Herpangina is a common acute upper respiratory tract infection in children, primarily caused by enteroviruses and transmitted through droplets or direct contact. Clinical manifestations include herpetic lesions and ulcers in the oropharynx, fever (38-40°C), sore throat, and difficulty in eating. Some patients may experience dehydration, vomiting, or abdominal pain, which can exacerbate their condition. In rare cases, severe complications such as encephalitis or myocarditis may develop. Modern medical treatment primarily involves antiviral agents and symptomatic supportive care, including antipyretics, analgesics, adequate hydration, and nutritional support to alleviate discomfort and prevent dehydration. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), herpangina is classified under "oral ulcers" or "throat obstruction", often attributed to wind-heat or excessive heat in the spleen and stomach. Enteroviruses, due to their febrile and infectious nature, are categorized as "warm pathogen disease" and " pestilence", commonly associated with damp-heat pathogens, which are prevalent in Taiwan’s humid and hot climate. This case report discusses a 10-year-old female patient with a history of hospitalization for acute otitis media. On the fifth day after discharge, she developed fever, chills, and severe sore throat, leading to difficulty in eating. She was admitted to the pediatric ward for further treatment. On the third day of hospitalization, TCM treatment was incorporated, following the principles of clearing heat, detoxifying pathogens, resolving dampness, and strengthening the spleen. After integrating TCM therapy, the patient’s symptoms significantly improved, her ability to eat was restored, and she was successfully discharged on the seventh day. This case demonstrates that integrated TCM treatment can effectively alleviate throat pain and eating difficulties associated with herpangina. Further studies are warranted to explore the clinical applications and therapeutic efficacy of integrating Western and traditional Chinese medicine in the management of pediatric herpangina.
【Keywords】
Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment ； Herpangina ； Enterovirus ； Pediatric Traditional Chinese Medicine ； Pediatric Throat Obstruction
291-11 中西結合治療小兒皰疹性咽峽炎病例報告
