Adolescent Pharyngitis: A Common Complaint With Potentially Lethal Complications

Acute pharyngitis is 1 of the 20 most common primary care diagnoses in the United States. The majority are attributed to viral etiologies or allergic rhinitis. Although Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) or Streptococcus pyogenes are the main bacterial causes of pharyngitis, new bacteria, specifically Fusobacterium necrophorum, are emerging. Rare yet potentially fatal complications—peritonsillar abscess or Lemierre’s Syndrome—may also occur. The latest Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of GABHS was issued by the Infectious Diseases Society of America in 2012. Nurse practitioners must be astute in assessment and aware of current treatment recommendations.