Pharyngitis Overview and Complications

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Questions and Answers

What environmental condition is associated with an increased prevalence of ENT conditions?

Cold weather.

Name two infectious diseases that commonly manifest with ENT symptoms as an early sign.

Measles and influenza.

In addition to measles and influenza, identify two other diseases that are linked with ENT symptoms.

Scarlet fever and glandular fever.

What relationship exists between lowered resistance and the prevalence of ENT conditions?

Lowered resistance increases susceptibility to ENT conditions. Signup and view all the answers

List one rare disease that may present with ENT symptoms.

Typhoid. Signup and view all the answers

What is the medical term for painful swallowing, commonly associated with acute pharyngitis?

Odynophagia Signup and view all the answers

Identify two common signs that might indicate the presence of acute pharyngitis.

Sore throat and fever Signup and view all the answers

Which group of bacteria is primarily responsible for bacterial acute pharyngitis?

Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the swelling of lymph nodes commonly associated with throat infections?

Cervical adenopathy Signup and view all the answers

How does otalgia relate to acute pharyngitis, and what does it commonly refer to?

Otalgia refers to earache, often resulting from referred pain due to acute pharyngitis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common bacterial cause of pharyngitis in children and its prevalence rate?

Streptococcus pyogenes, accounting for 15-30% of cases in children. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of pharyngitis cases in adults is attributed to Streptococcus pyogenes?

5-10% of cases in adults. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the implications of Streptococcus pyogenes being the most common bacterial cause of pharyngitis.

It indicates the need for targeted diagnostics and treatment strategies. Signup and view all the answers

How does the prevalence of Streptococcus pyogenes in pharyngitis cases differ between children and adults?

Higher prevalence in children (15-30%) compared to adults (5-10%). Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to be aware of the bacterium responsible for pharyngitis?

It aids in appropriate clinical management and antibiotic selection. Signup and view all the answers

What are the clinical considerations in diagnosing Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis?

Clinical exam and consideration of throat cultures. Signup and view all the answers

List two suppurative complications of Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis.

Otitis media and sinusitis. Signup and view all the answers

What nonsuppurative complication can follow only streptococcal pharyngitis?

Acute rheumatic fever. Signup and view all the answers

What supportive treatments are recommended for managing symptoms of Group A Streptococcal pharyngitis?

Bed rest, hydration, humidity, and antipyretics. Signup and view all the answers

What is the common cause of chronic non-specific pharyngitis?

Chronic infection of the aggregates of submucosal lymphatics in the posterior pharyngeal wall. Signup and view all the answers

What is typically observed in the valleculae during a follicular infection?

Small yellowish cysts are commonly seen in the valleculae. Signup and view all the answers

How does atrophic rhinitis relate to atrophic conditions?

Atrophic rhinitis is usually coexistent with atrophic conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What common condition is associated with follicular infections in the tonsils?

Follicular infections are usually accompanied by similar infections in the tonsils. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the appearance of cysts associated with follicular infections.

The cysts are described as small and yellowish. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of follicular infections in terms of tonsil health?

Follicular infections can lead to further infections in the tonsils. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Acute Pharyngitis

More common in cold weather & in persons with lowered resistance.
A prodromal manifestation of measles, scarlet fever, glandular fever, and influenza
Rarely a prodromal manifestation of typhoid, smallpox, and secondary syphilis.
Signs and symptoms: sore throat, odynophagia, otalgia (referred) earache, malaise, fever, erythema, cervical adenopathy

Bacterial Pharyngitis

Caused by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci (S. pyogenes)
Most common bacterial cause of pharyngitis.
Accounts for 15-30% of cases in children and 5-10% in adults.
Diagnosis: clinical exam, throat cultures, viral smears are rarely indicated.

Suppurative Complications of Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Otitis media
Sinusitis
Peritonsillar and retropharyngeal abscesses
Suppurative cervical adenitis

Nonsuppurative Complications of Group A Streptococcus

Acute rheumatic fever: follows ONLY streptococcal pharyngitis, not group A strep skin infections
Acute glomerulonephritis PSGN: may follow pharyngitis or skin infection (pyoderma)
Scarlet fever: a complication

Treatment

Supportive care: bed rest, hydration, humidity, lozenges, candies that dissolve in the mouth to numb the throat
Antipyretics
Decongestant
Antibiotics if suspected bacterial infection

Chronic Pharyngitis

Non-specific: due to chronic infection of the aggregates of submucosal lymphatics in the posterior pharyngeal wall.
Follicular: accompanies similar infections in tonsils, if present, small yellowish cysts, commonly in the valleculae.
Atrophic: usually coexistent with atrophic rhinitis.

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Description

This quiz covers the types, causes, symptoms, and complications of pharyngitis, including acute and bacterial forms. It emphasizes the significance of Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci as a major cause of this condition and explores both suppurative and nonsuppurative complications. Test your knowledge about this important health topic!