Pharyngitis Dubai | 15 November 2021
General complications of pharyngitis (mainly seen in cases of bacterial pharyngitis) include:
– sinusitis
– otitis media
– epiglottitis
– mastoiditis
– pneumonia
The treatment for pharyngitis depends on the cause. Viral pharyngitis goes away on its own with salt water gargles, pain relievers and extra fluids to help alleviate the symptoms. Bacterial pharyngitis is treated with antibiotics; and fungal pharyngitis, with antifungal medications.
For most children though, proper treatment of acute attacks is all that is necessary to counteract the infection, and as the child matures the bouts of infection usually become less frequent. Tonsillitis can be caused by viral infections, bacterial infections or a combination of both. In general, younger preschool children tend to get viral pharyngitis and tonsillitis, whilst older children and adults tend to contract bacterial infections. In some cases, viral infections can later lead to infection by bacteria. As well, many of the viruses that commonly infect the upper respiratory tract (influenza, parainfluenza, rhinovirus) are also responsible for viral pharyngitis and tonsillitis. Likewise, the most common infections from bacteria are Streptococci, Staphylococci, Pneumococci and Haemophilus. Treatment of tonsillitis depends on the type of infection that has caused the problem, either bacterial or viral. Regardless, there are supportive measures designed to help relieve the symptoms in all tonsillitis infections. These measures include increased fluid intake, anti-inflammatory medications, and gentle salt water gargles.
Prompt antibiotic therapy is needed for strep throat because untreated, it can sometimes cause kidney problems and rheumatic fever, which can damage the heart valves. A full assessment in the clinic will guide treatment for other causes. Penicillin is still effective against many of the infectious organisms that cause tonsillitis, and is particularly useful against streptococcus, which causes the classical form of tonsillitis. Viral infections on the other hand are not affected by antibiotics at all, and the situation can actually be made worse through the unnecessary use of antibiotics. These infections are best treated by supportive measures alone, although gargles such as Betadine may prove helpful.
Contact Dr. Barbara Karin Vela if you develop a sore throat that does not go away after several days or if you have a high fever, swollen lymph nodes in your neck, or a rash. Always seek medical care right away if you have Pharyngitis and trouble breathing.
Dr Barbara Karin Vela is an International Member of Royal College Of General Practitioners, UK
Pharyngitis Dubai | 15 November 2021