Sore Throat

Question 1

What does the term sore throat encompass?

Answer 1

Pharyngitis, Tonsillitis and Laryngitis

Question 2

Should throat swabs and rapid antigen tests be done routinely?

Answer 2

No

Question 3

What are the NICE indications for antibiotics?

Answer 3

• Features of marked systemic upset secondary to the acute sore throat
• Unilateral peritonsillitis
• A history of rheumatic fever
• An increased risk from acute infection (such as a child with diabetes mellitus or immunodeficiency)
• Patients with acute sore throat/acute pharyngitis/acute tonsillitis when 3 or more Centor criteria are present

Question 4

What is the basic management of sore throat?

Answer 4

Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief.

Antibiotics are not routinely indicated.

Question 5

What are the Centor Criteria?

Answer 5

1. Presence of tonsillar exudate
2. Tender anterior cervical lymphadenopathy or lymphadenitis
3. History of fever
4. Absence of cough

Question 6

What antibiotics are usually given for sore throat and for how long?

Answer 6

Penicillin V or Erythromycin

7 to 10 days.