PULMONARY Infectious Flashcards
Atypical Pneumonia
Before modern diagnostic tests were available, researchers noticed that some pneumonias had different characteristics compared to “typical” pneumonias. Also called Walking pneumonia is a mild lung infection. Causes may include bacteria, viruses or mold. Very contagious via respiratory droplets.
Symptoms
a sore throat, sneezing, cough, headache, mild chills and a low-grade fever. Treatment includes antibiotics and over-the-counter medicines.
Caused slightly different symptoms than typical pneumonia
Appeared different on a chest X-ray than typical pneumonia or
Responded differently to antibiotics that were used for typical bacteria
Now researchers usually consider bacteria as being “atypical” if they are hard to detect through standard bacterial methods. These “atypical” bacteria include
Chlamydia pneumoniae
Chlamydia psittaci
Legionella pneumophila
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Even though these infections are called “atypical,” they are not uncommon.
SYMPTOMS:
Sore throat (pharyngitis).
Extreme tiredness (fatigue).
Chest pain or discomfort.
Low-grade fever (less than 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius).
Mild chills.
Cough.
Sneezing.
Headache.
CAUSE:
Bacteria.
Viruses.
Molds (fungi).
Bacterial Pharyngitis
Bacteria invade the mucosal tissues of the pharynx directly. Extracellular factors such as proteases facilitate the tissue invasion and cause the inflammation that elicits swelling, exudates, fever, and pain with swallowing
SYMPTOMS:
significant pain when swallowing.
tender, swollen neck lymph nodes.
visible white patches or pus on the back of the throat.
tonsils that are swollen and red.
a headache.
abdominal pain.
fatigue.
nausea.
CAUSE:
Streptococcus pyogenes, which are also called group A Streptococcus (group A strep), cause acute pharyngitis known as strep throat.
Blastomycosis
An infection caused by a fungus called Blastomyces. The fungus lives in the environment, particularly in moist soil and in decomposing matter such as wood and leaves.
SYMPTOMS: Fever.
Cough.
Night sweats.
Muscle aches or joint pain.
Weight loss.
Chest pain.
Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
CAUSE:
Blastomyces lives in the environment, particularly in moist soil and in decomposing organic matter such as wood and leaves. In the United States, the fungus mainly lives in the midwestern, south-central, and southeastern states, particularly in areas surrounding the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys, the Great Lakes, and the Saint Lawrence River. The fungus also lives in Canada, and a small number of blastomycosis cases have been reported from Africa and India.
Bronchiectasis
A chronic condition where the walls of the bronchi are thickened from inflammation and infection. People with bronchiectasis have periodic flare-ups of breathing difficulties, called exacerbations. It becomes hard to clear mucus out of the lungs and can cause frequent infections. Coughing a lot with pus and mucus is the main symptom of bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis can’t be cured but can be managed with treatment.
Bronchiectasis and bronchitis have similar symptoms, including mucus in the lungs and coughing. But bronchiectasis causes permanent widening of the airways and bronchitis is a temporary infection that doesn’t cause lasting damage.
SYMPTOMS:
The most common symptom of bronchiectasis is a persistent cough that brings up a large amount of phlegm on a daily basis.
The phlegm can be clear, pale yellow or yellow-greenish in colour. Some people may only occasionally cough up small amounts of phlegm, or none at all.
Other symptoms may include:
shortness of breath
wheezing
coughing up blood or bloodstained phlegm
chest pain
joint pain
clubbing of the fingertips – the tissue beneath the nail thickens and the fingertips become rounded and bulbous
CAUSE:
Airways of the lungs becoming damaged and widened. This can be the result of an infection or another condition, but sometimes the cause is not known.
Bronchiectasis is caused by two phases of airway damage. In the first phase, the initial damage (or “insult”) is caused by an infection, inflammatory disorder or another condition that affects your lungs. Healthcare providers don’t know the initial cause in up to 40% of people with bronchiectasis.
The first insult makes you more likely to get inflammation and repeated infections that cause further damage to your lungs. This is the second phase, or the “vicious cycle.”
Bronckos – airway. Ectasis – widening
Bronchiolitis
A common lung infection in young children and infants. It causes inflammation and congestion in the small airways (bronchioles) of the lung. Bronchiolitis is almost always caused by a virus. Typically, the peak time for bronchiolitis is during the winter months.
A viral infection of the lungs. It causes the bronchioles to swell, making breathing difficult. Bronchiolitis usually has to run its course and cannot be treated with antibiotics.
SYMPTOMS
The early symptoms of bronchiolitis are similar to a cold, such as sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, a cough and a slightly high temperature of 38C. A child with bronchiolitis may then get other symptoms, such as: breathing more quickly. finding it difficult to feed or eat.
CAUSE
A viral infection, usually the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is very common and spreads easily in coughs and sneezes. Almost all children have had it by the time they’re 2. In older children and adults, RSV may cause a cough or cold, but in young children it can cause bronchiolitis.
: inflammation of the bronchioles
Bronchitis
When the airways leading to the lungs (trachea and bronchi) get inflamed and fill with mucus. You get a nagging cough as your body tries to get rid of the mucus. Your cough can last two or more weeks. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a virus and goes away on its own. Chronic bronchitis never really goes away but can be managed.
When people talk about bronchitis, they usually mean acute bronchitis, a temporary condition that makes you cough. Some people get bronchitis so often that it’s considered chronic bronchitis.
SYMPTOMS:
Acute bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection and goes away on its own in a few weeks. Most people don’t need treatment for acute bronchitis.
Chronic bronchitis
You have chronic bronchitis if you have a cough with mucus most days of the month for three months out of the year. This goes on for at least two years.
If you have chronic bronchitis, you may have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ask your provider about whether you should get tested for COPD.
A persistent cough that lasts one to three weeks is the main symptom of bronchitis. You usually bring up mucus when you cough with bronchitis, but you might get a dry cough instead. You might also hear a whistling or rattling sound when you breathe (wheezing).
You might have other symptoms, including:
Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
Fever.
Runny nose.
Tiredness (fatigue).
CAUSE:
You almost always get bronchitis from a virus. However, nearly anything that irritates your airways can cause it. Infectious and noninfectious causes of bronchitis include:
Viruses. Viruses that cause bronchitis include influenza (the flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, rhinovirus (the common cold) and coronavirus.
Bacteria. Bacteria that cause bronchitis include Bordetella pertussis, Mycoplasma pneumonia and Chlamydia pneumonia.
Pollution.
Smoking cigarettes or marijuana (cannabis).
Bronchopneumonia
A type of pneumonia that causes inflammation in the alveoli. Someone with bronchopneumonia may have trouble breathing because their airways are constricted. Due to inflammation, their lungs may not get enough air.
SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms of bronchopneumonia can be mild or severe.
Chest pain when you breathe or cough
Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older)
Cough, which may produce phlegm
Fatigue
Fever, sweating and shaking chills
Lower than normal body temperature (in adults older than age 65 and people with weak immune systems)
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Shortness of breath
CAUSE:
Many germs can cause pneumonia. The most common are bacteria and viruses in the air we breathe. Your body usually prevents these germs from infecting your lungs. But sometimes these germs can overpower your immune system, even if your health is generally good.
Pneumonia is classified according to the types of germs that cause it and where you got the infection.
Coccidioidomycosis
Valley fever, also called coccidioidomycosis, is an infection caused by the fungus Coccidioides. The fungus is known to live in the soil in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico and Central and South America. The fungus was also recently found in south-central Washington.
SYMPTOMS: Fatigue (tiredness)
Cough.
Fever.
Shortness of breath.
Headache.
Night sweats.
Muscle aches or joint pain.
Rash on upper body or legs.
CAUSE:
a fungus that grows in the soil and dirt in some areas of California and the southwestern United States. People and animals can get sick when they breathe in dust that contains the Valley fever fungu
Croup
Refers to an infection of the upper airway, which obstructs breathing and causes a characteristic barking cough. The cough and other signs and symptoms of croup are the result of swelling around the voice box (larynx), windpipe (trachea) and bronchial tubes (bronchi). When the upper airway is infected with the virus that causes croup, tissues around the voice box (larynx) and the windpipe (trachea) will swell. When a cough forces air through this narrowed passageway, it may sound like a seal barking
SYMPTOMS: Loud barking cough that’s further aggravated by crying and coughing, as well as anxiety and agitation, setting up a cycle of worsening signs and symptoms.
Fever.
Hoarse voice.
Breathing that may be noisy or labored.
CAUSE:
Croup is usually caused by a viral infection, most often a parainfluenza virus.
Your child may contract a virus by breathing infected respiratory droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. Virus particles in these droplets may also survive on toys and other surfaces. If your child touches a contaminated surface and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth, an infection may follow.
Diphtheria
A serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make toxin. It can lead to difficulty breathing, heart rhythm problems, and even death. CDC recommends vaccines for infants, children, teens, and adults to prevent diphtheria.
SYMPTOMS:
Sore throat
Trouble breathing
Low fever
Husky voice
A shrill sound caused when breathing in (stridor)
Enlarged lymph glands in the neck
Increased heart rate
Runny nose
Swelling of the roof of the mouth (palate)
CAUSE:
Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that make a toxin. It is the toxin that can cause people to get very sick.
Epiglottitis
Inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis. It’s often caused by an infection, but can also sometimes happen as a result of a throat injury. The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that sits beneath the tongue at the back of the throat. It is a small, movable “lid” just above the larynx that prevents food and drink from entering the windpipe. Swelling of the epiglottis can completely block the airway. This can lead to breathing or respiratory failure. In this life-threatening condition, the level of oxygen in the blood drops very low.
SYMPTOMS:
a severe sore throat.
difficulty and pain when swallowing.
difficulty breathing, which may improve when leaning forwards.
breathing that sounds abnormal and high-pitched (stridor)
a high temperature.
irritability and restlessness.
muffled or hoarse voice.
drooling.
CAUSE:
An infection or injury causes epiglottitis.
Infection
The most common cause of epiglottitis is caused by a bacteria that attacks the epiglottis called: Haemophilus influenza type B
In the past, a common cause of swelling and inflammation of the epiglottis and surrounding tissues was infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria. Hib is responsible for other conditions, the most common being meningitis. Hib is now much less common in developed countries where children get Hib vaccines.
Hib spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes droplets into the air. It’s possible to have Hib in the nose and throat without becoming sick. But spreading it to others is still possible.
In adults, other bacteria and viruses also can cause the epiglottis to swell. These include:
Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). This bacterium can cause meningitis, pneumonia, ear infection and blood infection.
Streptococcus A, B and C. This group of bacteria can cause diseases from strep throat to blood infection.
Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium causes skin infections and other diseases including pneumonia and toxic shock syndrome.
Injury
Rarely, physical injury, such as a blow to the throat, can cause epiglottitis. So can burns from drinking very hot liquids and breathing in smoke from a fire.
Symptoms like those of epiglottitis can come from:
Swallowing a chemical that burns the throat.
Swallowing an object.
Smoking drugs, such as crack cocaine.
Smoking electronic cigarettes.
Fungal Pneumonia
Fungal pneumonia is an infectious process in the lungs caused by one or more endemic or opportunistic fungi. Fungal infection occurs following the inhalation of spores, after the inhalation of conidia, or by the reactivation of a latent infection.
Pneumonia is the leading infectious cause of death in developed countries. Among the vast diversity of respiratory pathogens, fungi account for only a small portion of community-acquired and nosocomial pneumonias. However, fungal respiratory infections generate concern in the expanding population of immunosuppressed patients. Fungi may colonize body sites without producing disease or they may be a true pathogen, generating a broad variety of clinical syndromes.
Fungal pneumonia is a lung infection caused by fungal spores. Infection happens when the spores are inhaled or when an inactive infection is reactivated. Symptoms of fungal pneumonia are like those of the flu: coughing, headache, thick mucus, fever, and chest pain, among others.
Fungal pneumonia tends to affect those with weakened immune symptoms. It is not contagious, but if untreated, it can become very serious and even deadly.
Several kinds of fungi cause fungal pneumonia, though the three most common are Pneumocystis, Cryptococcus, or Aspergillus. These fungi may be found in the air, soil, or clinical environments.
SYMPTOMS:
Fever.
Cough, usually nonproductive.
Pleuritic chest pain or dull discomfort.
Progressive dyspnea leading to respiratory failure.
Airway obstructive symptoms from enlarged mediastinal adenopathy in the endemic mycoses
Because the most common symptoms of fungal pneumonia are similar to those of viral or bacterial lung infections, diagnosis—and proper treatment—can be delayed. Those symptoms are:
Fever
Chills
Cough with thick, colored phlegm
Shortness of breath
Pain while breathing or coughing
Nausea and/or vomiting
Diarrhea
CAUSE: It can be caused by either endemic or opportunistic fungi or a combination of both.
Primarily, fungal pneumonia develops when fungal spores are inhaled. Each form of this disease arises from a corresponding type of fungus that often are native to specific regions. These fungi include:
Coccidioides is native to the soil of the American Southwest, as well as parts of Central America and South America.
Histoplasma fungi develop from the droppings of certain bird and bat species typically found in the central and eastern United States, especially in the Ohio and Mississippi river valleys. They also originate in Central America and South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Cryptococcus neoformans is found in soil and bird droppings in all parts of the world.
Blastomyces lives in rotting wood, leaves, and damp soil in Midwestern, south central, and southeastern states. In addition to these are opportunistic fungal infections, those that are present in any indoor or outdoor setting, including clinical or hospital environments, called hospital acquired infections (HAIs). Most common among these are the Candida, Aspergillus, and Pneumocystis jirovecii, the latter two of which cause pneumonia.
Haemophilus Influenzae
Haemophilus influenzae, or H. influenzae, is a kind of bacteria. It can cause bacterial infections ranging from mild (such as bronchitis) to severe (such as septic arthritis). Symptoms depend on the specific. Treatment includes antibiotics but you may also require hospitalization depending on the severity of your condition.
SYMPTOMS:
Fever and chills.
Excessive tiredness.
Pain in the belly.
Nausea with or without vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Anxiety.
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Altered mental status (confusion)
CAUSE:
Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) disease is caused by a bacterial infection. The illness can range from mild to severe. Despite its name, Haemophilus influenzae has nothing to do with the influenza virus (flu). Typically, Hi bacteria cause a mild infection.
Histoplasmosis
An infection caused by breathing in spores of a fungus often found in bird and bat droppings. People usually get it from breathing in these spores when they become airborne during demolition or cleanup projects.
SYMPTOMS: Fever.
Cough.
Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
Chills.
Headache.
Chest pain.
Body aches.
CAUSE: A fungus called Histoplasma. The fungus lives in the environment, particularly in soil that contains large amounts of bird or bat droppings.
Influenza
Flu (influenza) is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs, which are part of the respiratory system. Influenza is commonly called the flu, but it’s not the same as stomach “flu” viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting.
SYMPTOMS: Fever
Aching muscles
Chills and sweats
Headache
Dry, persistent cough
Shortness of breath
Tiredness and weakness
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Eye pain
Vomiting and diarrhea, but this is more common in children than adults
CAUSE: Influenza viruses travel through the air in droplets when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes or talks. You can inhale the droplets directly. Or you can pick up the germs from an object — such as a telephone or computer keyboard — and then transfer them to your eyes, nose or mouth.
People with the virus are likely contagious from about a day before symptoms appear until about four days after they start. Children and people with weakened immune systems may be contagious for a slightly longer time.
Influenza viruses are constantly changing, with new strains appearing regularly. If you’ve had influenza in the past, your body has already made antibodies to fight that specific strain of the virus. If future influenza viruses are similar to those you’ve encountered before, either by having the disease or by getting vaccinated, those antibodies may prevent infection or lessen its severity. But antibody levels may decline over time.
Also, antibodies against influenza viruses you’ve encountered in the past may not protect you from new influenza strains. New strains can be very different viruses from what you had before
Laryngeal Polyp
A noninflammatory response to laryngeal injury usually caused by vocal cord abuse and irritation
SYMPTOMS:
hoarseness
breathiness
a “rough” voice
a “scratchy” voice
a harsh-sounding voice
shooting pain from ear to ear
feeling like you have a “lump in your throat”
neck pain
less ability to change your pitch
voice and body tiredness
CAUSE:
allergies
smoking
tense muscles
singing
coaching
cheerleading
talking loudly
drinking caffeine and alcohol, which dries out the throat and vocal folds
Laryngitis
Inflammation of the voice box (larynx) from overuse, irritation or infection. Inside the larynx are the vocal cords — two folds of mucous membrane covering muscle and cartilage. Normally, the vocal cords open and close smoothly, forming sounds through their movement and vibration.
SYMPTOMS:
a hoarse (croaky) voice.
sometimes losing your voice.
an irritating cough that does not go away.
always needing to clear your throat.
a sore throat.
CAUSE:
respiratory infection, such as a cold, bronchitis or sinusitis. Exposure to irritating substances, such as cigarette smoke, excessive alcohol intake, stomach acid or workplace chemicals. Overusing your voice, by speaking too much, speaking too loudly, shouting or singing
Lobar Pneumonia
A serious infection in which the air sacs fill with pus and other liquid. Lobar pneumonia affects one or more sections (lobes) of the lungs. Bronchial pneumonia (also known as bronchopneumonia) affects patches throughout both lungs.
SYMPTOMS: a cough, fever and production of sputum. The sputum appears purulent and may contain flecks of blood, so-called ‘rusty’ sputum. Fever can be very high (over 40°C), with rigors. Acute pleuritic chest pain on deep inspiration reflects inflammation of the pleura (pleurisy).
CAUSE: Most cases of lobar pneumonia are community acquired and caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Other causes include Klebsiella pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, Haemophilus influenzae, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Lung Abscess
A circumscribed area of pus or necrosis in the pulmonary parenchyma caused by microbial infection. Lung abscesses can be classified as primary or secondary
Primary lung abscesses result from direct infection of the pulmonary parenchyma in an otherwise healthy person. Most result from aspiration and, less commonly, from infection with pyogenic bacteria (eg, S. aureus).
Secondary lung abscesses occur when there is a predisposing condition such as bronchial obstruction (eg, foreign body, neoplasm), hematogenous spread (eg, right-sided endocarditis), or immunocompromise.
A lung abscess is usually caused by bacteria that normally live in the mouth and are inhaled into the lungs.
SYMPTOMS:
Include fatigue, loss of appetite, night sweats, fever, weight loss, and a cough that brings up sputum. Diagnosis is usually determined with a chest x-ray.
CAUSE:
most often caused by aspiration of oral secretions by patients who have impaired consciousness; thus, anaerobic bacteria are among the common pathogens.
Mastoiditis
A serious bacterial infection that affects the mastoid bone behind the ear. It’s more common in children. Most people with mastoiditis recover quickly and have no complications as long as the condition is diagnosed and treated quickly
SYMPTOMS: redness, tenderness and pain behind the ear.
swelling behind the ear that can cause it to stick out.
discharge from the ear.
a high temperature, irritability and tiredness.
headache.
hearing loss in the affected ear.
A bad smell coming from the ear.
Pus or other fluid coming from the ear.
CAUSE: most often caused by a middle ear infection (acute otitis media). The infection may spread from the ear to the mastoid bone. The bone has a honeycomb-like structure that fills with infected material and may break down. The condition is most common in children.
Otitis Media
Inflammation or infection located in the middle ear. Otitis media can occur as a result of a cold, sore throat, or respiratory infection. Children are most likely to have fluid in the middle ear between three to seven years of age.
SYMPTOMS: Unusual irritability.
Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep.
Tugging or pulling at one or both ears.
Fever, especially in infants and younger children.
Fluid draining from ear(s)
Loss of balance.
Hearing difficulties.
Ear pain.
CAUSE:
This kind of ear infection can happen after any condition that keeps fluid from draining from the middle ear. These conditions include allergies, a cold, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection.
Pertussis
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a contagious infection of the lungs and airways. It is caused by bacteria called bordetella pertussis. Pertussis is a disease that happens year round everywhere in the world. Each year in Canada between 1,000 and 3,000 people fall ill from pertussis.
SYMPTOMS:
Early symptoms can last for 1 to 2 weeks and usually include:
Runny or stuffed-up nose.
Low-grade fever (less than 100.4°F)
Mild, occasional cough (babies do not do this)
Apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing) and cyanosis (turning blue or purple) in babies and young children.
CAUSE:
A type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The disease is only found in humans. Whooping cough bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) that line part of the upper respiratory system
Pleural Empyema (Pyothorax)
A collection of pus in the space between the lung and the inner surface of the chest wall (pleural space).
SYMPTOMS:
Chest pain, which worsens when you breathe in deeply (pleurisy)
Dry cough.
Excessive sweating, especially night sweats.
Fever and chills.
General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise)
Shortness of breath.
Weight loss (unintentional)
CAUSE:
usually caused by an infection that spreads directly from the lung. It leads to a buildup of pus in the pleural space. There can be 2 cups (1/2 liter) or more of infected fluid. This fluid puts pressure on the lungs
Pneumococcal Infection
Any infection caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus. Pneumococcal infections can range from ear and sinus infections to pneumonia and bloodstream infections. There are vaccines to help prevent pneumococcal disease.
SYMPTOMS:
fever, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, stiff neck, confusion, increased sensitivity to light, joint pain, chills, ear pain, sleeplessness, and irritability. In severe cases, pneumococcal disease can cause hearing loss, brain damage, or death.
CAUSE: bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). People with pneumococcal disease can spread the bacteria to others when they cough or sneeze. Symptoms of pneumococcal infection depend on the part of the body affected.
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP)
A serious infection caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii. Most people who get PCP have a medical condition that weakens their immune system, like HIV/AIDS, or take medicines (such as corticosteroids) that lower the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness.
SYMPTOMS: most common symptoms of PCP are sudden start of fever, cough, trouble breathing that often gets worse with activity, dry cough with little or no mucus, and chest discomfort. Severe PCP is often treated in a hospital with antibiotics given in an IV (intravenously or into a vein).
CAUSE: the fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii. Most people who get PCP have a medical condition that weakens their immune system, like HIV/AIDS, or take medicines (such as corticosteroids) that lower the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness.
Retropharyngeal Abscess
A collection of pus in the back of the throat. A retropharyngeal abscess is caused by a bacterial infection.
SYMPTOMS:
include difficulty and pain when swallowing, a fever, stiff neck, and noisy breathing. The diagnosis is based on symptoms and x-rays or computed tomography of the neck.
CAUSE: A retropharyngeal abscess happens when bacteria grow in the lymph nodes behind the throat. Lymph nodes help fight infections by removing germs, but sometimes they can’t keep up. When they happen in kids, retropharyngeal abscesses are most common in those under 5 years old.
Retropharyngeal abscesses are often polymicrobial infections. Bacteria that commonly contribute to these infections include Group A Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Fusobacterium, Haemophilus species, and other respiratory anaerobic organisms.
Streptococcal Pharyngitis (GBHS)
Acute pharyngitis is a common clinical condition that is caused most often by a viral infection. Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) is the most common bacterial cause of acute pharyngitis, and can be isolated in approximately 20% to 30% of children with pharyngitis in high-income countries.
SYMPTOMS: Sore throat that can start very quickly.
Pain when swallowing.
Fever.
Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus.
Petechiae — pronounced pi-TEE-kee-eye — on the soft or hard palate (tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth)
CAUSE:
Bacteria cause strep throat
Viruses cause most sore throats.
Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep).
Tonsillitis
Inflammation of the tonsils. It’s usually caused by a viral infection or, less commonly, a bacterial infection. Tonsillitis is a common condition in children, teenagers and young adults. The symptoms of tonsillitis include: a sore throat and pain when swallowing.
SYMPTOMS: high temperature (fever) over 38C (100.4F)
coughing.
headache.
earache.
feeling sick.
feeling tired.
swollen, painful lymph glands in your neck.
loss of voice or changes to your voice.
CAUSE:
Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by a viral infection, such as the viruses that cause the common cold or flu virus (influenza). Some cases can also be caused by a bacterial infection, typically a strain of bacteria called group A streptococcus bacteria.
Viral Pharyngitis
Commonly known as sore throat — is an inflammation of the pharynx, resulting in a sore throat. Thus, pharyngitis is a symptom, rather than a condition. It is usually caused by viral and/or bacterial infections, such as the common cold and flu (both viral infections) or by infection with the Streptococcus bacterium (strep throat). Pharyngitis can also occur with mononucleosis (aka “mono”), a viral infection.
SYMPTOMS: Sore throat
Dry, scratchy throat
Pain when swallowing
Pain when speaking
CAUSE:
About 50% to 80% of pharyngitis, or sore throat, symptoms are viral in origin and include a variety of viral pathogens. These pathogens are predominantly rhinovirus, influenza, adenovirus, coronavirus, and parainfluenza
