1 post tagged “what is herpangina.”

Herpangina typically is a mild and self-limited illness. Patients do not appear very ill. Associated complications rarely occur. Enterovirus 71, which can cause herpangina, has more recently been associated with a greater frequency of severe complications that range from the mild typical symptoms to fatal meningoencephalitis. Fatalities, which mostly occur in infants aged 6-11 months, have been reported. 

Herpangina from herp, an itching, and angina, a sore throat, literally "a choking"; also called mouth blisters) is the name of a painful mouth infection caused by coxsackieviruses. Usually, herpangina is produced by one particular strain of coxsackievirus A, but it can also be caused by coxsackievirus B or echoviruses. It is most common in children. Though herpangina can be asymptomatic, symptoms usually associated are high fever and sore throat. 

Herpangina is an illness caused by a virus, characterized by small blister-like bumps or ulcers that appear in the mouth, usually in the back of throat or the roof of the mouth. The child often has a high fever with the illness. 

Symptoms of Herpangina

This illness starts abruptly, usually with a fever. Often the fever is high (103–104°F). Occasionally, children lose their sparkle (and appetite) a few hours before the fever begins. The mouth sores usually begin at the same time as the fever or shortly afterward. Children average about five blisters in the mouth. These blisters are surrounded by red rings and can occur in the back of the throat, on the roof of the mouth, on the tonsils, on the uvula, inside the cheeks, or on the tongue. The blisters may start as small red bumps and may go on to become ulcers after the blister stage. The illness usually lasts 3 to 6 days. 

Causes of Herpangina

Herpangina is caused by a virus known as the "Coxsackie virus", because it was first found in patients in the town of Coxsackie in eastern New York. (There are actually many different types of Coxsackie virus which cause several different diseases; herpangina is cause by only one or two of these "serotypes".) The virus is classified as an "enterovirus", which means that it is most often found in the gastrointestinal tract, and although enteroviruses are commonly responsible for gastroenteritis ("stomach flu"), they can cause many other diseases as well, including fever without other symptoms. 

Herpangina is caused by Coxsackie virus, typically Coxsackie group A viruses. Herpangina may be characterized by mouth ulcers, but a high fever, sore throat, and headache may precede the appearance of the lesions. A history of herpangina at school or in the neighborhood increases the chances your child will develop the illness. The ulcers may be very painful. Generally, there are only a few sores. 

Treatment of Herpangina

Coxsackie virus is transmitted by contamination with feces, which means you can catch the virus by touching your mouth or eating without thoroughly washing your hands. Good handwashing practices can help prevent transmitting most viruses. Being aware of other cases of herpangina in your neighborhood or school may allow earlier diagnosis.

Herpangina is usually diagnosed based on a complete history and physical examination of your child. The lesions of herpangina are unique and usually allow for a diagnosis simply on physical examination.