PHARYNGITIS

Introduction: 

Pharyngitis is a rarely a serious condition and often occurs alongside colds and the flu. Viral pharyngitis normally clears up on its own within a couple of weeks, but bacterial pharyngitis may require a course of antibiotics to prevent complications.

Definition: 

Pharyngitis is inflammation of the pharynx, which is in the back of the throat. It’s most often referred to as “sore throat.” 

Etiology: 

It is usually viral but may also be bacterial. Group A betahemolytic streptococcus (strep throat) is the most common bacterial cause. Pharyngitis are contagious and are spread by droplet nuclei. Incubation varies from few hours too several days.

Pathophysiology:

Most cases of Acute pharyngitis are caused by viral infection. When. Group A hemolytic streptococcus, the most common bacterial origin, gain entrance into the body system either through air droplet, the body response by triggering its own immune system which causes an inflammatory response in the pharynx. 

This results in pain, fever, vasodilation, oedema, tissue damage, manifested by redness and swelling in the tonsillar pilars, uvula and soft plate. A creamy exudate may be present in the tonsilar pillar. The edema and sweeling causes dysphagia and hoarseness. 

A beta haemolytic streptococcus is a more severe illness. If left un treated, the complications can be severe and life threatening which could result too sinusitis, ottis media, peritonsillar abscess, mastoiditis, and cervical Adenitis. 

In rare cases the infection may lead too bacteremia, pneumonia, rheumatic fever or nephritis 

Signs &Symptoms of Viral Pharyngitis 

Gradual onset, low grade fever, sore throat, mild hoarseness, headache, throat bright pink or red.      

Streptococcal pharyngitis Abrupt onset, fever of 38.3c or higher, severe sore throat, dysphagia, malaise, muscle aches, tender enlarged lymph node, throat bright red, patches of creamy exudates may be seen on oropharynx or tonsil

Diagnostic evaluation: 

1. performing a physical examination, check their throat, ears, and nose for signs of infection.

2. Throat culture and sensitivity test 

3. Rapid screening test for streptococcal antigen such as the latex agglutination (LA) antigen rest and solid phase enzyme immune assay (ELISA)

Nursing management: AROPPDDBSERAC

Admission : The nurse instructs the patient to stay In bed during the febrile stage of illness and to rest frequently once up and about.

Re assurance: the nurse should reassure patient and answer patient questions carefully too alleviate fear 

Observation: regular checking of vital signs bp, temp, pulse 

physical care:: It is important to examine the skin once or twice daily for possible rash, because Acute pharyngitis May proceed some other communicable disease (e.g. rubella).

Psychological care: Prepare pt psychologically, educate patient abt disease condition and prognosis and to release fear and anxiety  

Drug; administer prompt medication at due time and encourage patient compliance too medication. gargling with warm salt water and if over four years old, sucking on lozenges may ease a sore throat. The benefit of this treatment depend on the degree of heat that is applied.  Taking pain medication such as ibuprofen or paracetamol may also help. 

Diet: Drinking plenty of liquids, 

bladder and bowel care: Check for constipation or diarrhea, check frequency of stool, and color of stool 

Check for any form of dysuria. 

Special Care; tepid sponge patient PRN too reduce the temperature, mouth care.  Mouth care May add greatly to the patient comfort and prevent the development of fissures, 

The nurse teachs the patient about the recommended temperature of the warm water solution; high enough to be effective and as warm as the patient can tolerate, usually 40.6c. 

excerise : Advise on discharge: Used tissues should be disposed of properly to prevent the spread of infection. 

Check up: Patient should be given date for a follow up visit and adherence too medication .

Management (medical and nursing ):

Medical: Pain medication e.g paracetamol, ibuprofen. 

Antibiotics; For bacterial infections

oral antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or penicillin. if pt react too penicillin cephalosporin and macrolites May be used (clarithromycin and azithromycin ) The antibiotics aim to prevent complications, such as rheumatic fever or kidney disease, not to treat the sore throat. It is essential to complete the entire course of antibiotics to ensure the infection has cleared and to prevent reinfection.

Viral pharyngitis does not respond to antibiotics, but will typically clear up on its own. However, over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and fever.

Nursing diagnoses

1. Acute pain related too inflammatory process evidenced  by patient Verberlization

2. Hyperthermia related too inflammatory process evidenced by thermometer reading of 38.3c

3. Anxiety related too unknown prognosis of disease condition evidenced by patient asking too many que