Pharyngitis

Question 1

What is pharyngitis?

Answer 1

Inflammation of the back of the throat

Question 2

What are the types of causes of pharyngitis in children?

Answer 2

• Bacterial
• Viral
• Chronic

Question 3

What viruses commonly cause pharyngitis in children?

Answer 3

• Adenoviruses
• Enteroviruses
• EBV

Question 4

What is a common bacterial cause of pharyngitis in children?

Answer 4

Group A beta-haemolytic strep

Question 5

What can cause chronic pharyngitis?

Answer 5

• Irritation from post-nasal discharge due to chronic allergic rhinitis
• Chemical irritation
• Neoplasms
• Vasculitides

Question 6

How does pharyngitis present?

Answer 6

• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Fever
• Cough
• Headache
• Hoarse voice

Question 7

What investigations are required in pharyngitis?

Answer 7

It is a clinical diagnosis so potentially none - but can do a throat swab to rule out bacterial causes

Question 8

What are the differentials for pharyngitis?

Answer 8

• Epiglottitis
• Thyroiditis
• Tonsillitis
• Retropharyngeal abscess

Question 9

What is the main management step in acute pharyngitis?

Answer 9

Analgesia with NSAIDs and/or paracetamol

Question 10

What should be considered in bacterial pharyngitis?

Answer 10

Antibiotics

Question 11

What can untreated group A beta-haemolytic strep cause?

Answer 11

Rheumatic fever

Question 12

What are some potential complications of pharyngitis?

Answer 12

• Sinusitis

- Acute otitis media