Sore Throat

Abstract

A sore throat (pharyngitis) is a symptom of many diseases, but this chapter will focus on two of the main causes of the condition – Streptococcus pyogenes (a bacterium) and the Epstein-Barr virus. Infection with Strep. pyogenes is most frequent in 5–15-year-old children and is usually accompanied by fever, red and swollen tonsils and swollen glands in the neck. In some children a skin rash develops, and the condition is then known as scarlet fever. It usually occurs in winter or early spring and is highly contagious. The disease usually resolves without medication after about 7 days, but antibiotics may be needed in severe cases or for those at risk of complications. Complications are rare but can be serious and include rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease and glomerulonephritis. The Epstein-Barr virus causes infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever or the “kissing disease”) mainly in adolescents and young adults. The main symptoms are sore throat, fever, malaise and enlarged lymph glands. It’s usually a mild, self-limiting condition, and the symptoms can be relieved by antipyretics and analgesics. It’s spread mainly in saliva.