ENT Microbiology Flashcards
When should sore throats be referred to the hospital?
Stridor or respiratory difficulty is an emergency
Suspicion of throat cancer (persistent sore throat, esp. with neck mass)
Lasting for >3-4 weeks
Pain on swallowing or dysphagia for >3 weeks
Red/red-white/ulceration/ swelling of the oral or pharyngeal mucosa persists for >3 weeks
Causes of a sore throat?
Acute pharyngitis - inflammation of oropharynx
OR
Tonsillitis - inflammation of the tonsils
Either with viral or bacterial infection; non-infectious causes (e.g: GORD, smoking, alcohol, hayfever) are uncommon
Occurrence of sore throats?
Common at any age but part. in children of 5-10 years and in young adults of 15-25 years
Complications of sore throat?
Otitis media (most commonly)
Peri-tonsillar abscess (quinsy)
Parapharyngeal abscess
Mastoiditis
Treatment of sore throats?
Resolve within 3 days in many people and usually within 1 weeks, irrespective or whether or not the caused is Strep. infection
Common causes of sore throat?
Common cold. influenza and Strep. infection
When should infectious mononucleosis be suspected in a patient with a sore throat?
If sore throat and lethargy persist into the second week, esp. if the person is 15-25years of age
Less common causes of sore throat?
HIV, gonococcal pharyngitial (caused by Gonorrhoea) and diphtheria
Simple advice for sore throats?
Paracetamol/ibuprofen to relieve pain and fever,
Avoidance of hot drinks and adequate fluid intake
Simple mouthwashes, e.g: warm salty water at frequent intervals, until the discomfort and swelling subside
What is the Centor score?
Assist decision on whether or not antibiotics should be prescribed; one point each for: • Tonsillar exudate • Tender anterior cervical lymph nodes • Hx of fever • Absence of cough
Risk of Strep. pyogenes increases as score rises
