Pharyngitis (Tonsillitis)
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Acute inflammation of the tonsils which usually has a rapid onset.
Causes
- Mostly viral infection
- Bacterial infection especially beta-haemolytic streptococcus
Signs and symptoms
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Dysphagia
- Enlargement of the tonsils
- Painful swallowing
- Tender cervical or submandibular lymph nodes
- Body aches
Complications
- Quinsy especially for young children aged 2-4 years
Differential diagnosis
- Pharyngitis
Investigations
- Culture and sensitivity of throat swab
Non-pharmacologic management
- Bed rest
- Drinks to soothe the throat
Pharmacological treatment
First Line
Amoxicillin oral
Adult: 500-875mg every 12 hours for 10 days
Child:
up to 5 years: 50 mg/kg/day in 2 or 3 divided doses for 10 days
AND
Paracetamol oral
Adult:
1gm every 8 hours until fever is controlled
Child:
10-20 mg/kg body weight every 6 hourly/PRN
Second line
Cephalexin oral
Adult:
500 mg every 12 hours for 10 days
Child:
Cephalexin 12.5 to 25 mg/kg every 12 hours
If allergic to penicillin
Azithromycin oral
Adult:
500 mg daily for 5 days
Child:
12 mg/kg once daily for 5 days