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 | The chart below summarizes common childhood illness/allergy/irritations that relate to the throat, neck, and in or around the mouth. Note: This chart is only a guide and should not replace your doctor's advice. |
Condition | What Are The Signs and Symptoms? | Is It Contagious? |
Cat Scratch Disease | Chronically swollen, tender glands in neck, head, and under arms, especially if child has been bitten or scratched by a cat; mild fever; headache; fatigue; poor appetite. | No |
| Cervical Adenitis | Large tender, firm, warm swelling on one side of neck, which may become red; fever. | Usually no, but can be depending on culprit. |
| Cold Sore (Oral Herpes Stomatitis) | Small, fluid-filled blister(s) on or near lips; may enlarge, burst, and crust over. | Yes; until after lesion(s) healed. |
Dehydration | More than six hours without a wet diaper; dry mouth; lethargy; sunken soft spot on head; sunken eyes; skin that does not bounce back when pinched and released; irritability; increased heart rate and respiratory rate. | No |
| Epiglottitis Requires immediate medical attention | Severe sore throat; fever; drooling; difficulty breathing; chills; difficulty swallowing. | Depends on culprit. |
| Food Allergy Requires immediate medical attention if severe | Occurs after contact with a particular food. May have dry, itchy rash on various parts of the body. May present with itching and swelling of face, lips, and mouth; hives; watery eyes and runny nose; vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing. | No |
| Gingivostomatitis | Small red blisters inside the mouth or on the lips. Fever; may refuse to eat or drink which can lead to dehydration; bad breath. | No |
| Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (Coxsackievirus) | Small blister-like sores in the mouth, and on the palms of the hands and/or the soles of the feet, and possibly the buttocks. Mild fever, sore throat, loss of appetite. | Yes; until fever is gone. |
| Kawasaki Disease | Fever, reddening of the eyes (conjunctivitis), red and dry lips, swollen tongue, gingivitis, swollen glands in the neck and a swollen, red, peeling skin on the hands and feet. | No |
Roseola (Sixth Disease; Baby Measles) (Herpes Virus 6 or Herpes Virus 7) | Sudden onset of high fever between 101° and 105°F for two to five days; irritable; bulging soft spot; swollen glands in neck; runny nose; diarrhea; swollen eyes. May have runny nose before or with the fever. After fever breaks, a rash appears on torso, spreading to neck, face, and arms. | Yes; through respiratory droplets, saliva, or feces. |
Teething | Drooling, gum sensitivity, irritability, biting/gnawing, difficulty feeding, difficulty sleeping, runny nose, loose bowel movements, low-grade fever. May pull on ear. | No |
Thrush | White patches in mouth and on tongue that looks like milk but does not scrape off easily (and is not painful). May be irritable and refuse to eat. | Yes; until after 24 hours of anti-fungal treatment. |
| Tonsillitis- Bacterial and Viral | Swollen, red, tender tonsils sometimes flecked with white spots. Sore throat; swollen glands; difficulty swallowing; fever; chills; ear pain; cold symptoms. | Yes; can be contagious up to several weeks depending on culprit. |
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Author : Diba Tillery RN, BSN, IBCLC, CPST
