Transcript Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis BY: ROBERT MARTINEZ, MICHAEL HUFFMAN, ROMAN REGALADO What is it? Commonly known as a sore throat, pharyngitis is an upper respiratory infection. An infection of the throat. Etiology Commonly caused by the flu, the common cold, Coxsackie virus and mononucleosis. A fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit can also promote pharyngitis however a low grade fever or no fever doesn’t inhibit growth either. It is a gram negative bacteria or can also be found in a viral form. The methods used to diagnose Strep Throat were not invented until the late 17th Century, so it is impossible to pinpoint an exact origin . Epidemiology Found more commonly amongst younger children. 40-80% of pharyngitis infections are caused by a virus versus the bacteria. Can be found worldwide and is most prevalent during the flu/cold season. Mode of Transmission Direct contact (horizontal transmission) such as sneezing are common modes of transmission. Direct contact with infected throat mucus, nasal discharge, or saliva. Symptoms Fever Headache Joint pain and muscle aches Skin rashes Swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck Hoarseness Redness of the eyes Dry cough Runny or stuffy nose Testing for diagnosis A physical test performed by a physician is the preferred method to check for pharyngitis. However your doctor may also perform a throat culture to rule out the possibility of streptococcus. A swollen neck and lymph nodes Is a key clue in pointing out Streptococcal pharyngitis. Treatment Antibiotics are not recommended because pharyngitis is a virus and in prescribing antibiotics would only allow for bacteria to grow immune to the treatment. Drinking warm liquids such as tea, honey and milk often aid in soothing the irritation. Gargling salt water. Over the counter medicine such as acetaminophen. Prevention Avoiding contact with those infected. Washing your hands frequently. Avoid exposure to others who have a sore throat. Avoid crowded areas during cold and flu season. Do not smoke. Avoid exposure to secondary smoke. Keep vaccinations up to date. Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn6sj6Cf-Yc References http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/health_a-z_detail.asp?AZ=583&Page=2 http://en.academic.ru/pictures/enwiki/83/Streptococcus_pyogenes_01.jpg http://mddk.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/pharyngitis.jpg http://www.cdc.gov/features/scarletfever/scarletfever_355px.jpg http://www.sfgate.com/blogs/images/sfgate/sfmoms/2009/01/03/sinusitisboy300x194.jpg http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/arti cles/health_tools/sore_throat_slideshow/PRinc_rm_photo_of_throat_swab.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2007/09/saltwater.jpg http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/8/0/l804085215.jpg http://media.npr.org/assets/img/2013/08/01/ap091215023358_wide09a8eece703cb3d2c63450061044288208e68d55-s6-c30.jpg