(5)
Dry, sore throat.
(6)
Cough (either productive or nonproductive).
(7)
Mild leukocytosis (temporary increase in number of leukocytes in the
blood).
c. Treatment. The patient should rest, drink fluids, take analgesics for pain, and
use nasal decongestants for stuffiness in the nasal passages.
3-4.
ACUTE PHARYNGITIS
a. Definition/Characteristics. Acute pharyngitis is an inflammation of the
pharynx. This disease, inflammation of the mucosa of the pharynx, usually occurs as
part of an upper respiratory tract disorder. The nose, sinuses, larynx, and trachea may
also be affected. The most common causes are bacterial and viral infection. Very
rarely, acute pharyngitis is caused by inhalation of irritant gases or ingestion of irritant
liquids. Sometimes, acute pharyngitis is one symptom of a specific disease such as
measles, chickenpox, scarlet fever, or whooping cough.
b. Signs/Symptoms. Common signs and symptoms are listed below. A
complication may be a secondary infection.
(1)
Dry and sore throat.
(2)
Fever.
(3)
Malaise.
(4)
Strep infection may be present with white pus pocket formation.
(5)
Cough.
c. Treatment. Rest, light diet, analgesics for pain, and nonirritating gargles
(saline) should relieve the symptoms. Give antibiotics for initial or complicating bacterial
infection.
3-5.
ACUTE TONSILLITIS/STREP THROAT
a. Definition/Characteristics.
(1) Tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is a painful disease caused by bacteria or viruses
that infect one or both of the palatine tonsils. People between the ages of 10 and 40
have the majority of tonsillitis attacks.
MD0568
3-4