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Pharyngitis, Pediatric

Daniel E. Felten, MD, MPD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Pharyngitis specifically refers to inflammation of the pharynx as indicated by erythema and swelling of the structures in the posterior portion of the oral cavity including the tonsi...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Typical: sore throat, fever

  • Variable

    • Headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain (suggest GAS pharyngitis)

    • Rhinorrhea, cough, hoarseness, stridor, conjunctivitis (suggest viral etiology)

  • R...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Treatment is largely supportive for most viral causes of pharyngitis, including pain control and hydration. 

MEDICATION

First Line

  • Penicillin-resistant GAS has never been docume...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Most cases of pharyngitis are self-limited; however, patients are at risk for dehydration if PO intake is limited by pain.

  • Caregivers should be c...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Leckman JF, King RA, Gilbert DL, et al. Streptococcal upper respiratory tract infections and exacerbations of tic and obsessive-compulsive symptoms: a prospective longitudinal study...

CODES

ICD9

  • 462 Acute pharyngitis

  • 034.0 Streptococcal sore throat

  • 074.0 Herpangina

  • 054.79 Herpes simplex with other specified complications

ICD10

  • J02.9 Acute pharyngitis, unspecified

  • J02.0 Streptococcal phary...

FAQ

  • Q: Is there any benefit to starting therapy while waiting for culture results?

  • A: Immediate therapy of GAS pharyngitis has been shown to shorten the symptomatic period. However, studies of various ...

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