Throat and Pharynx; Acute Throat Infections

Question 1

what group of people do acute throat infections most commonly occur in

Answer 1

people aged 5-24

Question 2

what does the term ‘sore throat’ refer to

Answer 2

symptom meaning pain at the back of the mouth

Question 3

give 2 examples of clinical presentations of acute sore throat

Answer 3

acute pharyngitis

tonsillitis

Question 4

describe what acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis are

Answer 4

acute pharyngitis = inflammation of part of the throat behind the soft palate
tonsillitis = inflammation of the tonsils

Question 5

what are some common causes of sore throat in primary care

Answer 5

common cold, influenza, streptococcal infection

Question 6

in terms of infective and non-infective causes which is more common for sore throat

Answer 6

viral and bacterial infections are much more common that non-infective causes

Question 7

when should infectious mononucleosis/glandular fever be suspected

Answer 7

if sore throat and lethargy persist into the second week, esp. if person 15-25

Question 8

what are some examples of non-infective causes of sore throat

Answer 8

physical irritation, GORD, cigarette smoke chronic irritation, alcohol, hay fever

Question 9

what are some complications of an acute sore throat

Answer 9

otitis media(most common), peritonsillar abscess(quinsy), parapharyngeal abscess, Lemierre syndrome

Question 10

what symptoms should signal immediate referral from primary care for a sore throat

Answer 10

stridor, difficulty breathing, clinical dehydration, systemically unwell or life-threatening condition(eg Kawasaki disease)