Pharyngitis

Question 1

What pathogens can cause pharyngitis?

Answer 1

Virus:
Measles (virus)
Adenovirus
Chickenpox

Bacteria:
Group A streptococcus
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea

Question 2

How does pharyngitis present?

Answer 2

SORE THROAT
Dysphagia
Sneezing
Fever
Cough
Swollen lymph nodes

Question 3

What symptoms/signs could we recognise to diagnose pharyngitis?

Answer 3

Diagnosing Bacterial Infection:

• Tonsilar exudate
• Tender lymph nodes
• Absence of cough
• Fever

Diagnosis of Streptococcal infection:
Above symptoms+ flushed face, strawberry tongue.

Diagnosis of Glandular fever:

• Recurrent sore throat
• fever
• lymphadenopathy

Question 4

What investigations would you carry out for a patient with pharyngitis?

Answer 4

Throat Swabs
Rapid antigen tests
FBC
Glandular fever screening

Question 5

How would you treat pharyngitis?

Answer 5

Fluid intake, analgesia
Antibiotics: delayed/immediate
Referral