Tonsillopharyngitis%20-%20acute Signs and Symptoms
Definition
- Tonsillopharyngitis is the acute inflammation of the pharynx, tonsils, or both
Etiology
- Caused by Gram-positive cocci known as S pyogenes
- This organism exhibits beta-hemolysis on blood agar plates
- They belong to group A Lancefield classification system for beta-hemolytic strep infection
- Spreads through person-to-person contact, usually through saliva or nasal secretions from an infected person
- The primary reservoir of group A streptococcus are the humans
- The disease is easily transmitted in the following places:
- Schools
- Day care centers
- Military training facilities
- Transmission via food is rare and if transmission happens, it is most of the time due to improper handling of food
- Pets and the use of household items such as plates and toys cannot transmit the disease or bacteria
Signs and Symptoms
Clinical Features Suggestive of Group A Beta-Hemolytic Streptococci (GABS) Pharyngitis
- The incubation period is approximately 2-7 days
Most Classic Symptoms
- Tonsillar swelling/exudates
- Tender anterior cervical lymphadenopathy
- Absence of cough
- Fever >38°C
Other Features of GABS Pharyngitis
- History of exposure
- Sudden onset of sore throat
- Pain on swallowing
- Petechiae on soft palate (“doughnut” lesions)
- Scarlet fever rash
- Beefy red, swollen uvula
- Tonsillopharyngeal inflammation and erythema with or without exudates
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting (N/V)
- Abdominal pain
- Malodorous breath
Clinical Features Suggestive of a Viral Etiology
- Absence of fever
- Conjunctivitis
- Coryza
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Anterior stomatitis
- Hoarseness
- Discrete ulcerative lesions
- Rhinorrhea
- Viral exanthem and/or enanthem
Risk Factors
- Commonly infects children aged 5-15 years old and rare in <3 years old
- Parents of school-aged children and other adults who are in close contact with the infected individual
- Crowded places like day care centers, schools and military barracks