Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
|
Definition Return to top
Herpangina is a viral illness characterized by ulcers and lesions inside the mouth, sore throat, and fever. If similar shallow blister-like lesions appear on the palms or soles, it may be called hand, foot, and mouth disease.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Herpangina is caused by coxsackie virus, typically coxsackie group A viruses. Herpangina is characterized by mouth ulcers, but a high fever, sore throat, and headache may precede the appearance of the lesions. The lesions are generally ulcers with a white to whitish-gray base and a red border -- usually on the roof of the mouth and in the throat. The ulcers may be very painful. Generally, there are only a few lesions.
The incidence of herpangina is unknown, but it is a common childhood infection. A history of herpangina at school or in the neighborhood increases the chances your child will develop the illness.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Tests are not normally necessary. Diagnosis can usually be made from the history and physical examination.
Treatment Return to top
The symptoms are treated as necessary:
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The illness normally clears up within a week.
Complications Return to top
There are usually no complications.
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if the fever, sore throat, or throat lesions persist beyond 5 days, if your child is having trouble drinking liquids or looks dehydrated, or if the fever becomes excessive or persistent.
Prevention Return to top
As with most viruses, there is no practical prevention. Awareness of other cases of herpangina in the neighborhood or school may allow earlier diagnosis.
Update Date: 1/21/2004 Updated by: Philip L. Graham III, M.D., M.S., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of New York, Columbia University, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |