Common Conditions of the Throat Review

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of common throat and oral conditions such as pharyngitis, mononucleosis, and peritonsillar abscess.

Pharyngitis

An inflammatory condition of the throat caused by viruses (Adenovirus, Influenza, Coxsackie, HIV, EBV), bacteria (Group A B-hemolytic streptococcus, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Corynebacterium diphtheriae), or non-infectious causes like post-nasal drip and trauma.

Herpangina

A throat condition caused by coxsackie virus and echovirus.

Sandpaper rash

A skin finding that should be evaluated during a physical exam when searching for signs of streptococcal infection.

Rapid antigen detection testing

A diagnostic test used specifically for the detection of strep throat.

Heterophil agglutination (monospot)

A diagnostic test used to detect infectious mononucleosis.

Penicillin V potassium (Pen-Vee K) Strep Regimen

A 10-day course provided as $500\,mg$ PO twice daily for adults with strep pharyngitis.

Penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A)

An alternative to prolonged oral medication for strep, administered as $1.2 \text{ million units}$ intramuscular (IM) once.

Azithromycin (Zithromax) for Strep

Recommended for patients allergic to penicillin, given as $500\,mg$ PO daily for 5 days.

Amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin) Strep dosage

A 10-day course of $40\,mg/kg$ PO daily based on the amoxicillin component, in divided doses twice daily.

Erythromycin ethyl succinate (EES)

Effective for penicillin-resistant $\beta$-lactamase-producing organisms, given as $50\,mg/kg$ PO daily in divided doses three times daily.

Strep Pharyngitis contraindicated treatments

Tetracycline (Sumycin) and Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Septra, Bactrim) should be avoided for treating strep.

Saltwater gargle preparation

One teaspoon of noniodized salt in $8 \text{ ounces}$ of water.

Phenol-containing agents

Topical anesthetics found in nonprescription throat lozenges or sprays such as Cepastat, Cepacol, and Chloraseptic.

Viscous lidocaine (Xylocaine)

A throat preparation used for moderate to severe throat pain.

Infectious Mononucleosis Classic Triad

The clinical presentation of fever, exudative pharyngitis, and posterior cervical adenopathy.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) Transmission

The virus responsible for infectious mononucleosis, spread via saliva with an incubation period of $30$ to $50 \text{ days}$.

Mononucleosis splenic rupture prevention

Patient education to avoid contact sports for the first $21 \text{ days}$ due to the risk of splenic rupture.

Peritonsillar Abscess "Hot Potato" voice

A severe sore throat presentation characterized by fever, muffled voice, drooling, and possible tripod positioning.

Peritonsillar Abscess physical exam findings

May include a deviated uvula, peritonsillar edema, and cervical/submandibular lymphadenopathy.

Tonsillar Abscess Medical Emergency management

Treatment involves needle aspiration or excision of the abscess followed by antibiotics if airway restriction is suspected.

Stomatitis

Inflammation of the oral mucosa with ulcers, contributed to by infection, mechanical injury, and stress.

Leukoplakia

Precancerous and cancerous lesions of the oral cavity requiring early detection.

Glossitis

Inflammation of the tongue often associated with stomatitis.