Pharyngitis and Epiglottitis

Abstract

Acute pharyngitis is one of the most common illnesses for which patients visit primary care physicians. Most cases are of viral origin, and with few exceptions these illnesses are both benign and self-limited. The most important bacterial cause is the beta-hemolytic group A streptococcus. There are other uncommon or rare types of pharyngitis. For some of these treatment is required or available, and some may be life threatening. Among those discussed in this article are diphtheria, gonorrhea, HIV infection, peritonsillar abscess, and epiglottitis.

4. Pharyngeal carriage of Group A streptococci among school children

“…The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey have documented between 6.2 and 9.7 million visits to primary care physicians, clinics and emergency departments each year for children with pharyngitis, and more than five million visits per year for adults. 1,2,3 Group A streptococci (GAS/Streptococcus pyogenes) are responsible for approximately 10 to 15% of cases of pharyngitis in adults and 15 to 30% of cases in children. 4 Group A streptococcal pharyngitis is one of the most common bacterial infections of childhood, accounting for 20-40% of all cases of exudative pharyngitis in children; it is rare among those under the age of 3.…”

Antibiotic Therapy for Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Diseases

“…В большинстве случаев возбудителем ОТ являются вирусы (риновирус, коронавирус, аденовирус, вирус простого герпеса, вирус парагриппа и гриппа, энтерови-рус, вирус Эпштейна -Барр и цитомегаловирус) [12]. Помимо жалоб на боль в горле, пациенты с ОТ могут отмечать кашель, выделения из носа, конъюнктивит, оси-плость, диарею, дискомфорт во рту из-за появления на слизистой оболочке пузырьков или изъязвления.…”

Klebsiella pneumoniae in a patient with hoarseness and dysphagia rather than pharyngitis

“…Pharyngitis has been defined as sore throat, fever, and pharyngeal inflammation characterized by erythema and edema; exudates, vesicles and ulcerations may also be present [1]. Many authors have also counted enlarged or tender lymph nodes among the symptoms [2].…”

“…There was no mention of a throat culture, the usual means of a bacteriological diagnosis of pharyngitis [3]. This is more than a semantic issue because Klebsiella pneumoniae has so far not been reported as an agent of uncomplicated pharyngitis [1] and should not be looked for in routine throat cultures. The case report presented ought A. von Graevenitz (*) Nidelbadstrasse, 8802 Kilchberg, Switzerland e-mail: avg@imm.uzh.ch…”