Acute Tonsillopharyngitis
We have discussed this disease entity in this column in the past issues but because this is very common now i wish to review everyone acute tonsillopharyngitis.
Our textbook of Pediatrics by Dr Fe del Mundo mentioned that the anterior pillars, faucial tonsils and posterior pharyngeal wall are very vulnerable to infectious agents and that the initial manifestations are found in these areas.
Acute infections of the faucial tonsils and posterior pharyngeal wall may be classified into:
A. Those with an exudate or a membrane
– may be due to a bacteria like Streptococcal or faucial diphtheria
– may be viral like adenoviruse and Epstein- Barr virus
B. Those associated with vesicles or ulcers
– like Herpangina and herpetic gingivostomatitis
So, it is very important to be seen and to be examined by a physician to be properly managed since not all with tonsillopharyngitis warrants an antibiotic therapy.
Most common cases are viral that we only advice parents to give Paracetamol as needed for fever, to encourage their children to brush their teeth, to increase fluid intake, to eat healthy foods, and to take a good rest.
Those cases with bacterial tonsillopharyngitis should be treated with an appropriate antibiotic to avoid the occurrence of rheumatic fever and acute hemorrhagic glomerulonephritis.