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Nursing Knowledge
Pharyngitis is a viral or bacterial inflammation of the throat mucosa that is very common especially in school-age children.
Tonsillitis is a viral or bacterial inflammation of the tonsils that is especially common between the ages 4 and 7.
Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat caused by streptococcal bacteria. It’s estimated that about 20–30% of sore throats in school-age children are due to strep throat.
All three disorders present with throat pain, but have individual symptoms on top of that:
For definitive diagnosis, a rapid strep test or throat culture is generally performed, especially to confirm or rule out strep throat, which requires antibiotic treatment.
All three throat disorders largely are treated similarly with OTC pain analgesics (NSAIDs, acetaminophen), throat lozenges, and salt water gargles.
Depending on the cause, tonsillitis may need antibiotic therapy.
Strep throat always requires antibiotic therapy.
Pharyngitis often precedes other viral infections and if symptoms persist, needs to be evaluated for viral or other bacterial illness.
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