ear, nose, and throat disorders
Sore Throat
Etiology of Sore Throat
Sore throat results from infection; the most common cause is Tonsillopharyngitis Rarely, an abscess or epiglottitis is involved; although uncommon, these disorders are of particular concern because they may compromise the airway. Tonsillopharyngitis is predominantly a viral infection; a lesser number of cases are caused by bacteria. The Overview of Viral Respiratory Infections (rhinovirus, adenovirus, the influenza virus, coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus) are the most common viral causes, but occasionally The main bacterial cause of sore throat is group A beta-hemolytic streptococci ( Streptococcal Infections ), which, although estimates vary, causes perhaps 10 to 25% of all sore throats in adults and slightly more in children. GABHS is a concern because serious poststreptococcal sequelae (eg, rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis, abscess) may occur. Uncommon bacterial causes include Gonorrhea , An abscess in the pharyngeal area ( Peritonsillar Abscess and Cellulitis , Epiglottitis , perhaps better termed supraglottitis, used to occur primarily in children and usually was caused by 