Pharyngitis – What are the signs and symptoms, relevant dDx., sequelae, work up, and treatment options?

January 5, 2021 5:22 am Published by

Pharyngitis is a bacterial (beta hemolytic streptococcus, chlamydia, gonococcus) or viral infection of the pharynx.

Sn. & Sx.:

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Purulent pharyngeal exudate
  • Erythema of the pharynx
  • Cobblestone appearance
  • Headache
  • Cervical adenopathy

dDx.:

  • Epiglottitis
  • Retropharyngeal or peritonsillar abscess
  • Mononucleosis
  • Diphtheria
  • Stevens-Johnson’s syndrome
  • Oropharyngeal cancer

Sequelae:

  • Tonsillitis
  • Peritonsillar abscess
  • Laryngeal polyps
  • Rheumatic fever
  • Glomerulonephritis

Work up:

  • Rapid Strep test

Tx.:

  • Antibiotics
  • Herbs: Immunomodulators (Astragalus membranaceus, Baptisia tinctoria, Echinacea spp., Eleutherococcus senticosus, Eucalyptus globulus, Lentinus edodes, Ligustrum porteris, Panax spp., Salvia officinalis, Sambucus nigra, Thuja occudentalis) anti-inflammatories (Althea officinalis, Matricaria recutita, Myrica cerifera, Plantago major, Propolis, Ulmus rubra)

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This post was written by Omar Rifai