Pharyngitis DDx Flashcards
1
Q
Main viral causes?
A
-Rhinovirus (common cold), EBV (infectious mononucleosis), Primary HSV
2
Q
Main bacterial cause?
A
Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS)
3
Q
Other high utility causes?
A
-Epiglottitis, Retropharyngeal abscess
4
Q
Common cold fun facts?
A
- Caused by upper resp. tract infection (URI)
- Most common due to Rhinovirus and highest in young children
- Inflammation of nasopharynx
- Congestion and nasal symptoms (e.g. watery discharge)
- Tx: rest, hydration, anti-histamines, decongestants
5
Q
Infectious mononucleosis fun facts:
A
- Caused by EBV, highest in 15-25yo
- Gray/green tonsillar exudate, splenomegaly, cough
- Serum monospot test +, elevated WBC
- Tx: rest, analgesics, antipyretics, corticosteroids (severe)
6
Q
Primary HSV fun facts:
A
- Caused by HSV (type 1 or type 2)
- Itching, burning of throat; gingivitis (swollen/red gums); vesicular lesions
- Tzank smears, tissue cell cultures, PCR
- Tx: anti-viral meds based on severity
7
Q
Strep pyogenes (GAS) fun facts:
A
- Strep A beta-hemolytic bacterial infection
- Tonsillar exudate, no cough, tender cervical anterior lymphnodes
- Rapid strep test (group A carbohydrate), throat culture
- Tx: Penicillin or cephalosporin (10day antibiotic tx)
8
Q
Epiglottitis fun facts:
A
- Supraglottic inflammation caused by bacterial (e.g. strep) or viral (e.g. influenza)
- Severe sore throat, hypoxia, resp. distress, airway blockage
- Blood culture for underlying cause
- Tx: orotracheal intubation, helium-O2 delivery, IV antibiotics (bacterial)
9
Q
Retropharyngeal abscess fun facts:
A
- Abscess in retropharyngeal space (posterior to pharynx) caused by lymph drainage or infection
- Stiff neck, stridor, NO trismus (lock jaw), dyspnea
- Lateral cervical xray, CT
- Tx: stabilize airway, surgical drainage, antibiotics
10
Q
What is pharyngitis? Main causes? Other causes?
A
- Infection or irritation causing inflammation of pharynx or tonsils
- Usually caused by bacterial or viral infection
- Other causes: allergy, trauma, toxins, neoplasia
