ABSTRACT
Acute pharyngitis is among the most frequent illnesses seen in the primary care practice. It is characterized by the presence of increased redness and an exudate or ulceration in the pharynx or tonsil or a membrane that covers the tonsils [1]. Most cases of acute pharyngitis are viral and require only symptomatic treatment. This chapter will emphasize pharyngitis caused by group A beta hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) because it is the most common bacterial etiology that can be treated with antibiotic therapy and it is associated with suppurative and nonsuppurative complications.
