Acute Pharyngitis Flashcards
What are the symptoms of acute pharyngitis
Scratchy or sore throat
Pain with swallowing
Red and edematous pharynx
Possible exudates on the tonsils or pharynx
What are the signs of bacterial pharyngitis (strep throat)?
Fever >100.4°F (38°C)
Anterior cervical lymph node enlargement
Tonsillar/pharyngeal exudate
Absence of cough
What are the signs of fungal pharyngitis
White, irregular patches on the oropharynx
What increases the risk of fungal pharyngitis
Prolonged antibiotic use
Inhaled corticosteroids
Immunosuppression (e.g., HIV)
what do you assess for?
Severity of throat pain
Presence of fever
Exudates on tonsils/pharynx
Swollen lymph nodes
Presence or absence of cough
how is bacterial pharyngitis diagnosed?
Rapid antigen detection test (rapid strep test) and/or throat culture
When is a throat culture needed?
when ≥2 bacterial criteria are present (fever, lymph node swelling, exudates, absence of cough)
what is the treatment for viral pharyngitis
Fluids
Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
Throat lozenges
Warm salt water gargles
Humidifiers
what are the first-line antibiotics for bacterial pharyngitis?
First-line antibiotic: Penicillin for 10 days to prevent complications (e.g., rheumatic fever).
what are the alternatives for penicillin allergy?
Erythromycin
Clindamycin
Azithromycin
1st generation cephalosporins
what is the treatment for fungal pharyngitis?
Treated with Nystatin (swish and swallow antifungal antibiotic)
How do you prevent pharyngitis with inhaled corticosteroids?
Rinse mouth thoroughly with water after each use to prevent fungal pharyngitis.
How long is the Pt contagious?
24-48 hours after starting antibiotics
What are some home remedies to relieve throat pain?
Gargling warm salt water
Drinking warm/cold fluids
Using throat lozenges
Using a cool-mist humidifier
what do you avoid?
Avoid citrus juices, as they can irritate the throat.
when do you seek medical attention?
if symptoms worsen, do not improve after 10 days, and difficulty breathing or swallowing develops