Acute pharyngitis

Acute pharyngitis is hallmarked by acute onset of sore throat; the absence of cough, nasal congestion and discharge suggests a bacterial etiology.

Rapid antigen detection tests allow immediate point-of-care assessment of group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis.

The goal of treatment of GAS is to prevent acute rheumatic fever, reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, and prevent transmission.

Acute pharyngitis is generally a self-limited condition with resolution within two weeks. Infected individuals are not, however, immune to reinfection with most etiologic pathogens.

The only situation in which antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent GAS infections is recommended is for individuals with a history of rheumatic fever.

Acute pharyngitis is characterized by the rapid onset of sore throat and pharyngeal inflammation (with or without exudate). Absence of cough, nasal congestion, and nasal discharge distinguishes bacterial from viral etiologies. It can be caused by a variety of viral and bacterial pathogens, including group A Streptococcus (GAS), as well as fungal pathogens (Candida). Bacterial pharyngitis is more common in winter (or early spring), while enteroviral infection is more common in the summer and fall. Generally a self-limited condition with resolution within two weeks.