Most sore throats are of viral origin. The back of the
throat is termed the pharynx. Infection of the pharynx and tonsils
is mostly due to viruses. A runny nose, cough, congested
throat and redness or watering of the eyes add to the
possibility of the cause being viral. Such infections do not need any antibiotics.
Streptococcal Sore Throat (Tonsillitis)
A streptococcal sore throat needs to be handled
carefully because, left untreated, it can lead to rheumatic fever
with involvement of the joints and the heart.
SYMPTOMS: The patient has fever, a sore throat, pus points on the tonsils, and enlargement
of the lymph
nodes below the jaw, but no running nose, cough or redness of
eyes.
TREATMENT: Your doctor may like to take a throat swab and do a blood test
(ASO Titre) to
further substantiate
the diagnosis. Children with tonsillitis are given a course
of penicillin or erythromycin. Antibiotics, if needed, must
be given for 10 days.
