GROUP-A BETA HEMOLYTIC STREP (GABHS) PHARYNGITIS

Photo Credit: Dr. James Heilman from Wikipedia

PHARYNGITIS

: MC caused (30-60%) by viral infection in adults – rhinovirus

: caused by bacterial infection in adults in only in 5-10% - GABHS

: accounts for 30-40% of case in children

: prevents rheumatic fever – by starting antibiotics 10 days after onset of symptoms

: SORE THROAT from Epstein-Barr virus (82%) – found in pxs with Infectious Mononucleosis –

• Tx mostly consist of

1. Supportive care

2. Rest

3. Antipyretics

4. Analgesics

 

GABHS-PHARYNGITIS

: MC pathogen responsible for most case of bacterial pharyingitis – BUT accounts only 10% of adult cases

            : Symptoms – usually rapid onset:

- Severe sore throat

- Odynophagia

- Cervical lymphadenopathy

- Fever

- Chills

- Malaise

- Headache

- Mild neck stiffness

- Anorexia

Simple Cure to the Most Common ENT (Ears, Nose, Throat) Problem: BUGs in your Ears!

Various specialties share common factors that makes them common to other specialization in the realm of the art and science of Medicine. These factors make the practice of medicine overlap with other field of specialization. There are some things though that are totally unique in one specialty of the art of healing.

Take ENT for example or for medical professionals - Otorhinolaryngology or as defined, the field of medicine specializing in the study of the (E)ars, the (N)ose, and the (T)hroat thus the word E.N.T.. But as as I've mentioned above, some specialization overlaps with another, and so the nose and the throat can also be scrutinized and studied under the field of Internal Medicine in general, the field of Surgeons specifically the Plastics and Reconstructive Surgeons and to some extent the field of Dermatologists. But while the nose and the throat can be shared commonly, the Ears are exclusively of the field of ENT. It deals exclusively of the realm wherein no other set of specialized doctors have handled.

There are many afflictions that involves the Ears, but no other more common than the most simple problem - creeping bugs crawling inside your ears. This is not just a nightmare to some arachnophobes or entomophobes but also strikes fear to the ordinary patient who imagines a creepy crawling insect inside your ear canals. If this thought bothers a 'brave' adult patient, just imagine how a child with a bug in his/her ear would feel.

What would you feel?

 So first things first, how would you know that a bug or insect is really inside your ears? Your ear canal actually hosts several cranial nerves that renders it super sensitive to a variety of sensations. Tenderness may be felt due to weather changes or some kind of allergy.

Some signs and symptoms of insects inside the ear canal presents as pain, swelling, crackling or buzzing sounds but the most common symptom is severe pain especially if you keep on poking the insect down your ear canal. In some instances, some biting or stinging sensations may also be experienced. Some may also report certain levels of hearing loss or dizziness.

Bacterial Pharyngitis

Background

Pharyngitis, or sore throat, is often caused by infection. Common respiratory viruses account for the vast majority of cases, and these are usually self-limited. Bacteria are also important etiologic agents, and, when identified properly, may be treated with antibacterials, resulting in decreased local symptoms and prevention of serious sequelae.

The most common and important bacterial cause of pharyngitis is Streptococcus pyogenes. When suspected, bacterial pharyngitis can be confirmed with routine diagnostic tests and treated with various antibiotics. If left untreated, S pyogenes pharyngitis may lead to local and distant complications. To a lesser extent, bacteria other than S pyogenes are known to cause pharyngitis, and these are discussed in Causes.