24 Questions
How is group A strep pharyngitis typically transmitted?
Through direct person-to-person transmission
What is the incubation period of group A strep pharyngitis?
2 to 5 days
What is the gold standard diagnostic test for group A strep pharyngitis?
Throat culture
What is the primary goal of treating group A strep pharyngitis with antibiotics?
To prevent rheumatic fever
Why is intramuscular penicillin a treatment option for group A strep pharyngitis?
It is an alternative for patients with a mild penicillin allergy
What is a potential complication of untreated group A strep pharyngitis?
All of the above
What is the purpose of antibiotic treatment in group A strep pharyngitis?
All of the above
Why may azithromycin and clarithromycin not be the first-line antibiotics for group A strep pharyngitis?
Resistance may develop during treatment
What is the primary reason for follow-up after diagnosing and treating pharyngitis?
To ensure patient compliance with treatment
What is a potential complication of pharyngitis?
Otitis media
Why is it essential to educate patients with pharyngitis about antibiotic use?
To prevent overuse of antibiotics for viral pharyngitis
What is recommended to prevent the spread of pharyngitis to others in the home?
Good personal hygiene and hand washing
What is a recommended symptomatic treatment for pharyngitis?
Salt water gargles and a liquid diet
Why is it crucial to educate parents about aspirin use in young children?
Parents should be told not to give young children aspirin for fever
What is the typical duration of recovery from pharyngitis?
7-10 days
What is the primary cause of sinusitis?
Viral infection
What is a potential complication of bacterial pharyngitis?
Acute rheumatic fever
What should patients with a history of anaphylaxis to penicillin use as an alternative?
Azithromycin or clindamycin
Why should steroids be avoided in patients with pharyngitis?
They can mask a possible underlying severe condition
What is an important aspect of patient education for those diagnosed with group A streptococcus infection?
The importance of completing a full course of antibiotics
What is a differential diagnosis of pharyngitis?
Allergic rhinitis
Why should patients with viral pharyngitis avoid using antibiotics?
To avoid antibiotic overprescribing and bacterial drug resistance
What is a recommended symptom management approach for patients with pharyngitis?
Gargles and acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Why should patients with infectious mononucleosis avoid contact sports?
To avoid the risk of splenic rupture
Study Notes
Transmission and Incubation Period
- Group A strep pharyngitis is primarily spread through direct person-to-person transmission via respiratory droplets, contact with secretions, or saliva and nasal secretions from an infected person.
- Incubation period is approximately 2-5 days.
Diagnosis
- History and clinical examination can diagnose viral pharyngitis when clear viral symptoms are present.
- Rapid antigen detection test (RADT) or throat culture is required to confirm group A strep pharyngitis.
- RADTs have high specificity for group A strep, but varying sensitivities compared to throat culture.
- Throat culture is the gold standard diagnostic test.
Treatment
- Goals: symptom reduction, prevention of complications (suppurative and nonsuppurative), and prevention of transmission.
- Antibiotics (penicillin V or amoxicillin) shorten symptom duration by 16-24 hours and prevent rheumatic fever.
- Cephalosporins, macrolides, and clindamycin can also be used.
- Resistance may develop during treatment with azithromycin and clarithromycin.
Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes
- Follow-up is required to monitor patient progress and provide education on antibiotic use, hand hygiene, and personal hygiene.
- Patients should be told not to use antibiotics empirically as the cause is often viral.
- Immunization against the flu virus and diphtheria is recommended.
Outcomes
- Most pharyngitis cases recover spontaneously within 7-10 days.
- Failures may occur due to antibiotic resistance, lack of patient compliance, or if the cause is bacterial and antibiotics were not prescribed.
- Complications occur in less than 1% of patients, including otitis media, pneumonia, nephritis, and meningitis.
Sinusitis
- Sinusitis is swelling of the sinuses, usually caused by an infection, and typically clears up on its own within 4 weeks.
- Medicines can help if it's taking a long time to go away.
- Azithromycin or clindamycin can be used in patients with a history of anaphylaxis to penicillin.
Differential Diagnosis
- Airway obstruction from any cause
- Allergic rhinitis
- Cancer of the head and neck
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Peritonsillar abscess
- Diphtheria
- Epiglottitis
- Herpes simplex virus
- Mononucleosis
Complications
- Epiglottitis
- Otitis media
- Mastoiditis
- Sinusitis
- Acute rheumatic fever
- Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis
- Toxic shock syndrome
Learn about the transmission and incubation period of group A strep pharyngitis, a contagious infection that can be spread through direct person-to-person contact or respiratory droplets.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
