Acute Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis

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 Acute Pharyngitis / Tonsillitis

This is usually a viral infection of throat by adenovirus group but one-third patients may have bacterial infection by haemolytic streptococci. 
Viral pharyngitis occurs in epidemic forms in which sore throat is common, characterised by acute tonsillitis ( tonsils are  enlarged, inflammed and red ) and inflammation of oropharynx and palate. 
Within a few days, the tonsillar lymph nodes enlarge and produce swellings in the neck. 
Occasionally, epidemics of viral pharyngitis (adenovirus serotypes) may occur in schools in summer months characterised by fever, sore throat, conjunctivitis and lymphadenitis. 
It is a self-limiting illness and requires only symptomatic treatment. 
Bacterial sore throat may produce fever in which tonsils are enlarged and contain necrotic foci which, if not treated with antibiotics, may led to quinsy ( abscess formation ). The treatment of choice include amoxicillin or cefaclor or erythromycin. 

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