Oral herpes, or herpetic inflammation of the mouth, gums and throat, is a disease most often diagnosed in children between the ages of one and five. Oral herpes is very serious for children as it can give rise to complications. What are the causes and symptoms of oral herpes? What is the treatment?
Oral herpes , orstomatitis , of the gums and throat, is the most commonly diagnosed diseasein children .
The cause of herpes stomatitisis herpes simplex virus type 1. It is transmitted through the saliva (e.g. by kiss) of a person who is a carrier of the virus (sick or asymptomatic vector) or in contact with objects containing the virus (e.g. toys). First-time infection usually occurs between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, i.e. in infants and young children.
It is good to know that herpetic stomatitis, gingivitis and pharyngitis is the most common form ofprimary infection(i.e. the one that occurs for the first time) with Herpes simplex virus (HSV) in small children.
Oral herpes in children can be very severe and have serious complications - for example, it can lead to an eye infection that threatens the child to lose sight.
Oral herpes - symptoms
It usually takes 3-6 days to get the first symptoms.The first symptoms of oral herpes are :
- feeling unwell
- muscle pain
- temperature up to 40 degrees C.
- loss of appetite
There are also oral symptoms, such as:
- swelling of the oral mucosa
- numerous, tiny, painful blisters on the gums (especially at the tips of the nipples), tongue, palatine arches, cheek mucosa. These bubbles burst over time to form ulcers with a red border and white coating. Eruptions can also occur on the lips, around the mouth and nose. Heal without scarring
- baby drooling
- unpleasant (referred to as putrefactive) smell from the mouth
Oral herpes - diagnosis
An initial diagnosis can be made on the basis of symptoms. Diagnosis is made on the basis of the resultsthe HSV culture, the HSV immunofluorescence test, the test to detect viral DNA, and the Tzanck test.
Blood serological tests are also performed at 2-week intervals, which show an increase in the titre of antibodies to HSV.
The doctor should also determine whether the cause of the above-mentioned symptoms may include other diseases, e.g. exudative erythema multiforme or recurrent aphthosis.
Oral herpes treatment
Treatment of oral herpesj involves the use oforal antiviral drugsthat shorten the duration of symptoms and alleviate their severity, but do not cure the causes of the disease. The virus cannot be removed from the body. It remains dormant for the rest of its life and, later in life, may again develop symptoms of infection after activation caused by a temporary state of weakened immunity (e.g. stress, colds).
Also, if you have problems chewing, chewing or swallowing , follow aliquid, semi-liquid, or mushy diet. These can be pureed soups, vegetables or fruit. Remember not to serve acidic or spicy foods, as well as carbonated drinks. Fluids and foods should not be too warm or too cold. The healing of the mucosa will be supported by B vitamins and vitamin C, as well as by consuming a minimum of 2 liters of fluid a day.
You should be aware that the pain in the mouth can be very severe and may lead to reluctance not only to eat but also to drink, which may lead to dehydration. The child must then be transported to the hospital for intravenous fluid replacement.