-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
eyes/ears/nose/throat
pharyngitis
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition: Acute inflammation or infection of the pharynx.

etiology: Pharyngitis is usually due to a viral agent; however, other associated microorganisms include Group A Beta-hemolytic Strep ("strep throat"), pneumococcus, gonococcus or other STD, or staphylococcus.

signs and symptoms

• Sore throat: may be extremely painful.
• Dysphagia.
• Positive cervical/tonsillar adenopathy.
• Possible fever, chills, malaise, anorexia.
• Possible membrane and/or exudate.
• Hyperemic pharyngeal tissues with vascular injection.
• Possible vomiting, headache, strawberry tongue, circumoral pallor, tachycardia.
• Possible rash: diffuse, pinkish red flush of skin, blanching with pressure.

lab findings:
• Increased WBCs with shift to left, or decreased WBCs with relative lymphocytosis
• Smear and culture of exudate.
• Possible (+) rapid strep

course and prognosis

Viral pharyngitis is self-limiting and usually benign.

Strep throat may cause complications in a small number of susceptible patients. Antibody cross-reactions may cause glomerulonephritis or, in 3-7% of untreated infections, rheumatic fever. Conventional treatment of Strep throat is antibiotics. It usually resolves without complications after appropriate treatment.

differential diagnosis

• Laryngitis.
• Diptheria.
• Epiglottitis.
• Scarlet Fever
• Peritonsillar abscess


footnotes