-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