Acute Tonsillopharyngitis – Paediatrics
It is an inflammation of infectious cause of the pharynx and tonsils, located on both sides. It can be caused by a virus or by bacteria.
Symptoms
Fever, sore throat and when swallowing. It can be accompanied by muscular pains (myalgia), headache, abdominal pain, conjunctivitis, hoarseness, diarrhoea, cough, nasal mucus, vomiting, skin rashes, as well as lymphadenopathies (lymph nodes).
Whitish plaques can be seen in the tonsils, although they do not always appear. Blisters can also be seen in the mouth or pharynx.
Diagnosis
It is based on the symptoms (diarrhoea, cough, rhinitis, hoarseness, conjunctivitis, ulcers or blisters in the mouth) indicate a viral cause; a sore throat with fever and without cold-like symptoms, as well as the appearance of a scarlatiniform rash, indicate a bacterial cause; age (in children under 3, it is usually viruses which cause it, while bacteria are more common between the ages of 5 and 15) and complementary tests (rapid strep test, culture).
Treatment
- Antibiotics for 10 days: In cases of acute bacterial tonsillopharyngitis (Streptococcus).
- Painkillers and antipyretics (paracetamol, ibuprofen).
- Give them their usual diet and liquids to keep them well hydrated.
Complications
These are rare: Rheumatic fever (when the cause is Streptococcus), peritonsillar abscess (fever, stiff neck, sore throat and neck), glomerulonephritis and cervical adenitis.