Highlights & Basics
- Acute pharyngitis is characterized by acute onset of sore throat; the absence of cough, nasal congestion, and nasal discharge suggests a bacterial etiology.
- Diagnosis begins with history and physical exam and is confirmed by rapid antigen detection tests (in case of group A Streptococcus [GAS] pharyngitis), throat culture, or polymerase chain reaction if needed. Patients with clear viral symptoms do not need to undergo testing for GAS.
- The goal of treatment of GAS infection 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 2 weeks. Infected individuals are not immune to reinfection with most etiologic pathogens.
- Treatment typically involves supportive care (e.g., analgesics) and treatment of the causative pathogen (e.g. antibiotics for GAS infections).
Quick Reference
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Citations
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pharyngitis (strep throat). Jun 2022 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Antibiotic prescribing and use - adult outpatient treatment recommendations: pharyngitis. Oct 2017 [internet publication].[Full Text]
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