Herpangina: Symptoms, Causes & Relief - A Comprehensive Guide

Herpangina, an infectious disease typically caused by viral contamination through contact with feces, generally occurs in infants and young children, although it may be caught by anyone. Symptoms include fever, painful swallowing, sore throat, a loss of appetite and, most conspicuously, sores in the throat and mouth.

Relieve Pain

• Relieve pain with the recommended dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen. This will reduce the fever and much of the discomfort. If the mouth sores continue to be painful, try a topical anesthetic to reduce or eliminate the pain.
  There is no antiviral therapy for herpangina.

Avoid Irritation

• To avoid irritating the sores in your mouth and throat, stay away from acidic foods and liquids, such as fruit or fruit juices. Ice cream and other chilled dairy products will help soothe the pain. Be sure to drink lots of water.

Let Your Body Do the Work

• The condition usually clears up on its own within a week. If the condition lasts longer without any signs of improvement, contact your physician.