Acute Sore Throat

Question 1

What are the common causes of acute sore throat?

Answer 1

Viruses, Strep pyogenes (Group A strep), Candida infection

Less common causes include allergens, trauma, cancer, acid reflux, some medicines, and smoking.

Question 2

What is the most common cause of acute sore throat?

Answer 2

Viruses

Question 3

Describe the typical presentation of viral sore throat.

Answer 3

Red throat, red swollen tonsils, cough and cold symptoms, fever, aches and pains, hoarseness, pink eye

Question 4

Describe the typical presentation of strep sore throat.

Answer 4

Sudden sore throat, looks red, no cough and cold symptoms, high fever (>38°C), difficulty/pain on swallowing, red and swollen tonsils, white patches on tonsils, swollen neck lymph nodes

Question 5

What are some ways to evaluate patients presenting with an acute sore throat?

Answer 5

Take a full clinical history, throat examination, microbiological tests (Rapid Strep test, throat culture), lymph node examination

Question 6

What does cervical lymphadenopathy refer to?

Answer 6

The enlargement of cervical lymph nodes in the neck region

Question 7

True or False: Strep throat is contagious.

Answer 7

True

Question 8

What are the red flags indicating a need for further evaluation in sore throat patients?

Answer 8

Sore throat lasting longer than three weeks, persistent sore throat with otalgia, very high temperature, dysphagia, drooling, difficulty breathing, immunocompromised patients

Question 9

List some complications associated with strep throat.

Answer 9

• Rheumatic fever
• Glomerulonephritis
• Otitis media
• Meningitis
• Pneumonia
• Peri-tonsillar abscess
• Scarlet fever

Question 10

What self-care treatments are recommended for sore throat?

Answer 10

Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain or fever, adequate fluids, rest, medicated lozenges

Question 11

Fill in the blank: Sore throat due to a viral or bacterial cause is a _______ condition.

Answer 11

self-limiting

Question 12

What is the typical symptom resolution time for sore throat?

Answer 12

40% within 3 days, 85% within 1 week

Question 13

When should antibiotics be prescribed for acute sore throat?

Answer 13

If group A streptococcus is confirmed or strongly suspected with FeverPAIN score of 4 or 5

Question 14

What is the first choice antibiotic for sore throat if needed?

Answer 14

Penicillin V

Question 15

What should be considered when prescribing antibiotics?

Answer 15

Risk-benefit assessment of prescribing antibiotics

Question 16

What is the FeverPAIN score used for?

Answer 16

To assess the likelihood of bacterial infection in sore throat patients

Question 17

What is the recommendation for patients with a FeverPAIN score of 0-1?

Answer 17

Antibiotics not needed – do not prescribe

Question 18

What should patients be advised regarding self-care for sore throat?

Answer 18

Self-care advice should be given, including pain management and hydration