1] Apr 11, 2024 — Herpangina is a pharyngeal infection typically caused by various enteroviruses. In recent years, coxsackievirus A16, enterovirus 71, and other viruses have been implicated in the condition.
• [3] Mar 18, 2022 — Herpangina can be distinguished from hand, foot and mouth disease by the lack of skin lesions on the hands and feet.
• [6] Apr 11, 2024 — The symptoms of herpangina include fever, sore throat, malaise, and vesicles in the mouth that rupture to form ulcers.

Note: The above information is based on the search results provided in the context.