From the Research
Herpangina is a self-limiting illness that can be effectively managed with symptomatic treatment, incorporating topical oral spray with antiviral drugs, and typically resolves within 4-6 days with a good prognosis. The diagnosis of herpangina can be rendered on the basis of history of epidemiology, typical symptoms, characteristic pharyngeal damage, and virological tests, as stated in the Chinese expert consensus published in the World Journal of Pediatrics in 2020 1. The main pathogenic serotypes of herpangina include Coxsackievirus-A, Enterovirus-A, and Echovirus.
Some key points to consider in the management of herpangina include:
- Symptomatic treatment is the mainstay of management
- Topical oral spray with antiviral drugs can be used to alleviate symptoms
- Maintaining hydration is crucial despite painful swallowing
- The course of herpangina generally lasts 4-6 days with a good prognosis, as noted in the study published in 2020 1
It is essential to note that herpangina is caused by enteroviruses and is highly contagious, spreading through respiratory droplets and fecal-oral routes. While it rarely causes complications, medical attention should be sought if symptoms persist beyond the expected duration or if severe symptoms develop, such as high fever, severe headache, or stiff neck. The Chinese expert consensus provides valuable guidance for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of herpangina in children, as outlined in the study published in the World Journal of Pediatrics 1.