1. Pharyngitis

2. Definition – inflammation of the pharynx or pharyngeal wall characterized by pain over pharynx (sore throat)
Classification –
Acute and
chronic pharyngits

3. Acute pharyngitis Chronic pharyngitis It is of sudden onset
Short duration
It may be purulent or ulcerative
Chronic pharyngitis
Gradual onset
Long duration of symptoms
Due to persistent inflammation of the pharynx

4. If tonsillitis involves it is termed as pharyngotonsillitis
Chronic pharyngitis are of 3 types
Hypertrophic – characterized by general thickening and congestion of the pharyngeal mucous membrane
Atrophic – the membrane is thin, whitish, glistening
Granular – characterized by numerous swollen lymph follicles on the pharyngeal wall
If tonsillitis involves it is termed as pharyngotonsillitis

5. Causes
Majority of cases are due to an infectious organism acquired from contact with an infected individual
Infectious causes
Viral (40-80%)
Adenovirus – lymph node enlargement will be there and severe throat pain
Influenza – rapid onset of high temperature, headache and sore throat
Epstein barr virus (mononucleosis) – marked redness and swelling and exudative tonsillitis
Herpes simplex virus – mouth ulcers
Measles ,Rhinovirus, coronavirus, RSV and HIV.

6. BACTERIAL GROUP A streptococcus (GAS) Streptococcus pneumoniae
Haemophilus influenzae
Bordetella pertusis
Cornybacterium diphtheriae
Arcanobacterium haemolyticum

7. Streptococcal pharyngitis or strep throat
Group A beta hemolytic streptococcus (GAS)
Most common bacterial cause.
Fever, sore throat and large lymph nodes are the symptoms
Contagious - infection spread by close contact
Fungal causes
Candida albicans – oral thrush

8. Non infectious Chemical irritation – smoking Thermal irritation
Head and neck neoplasm
Allergies , allergic rhinitis
Gastroesophageal reflux disease

9. Signs and symptoms Sore throat, dry or scratchy throat Sneezing
Runny nose
Headache
Fatigue
Body aches
Chills
Fever

10. Strep throat can cause Trouble swallowing
Red throat with white patches
Swollen lymph nodes
Fever
Chills
Loss of appetite and nausea
Unusual taste in mouth
General malaise

11. Diagnostic measures History collections Physical examination
Throat swab – culture
Blood tests – CBC
RSAT – rapid streptococcal antigen test

12. Management Symptomatic treatment Analgesics – acetaminophen and NSAIDS
Steroids (dexamethasone)
acetaminophen – relieves pain
Antibiotics – for bacterial infection
Antiviral – for viral infection
Antifungal – imidazole, triazole, thiazole

13. Complications Ear infection Sinusitis Abscess near the tonsils
Rheumatic fever if strep throat is not treated
Glomerulonephritis
Scarlet fever

14. Home care Drinking plenty of fluids Lemon tea or tea with honey
Fluid food rather than solid
Gargling with warm salt water
Using throat lozenges
Using humidifier
Proper rest
Acetaminophen if needed to decrease pain

16. Prevention Avoid sharing food, drinks and eating utensils
Hand washing after coughing or sneezing
Use alcohol based hand sanitizers
Avoid smoking