Definition:

Inflammation of the pharynx.

Etiology

1.  Bacterial pharyngitis

•           Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci

•           Staphylococcus aureus

•           M.pneumonia

•           Corynebacteriumdiptheriae

1.   Viral pharyngitis

•           Rhinovirus

•           Corona virus

•           Parainfluenza

•           Influenza type A and B

2.   Other causes

•           Candida infection

•           Dry air, allergy/postnasal drip, chemical injury, gastroesophageal reflux disease, smoking, neoplasia and endotracheal intubation. Clinical Features

•           Malaise

•           Sore throat

•           Odynophagia

•           Cough

•           Fever- absent or low-grade in viral pharyngitis

•           Reddish nodules on posterior pharyngeal wall.

Laboratory Diagnosis

•           Throat culture

•           Peripheral smear

•           A complete blood counts.

Management

A. Pharmacological

1.   Antibiotics                                  10- 14 Day Course

•           Amoxicillin

            Adults                                   500- 875 mg P0 TDS

            Children                                30-40 mg/kg/day in 3 divided doses

•           Azithromycin

            Adults                                   500mg once daily for 3 days orally

            Children                                10mg/kg once daily for 3 days

2.     Analgesics

•           Paracetamol (Oral, IM)

            Adults                                   0.5-1 gm every 4-6 hours upto maximum of 4 gms

            Children                                10mg/kg every 4-6 hours

•           lbuprofen(Oral)

            Adult                                      400mg 4-6 hours

            Children (6-12yrs)                10mg/kg8 hourly

3.     Decongestants (Oral)

•           Phenylephreine                               5mg HS

•           Pseudophedrine

            Adults                                    60mg PO q4-6 hrs

            Children                                5-30mg PO q4-6hrs Syrup 3mg/ml

4.     Antihistamines

•          Cetirizine(Oral)

            Adults L     6 yrs)                   5-10mg once daily

            Children (4-6yrs)                   2.5mg once daily to max of 5mg a day

•           Chlorphenira mine (Oral)

            Adults                                    4mg every 4-6hrs as needed

            Children (6-1 2yrs)               2mg three to four times a day