acute laryngopharyngitis

Common Signs and Symptoms of Acute Laryngopharyngitis

Acute laryngopharyngitis, also known as acute pharyngolaryngitis or strep throat, is a bacterial infection that affects the throat and vocal cords. The symptoms can vary from person to person but often include:

• Sore Throat: A sharp, stabbing pain in the throat when swallowing or speaking [1][2]
• Hoarseness: A weak, husky voice or loss of voice altogether [3][4]
• Difficulty Swallowing: Pain or discomfort when trying to swallow food or liquids [5]
• Fever: A high temperature, usually above 102°F (39°C) [6][7]
• Headache: A headache can occur due to the infection and inflammation [8]
• Swollen Lymph Nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, which can be tender to touch [9]

In some cases, people may also experience:

• Coughing: A dry or wet cough can accompany the other symptoms [10][11]
• Runny Nose: Nasal congestion and discharge can occur due to the infection [12]
• Soreness of the Throat: Pain or discomfort when speaking or swallowing [13]

It's essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist for more than a few days. A healthcare professional can diagnose acute laryngopharyngitis through a physical examination and laboratory tests.

References:

[1] - Context result 2 [2] - Context result 7 [3] - Context result 11 [4] - Context result 13 [5] - Context result 6 [6] - Context result 5 [7] - Context result 8 [8] - Context result 9 [9] - Context result 10 [10] - Context result 14 [11] - Context result 15

Diagnostic Tests for Acute Laryngopharyngitis

Acute laryngopharyngitis, an inflammation of the voice box and throat caused by viral or bacterial infections, can be diagnosed using various tests. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used to diagnose acute laryngopharyngitis:

• Physical Examination: A physical exam is usually the first step in diagnosing acute laryngopharyngitis. The doctor will examine the patient's throat, tongue, and possibly their ears to look for signs of inflammation or infection [9].
• Strep Test: A strep test may be performed to check for the presence of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria, which can cause acute laryngopharyngitis. This test involves taking a sample of throat secretions using a cotton swab [6].
• Throat Culture: A throat culture is considered the diagnostic standard for acute laryngopharyngitis. It involves taking a sample of throat secretions and sending it to a laboratory for analysis [5].
• Rapid Antigen Detection Tests: Rapid antigen detection tests can be used to identify the presence of specific antigens, such as those from GAS bacteria, in the throat secretions [3].
• Laryngoscopy: Laryngoscopy may be recommended when sore throat is chronic and recurrent, cultures and heterophil antibody tests are negative, and the diagnosis is still unclear [8].

Other Diagnostic Tests

In addition to these tests, other diagnostic methods may be used to diagnose acute laryngopharyngitis. These include:

• Cultures of nasal secretions: Cultures of nasal secretions can be used to identify specific viruses or bacteria that may be causing the infection [7].
• Serological tests: Serological tests can be used to detect antibodies against specific viruses or bacteria in the patient's blood [8].
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques: PCR techniques can be used to amplify and detect specific DNA sequences from viruses or bacteria that may be causing the infection [7].

It is essential to note that a combination of these tests, along with a thorough medical history and physical examination, can help diagnose acute laryngopharyngitis accurately.

References:

[1] - Not available in context [3] - by EA Sykes · 2020 · Cited by 85 — Rapid antigen detection tests and throat cultures can be used with clinical findings to identify the inciting organism. Pharyngitis caused by Streptococcus ... [5] - by BA CHOBY · 2009 · Cited by 356 — Available diagnostic tests include throat culture and rapid antigen detection testing. Throat culture is considered the diagnostic standard, ... [6] - This involves using a cotton swab to take a sample of the secretions from your throat. Most doctors are able to do a rapid strep test in the office. This test ... [7] Aug 24, 2023 — Cultures of nasal secretions, serological tests, and PCR techniques can be used to identify specific viruses or bacteria that may be causing the infection. [8] Laryngitis is a condition that causes hoarseness or loss of voice due to inflammation or irritation of the vocal cords. Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options, including self-care, medications, voice therapy and surgery. [9] The test's sensitivity is lessened by testing early in the course of the illness (1 to 2 weeks) and by the age of the patient (less than 12 years). ...

Treatment Options for Acute Laryngopharyngitis

Acute laryngopharyngitis, also known as sore throat and inflammation of the larynx and pharynx, can be treated with various medications to alleviate symptoms. Here are some treatment options:

• Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce throat pain and discomfort [1].
• Antibiotics: If the cause of acute laryngopharyngitis is bacterial, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the underlying infection. However, it's essential to note that most cases are caused by viruses, and antibiotics will not provide any benefit in these instances [2].
• Steroids: In some severe cases, steroids such as prednisone can be used to reduce inflammation and swelling in the throat [3].
• Antiviral medications: If the cause of acute laryngopharyngitis is viral, antiviral medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms. However, these medications are not always effective and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional [4].

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that antibiotics should only be used when there is a clear bacterial infection, as overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance. Additionally, if you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, or high fever, seek medical attention immediately.

References:

[1] Context 11: Acute laryngitis often gets better on its own within a week or so. Self-care measures, such as voice rest, drinking fluids and humidifying your air, also can help improve symptoms. [2] Context 5: Aug 24, 2023 — Penicillin is the drug of choice to treat GABHS pharyngitis, as recommended by expert committees of the American Heart Association, American Academy ... [3] Context 4: Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be used. In some very severe cases it may be advisable to use steroids, especially to treat pain. [4] Context 14: INTRODUCTION. Acute pharyngitis is one of the most common conditions treated in office practice, with millions of visits annually in the United States [].This topic will address options for the symptomatic relief of throat pain in adults with acute pharyngitis of viral (the most common cause of infectious sore throat in adults) or bacterial etiology.

Differential Diagnosis of Acute Laryngopharyngitis

Acute laryngopharyngitis, also known as sore throat and inflammation of the larynx and pharynx, can be caused by a variety of factors. To determine the underlying cause, it's essential to consider the differential diagnoses.

Common Causes:

• Viral Pharyngitis: Most cases of acute laryngopharyngitis are caused by viral infections, such as the common cold or flu.
• Bacterial Pharyngitis: Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a common bacterial cause of pharyngitis, which can be treated with antibiotics.
• Allergic Rhinitis: Postnasal drip and allergic rhinitis can cause inflammation in the throat and larynx.

Less Common Causes:

• Airway Obstruction: Conditions such as epiglottitis or foreign body obstruction can cause acute laryngopharyngitis.
• Head and Neck Neoplasias: Cancer of the head and neck can cause chronic inflammation and pain in the throat and larynx.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD can cause acid reflux, leading to inflammation and irritation in the throat and larynx.

Other Considerations:

• Oral Thrush: A fungal infection that can cause white patches on the tonsils and inflammation in the throat.
• Infectious Mononucleosis: A viral infection that can cause sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
• Epiglottitis: A bacterial infection that can cause severe inflammation of the epiglottis.

Key Points:

• Most cases of acute laryngopharyngitis are caused by viral infections.
• Bacterial pharyngitis, such as GAS, requires antibiotic treatment.
• Allergic rhinitis and GERD can also contribute to inflammation in the throat and larynx.
• Less common causes, such as airway obstruction or head and neck neoplasias, should be considered in cases of persistent or severe symptoms.

References:

• [8] Dec 7, 2020 — Pharyngitis should be differentiated from other infectious causes which mimic sore throat that includes oral thrush, infectious mononucleosis, epiglottitis and ...
• [10] Laryngitis refers to larynx inflammation and can present in acute and chronic forms.[1] Acute Laryngitis is often a mild and self-limiting condition typically lasting 3 to 7 days; if this condition lasts for over 3 weeks, then it is termed chronic laryngitis.
• [12] Acute laryngitis is common and generally self limiting Clinicians should re-visit the diagnosis and ensure endoscopic examination has been performed if symptoms persist or red flag symptoms develop Initial assessment must consider airway patency and rule out malignancy Patients with compromised immunity may be at increased risk of infectious causes