Pharyngitis

Prim Care. 2014 Mar;41(1):91-8. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2013.10.010. Epub 2013 Nov 21.

Abstract

Most infectious pharyngitis has a viral cause. The use of aspirin or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAIAs) is advised in adults and NSAIAs in children for the treatment of pain. There are several studies that show that NSAIAs relieve pharyngitis pain better than acetaminophen. Penicillin remains the antibiotic of choice of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Resistance has not developed to penicillin. Patients with GAS pharyngitis should have improvement in 3 to 4 days. If not better at that time, the patient should be seen for diagnostic reconsideration or the development of a suppurative complication.

Keywords: Infectious; Noninfectious; Pharyngitis; Throat.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Penicillins / therapeutic use
  • Pharyngitis / etiology*
  • Pharyngitis / microbiology
  • Pharyngitis / therapy*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Streptococcal Infections / complications
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Streptococcal Infections / drug therapy*
  • Streptococcus pyogenes*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Penicillins