Pharyngitis Flashcards
What is pharyngitis?
Inflammation of the back of the throat
What are the types of causes of pharyngitis in children?
- Bacterial
- Viral
- Chronic
What viruses commonly cause pharyngitis in children?
- Adenoviruses
- Enteroviruses
- EBV
What is a common bacterial cause of pharyngitis in children?
Group A beta-haemolytic strep
What can cause chronic pharyngitis?
- Irritation from post-nasal discharge due to chronic allergic rhinitis
- Chemical irritation
- Neoplasms
- Vasculitides
How does pharyngitis present?
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Cough
- Headache
- Hoarse voice
What investigations are required in pharyngitis?
It is a clinical diagnosis so potentially none - but can do a throat swab to rule out bacterial causes
What are the differentials for pharyngitis?
- Epiglottitis
- Thyroiditis
- Tonsillitis
- Retropharyngeal abscess
What is the main management step in acute pharyngitis?
Analgesia with NSAIDs and/or paracetamol
What should be considered in bacterial pharyngitis?
Antibiotics
What can untreated group A beta-haemolytic strep cause?
Rheumatic fever
What are some potential complications of pharyngitis?
- Sinusitis
- Acute otitis media
