ear, nose, and throat disorders
Tonsillopharyngitis
Key Points
Pharyngitis itself is easily recognized clinically, but only in 25 to 30% of cases is testing likely to be required to determine if it is due to streptococcal infection (ie, strep throat). Clinical criteria (modified Centor score) can help to select patients for further testing or empiric antibiotic treatment, although some authorities recommend testing all children using a rapid antigen test and sometimes culture. Penicillin remains the drug of choice for streptococcal pharyngitis; cephalosporins or macrolides are alternatives for patients allergic to penicillin. 