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Chapter: Medicine Study Notes : Respiratory

Acute Pharyngitis

Almost 100% given broad-spectrum antibiotics. Inappropriate in 90% of cases

Acute Pharyngitis

 

·        Almost 100% given broad-spectrum antibiotics.  Inappropriate in 90% of cases


·        Pathogens:

 

·        Viruses: Adenovirus, also rhinovirus, coronaviruses, RSV, Parainfluenza virus, influenza, enteroviruses, EBV

 

·        Bacteria: S Pyogenes (GABHS = Group A Beta-Haemolytic Strep) in about 20 – 30% of cases, predominantly in those over 4 years


·        Differentiating (at best 70% predictive accuracy):


·        Exudative tonsillitis: Adenovirus, GABHS, EBV

 

·        > 4 years, enlarged tender anterior cervical lymph nodes and diffusely inflamed pharyngeal structures (+ exudates) suggests S Pyogenes

 

·        Diffuse, sandpaper-like red rash, accentuated in skin creases (Pastia lines) suggest Scarlet Fever.

 

·        Nasal discharge, cough, hoarseness, conjunctivitis or diarrhoea +/- fever +/- tonsillar exudates suggests virus


·        Throat swabs: usually identify organism, but 10 – 50% are carriers


Treatment:

 

·        Aim: Prevent acute rheumatic fever, suppurative complications (peri- or para tonsillar abscess) and hasten recovery

·        But

o   Only benzathine penicillin has been shown to reduce RF – and this was in military personnel

o   No convincing data which shows antibiotics reduce the risk of rare suppurative complications

o   Antibiotics reduce symptoms by 8 hours only 

o   Reinforces the notion that antibiotics are effective and increases the likelihood of their future use for trivial illnesses

 

·        If high risk for RF (eg Maori, PI, > 4 years of age) take swabs or treat empirically. However, prescribing penicillin for sore throat hasn‟t altered the rates of RF, and many children with RF haven‟t consulted their doctor

 

·        S Pyogenes: penicillin, 500 – 1000 mg BID for 10 days (Allergy: erythromycin)

 

·        Clinical signs: fever, respiratory distress, cervical lymphadenopathy, pharyngeal erythema, pharyngeal exudates


Causal Organisms




Bacterial Causes:




Fungal causes:


 

Diagnosis

 

·        Throat swabs:

o  For routine bacterial culture: especially to confirm/exclude Strep Pyogenes

o  Low sensitivity (?30%) and specificity (?75%)

o  40 – 50% of people with sore throats have bacteria isolated

o  Lots of variability: swab-taking technique, delays in transport, etc

o  Worth it for $18?

 

·        Nasopharyngeal washings (kids): Antigen detection by immunoflouresence for RSV, Influenza A & B, Parainfluenza 1 – 3 and adenovirus

 

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Medicine Study Notes : Respiratory : Acute Pharyngitis |


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