Aetiology

The pharynx can become acutely infected, usually as a result of a virus. This acute pharyngitis is part of many upper respiratory infections including the common cold – acute coryza. Infection of the pharynx can cause enlargement of the tonsils – acute tonsillitis (Figure 23.1). Acute tonsillitis is one of the most common infections in children and young adults. A typical attack of acute tonsillitis will last from 3 to 7 days. The main organisms implicated are as follow:

• Viruses
  
• Pyogenic bacteria:
  
  
  
  • Haemophilus influenzae
    
  • Pneumococcus spp.
    
  • Haemolytic Streptococcus.

The main clinical features at presentation include the following:

• Sore throat
  
• Odynophagia (painful swallow)
  
• Fever
  
• Malaise
  
• Enlarged cervical lymph nodes
  
• Enlarged red tonsils.

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