Pharyngitis and Sinusitis

A comprehensive set of 50 flashcards based on lecture notes covering pharyngitis and sinusitis, focusing on definitions, symptoms, diagnostics, and treatment strategies.

What is pharyngitis?

Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the oropharynx, commonly known as a sore throat.

List some differential diagnoses for pharyngitis.

Strep pharyngitis, viral pharyngitis, non-infectious causes, autoimmune conditions, GERD, and allergic rhinitis.

What are common presentations of viral pharyngitis?

Sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and conjunctivitis.

What is the first step in assessing a patient with suspected airway compromise?

Evaluate for muffled or 'hot potato' voice, hoarseness, drooling, stridor, and respiratory distress.

What symptoms may indicate a severe case of pharyngitis?

Severe pain, toxic appearance, inability to open the mouth (trismus), and neck swelling.

What is Infectious Mono commonly caused by?

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a type of herpes virus.

What are the classic symptoms of mononucleosis?

Headaches, fever, tonsillar hypertrophy, lymphocytosis, myalgia, and fatigue.

What are the common complications associated with strep throat?

Peritonsillar abscess, rheumatic fever, and glomerulonephritis.

What method is often used to diagnose strep pharyngitis?

Rapid Antigen Detection Test (RADT) followed by throat culture if necessary.

What criteria is used to help diagnose strep throat?

Centor Criteria, which includes presence of exudate, tender swollen nodes, fever, and absence of cough.

What is the typical antibiotic treatment for strep pharyngitis in adults?

Penicillin V or Amoxicillin for 10 days; alternatives include Cephalexin or Azithromycin.

How long after strep throat should a patient avoid contact sports?

4 weeks.

What is the primary treatment for viral pharyngitis?

Symptomatic management, including ibuprofen or acetaminophen, throat lozenges, and warm/cool beverages.

What clinical presentation suggests bacterial sinusitis?

Severe symptoms (temperature > 102.2°F), purulent discharge and facial pain for more than 10 days.

What are the common symptoms of sinusitis?

Facial pain, nasal congestion, purulent nasal discharge, and possibly fever.

When is imaging recommended for sinusitis?

When there are severe complications such as vision changes or altered mental status.

What is considered a recurrent acute sinusitis episode?

Three or more episodes in a year, each lasting less than 2 weeks.

How should viral sinusitis generally be treated?

Symptomatic therapy, as most patients improve within a week without antibiotics.

What is the role of antibiotics in acute bacterial sinusitis?

They are often unnecessary and should be reserved for patients meeting specific criteria.

What are the first-line antibiotics for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis?

Amoxicillin 1,000 mg PO BID for 7 days.

What is a concern if sinusitis symptoms worsen after initial improvement?

Possibility of a bacterial superinfection or a different condition (double sickening).

What is the goal of antibiotic stewardship in treating sinusitis?

To prevent unnecessary antibiotic use and promote proper treatment protocols.

What are some viral causes of pharyngitis?

Rhinovirus, adenovirus, influenza virus, and Epstein-Barr virus.

What are classic symptoms of bacterial pharyngitis?

Sudden onset sore throat, fever, and swollen tonsils with exudates.

What is the incubation period for infectious mononucleosis?

4 to 8 weeks after exposure.

What is often mistaken for strep throat but is caused by EBV?

Infectious mononucleosis.

What are possible complications of untreated infectious mono?

Splenic rupture and airway obstruction.

What is a serious complication of sinusitis that can lead to meningitis?

Orbital cellulitis or periorbital edema.

What findings would suggest a retropharyngeal abscess?

Stiff neck, difficulty swallowing, malaise, and abnormal findings on exam.

What is one common symptom of both pharyngitis and sinusitis?

Sore throat.

What type of examination can help diagnose tonsillar hypertrophy?

Physical examination showing enlarged tonsils with or without exudate.

What does positive heterophile antibody test indicate in suspected mono?

Presence of infectious mononucleosis.

What over-the-counter medications are recommended for pain relief in viral infections?

Ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

What natural remedies may help alleviate symptoms of sinus congestion?

Inhaled nasal steroids, saline rinses, and increased fluids.

What is a viral cause of a sore throat linked to emergence in young adults?

HIV.

What should be a consideration in the differential diagnosis for patients with a sore throat and rash?

Scarlet fever or viral exanthems.

What age group is most commonly affected by infectious mononucleosis?

Adolescents and young adults aged 15-24.

What should be monitored in patients with mono due to risk of spleen enlargement?

Symptoms of abdominal pain or discomfort.

What findings on laboratory tests are typical for infectious mononucleosis?

Lymphocytosis and the presence of atypical lymphocytes.

What are the risk factors for developing sinusitis?

Smoking, allergies, and recent upper respiratory infections.

What is a classic presentation for a peritonsillar abscess?

Unilateral tonsillar swelling and severe throat pain.

What complication can occur from a peritonsillar abscess?

Airway obstruction due to massive tonsillar enlargement.

What are the management steps for a patient with a suspected bacterial sinus infection?

Assess symptoms for bacterial characteristics and consider antibiotics if criteria are met.

When should a follow-up be scheduled after initial treatment for pharyngitis or sinusitis?

If symptoms do not improve within a few days or worsen.