Pharyngitis

This article reviews the commonly encountered agents causing acute inflammation of the pharynx and tonsils, with special attention to a practical approach for identifying and dealing with the group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Ubiquitous viral agents such as Epstein-Barr virus, rhinovirus, and adenovirus are reviewed. Some agents such as group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus and Epstein-Barr virus are susceptible to treatment. Additionally, unusual infectious agents and noninfectious causes of pharyngitis are enumerated.