ACUTE PHARYNGITIS
Acute pharyngitis is inflammation of the throat. It is more commonly known as
a sore throat. The patient may have an elevated temperature, a cough, and pain
when swallowing.
Pharyngitis is caused by a virus (viral pharyngitis) or by bacteria (bacteria
pharyngitis) such as the beta-hemolytic streptococci. Patients know this as strep
throat. A throat culture is taken to rule out beta-hemolytic streptococcal infec-
tion. Sometimes patients experience acute pharyngitis along with other upper
respiratory tract disease such as a cold, rhinitis, or acute sinusitis.
Patients who have a viral pharyngitis are given medications that treat the
symptoms rather than attacking the underlying virus. Acetaminophen or ibupro-
fen is given to reduce the patient’s temperature and discomfort. Saline gargles,
lozenges, and increased fluid are usually helpful to soothe the sore throat.
Patients who have bacterial pharyngitis are given antibiotics to destroy the
beta-hemolytic streptococci bacteria. However, antibiotics are only prescribed if
the result of the throat culture is positive for bacteria. Patients are also given the
same treatments for viral pharyngitis to address the symptoms of pharyngitis.ACUTE TONSILLITIS
Acute tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils which can be caused by a strep-
tococcus microorganism. Patients who come down with acute tonsillitis experi-
ence a sore throat, chills, fever, aching muscles, and pain when they swallow.
A throat culture is taken to determine the cause of the infection before an
appropriate antibiotic is prescribed to the patient. The patient is also given acet-
aminophen or ibuprofen to reduce the fever and the aches and pains associated
with acute tonsillitis. The patient is also encouraged to use saline gargles,
lozenges, and increased fluid to soothe the soreness brought on by infected ton-
sils. Antibiotics are only used if a bacterial infection is suspected.ACUTE LARYNGITIS
Acute laryngitis is an infection that causes swelling (edema) of the vocal cords.
This results in the patient having a weak or hoarse voice. Acute laryngitis can be
caused by a viral infection. Other times it is caused by stress or overuse of the
vocal cords—a common occurrence for fans whose team wins the Super Bowl.
Refraining from speaking and avoiding exposure to substances that can irritate
the vocal cords, such as smoking, is the preferred treatment for acute laryngitis.(^260) CHAPTER 14 Respiratory Diseases