Acute Sore Throat

Authors: Jonathan D Whittaker / Editor: Tajek B Hassan / Reviewer: Iolo Roberts, Chris Wearmouth / Codes: O9 / Published: 05/08/2022

This session covers the assessment, investigation and management of the patient who presents to the emergency department with a sore throat. It also covers the more serious conditions that can present in this way.

After completing this session you will be able to:

  • Recognise more serious causes of a sore throat such as epiglottitis and peritonsillar abscess, and institute appropriate treatment and referral
  • Describe the suppurative and non-suppurative complications of Group A Beta Haemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS) infection
  • Formulate a strategy for the appropriate administration of antibiotics to patients presenting with a sore throat
  • Identify acute tonsillopharyngitis and differentiate it from other causes of sore throat
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References:

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  26. A right sided peritonsilar abscess. James Heilman via Wikimedia. 2011.

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