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Bacterial tonsillopharyngitis (Pediatrics - PEDS)

Low urgency
Common-

Inflammation of the pharynx and tonsils caused by infection from bacteria, usually group A streptococcus. It appears from two years of age onwards, although it is more frequent during childhood, especially at school age. 

It manifests with a sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, high fever, pus in the tonsils and general malaise. 

Diagnosis is clinical, by interrogation and physical examination. Rapid antigenic detection methods can be used. 

Treatment aims to control pain with analgesia and antibiotics to treat the infection. 

See your pediatrician for early treatment, especially if the fever persists, if the lymph nodes are oozing or if pain prevents proper feeding.

Bibliographic references
  1. Michael A. Rubin, Larry C. Ford, Ralph Gonzales. Faringitis, otalgia y síntomas de la porción superior de las vías respiratorias. Infecciones de la faringe y la cavidad bucal. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 1. 19ª Edición. 231:235.
  2. J. Mensa. Infecciones en otorrinolaringología. Infecciones de la faringe: faringitis. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen II. Duodécima edición. 2498:2500.
  3. Alcaide ML, Bisno AL. Pharyngitis and epiglottitis. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2007; 21:449.
  4. Ellen R Wald. Group A streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis in children and adolescents: Clinical features and diagnosis. UpToDate. Sep 29, 2016.
  5. Jan E Drutz. Sore throat in children and adolescents: Symptomatic treatment. UpToDate. Sep 16, 2016.
Author
Dr. Sara Vitoria
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Red or swollen tonsils

    Sore throat

    Pus on tonsils

    Fever between 39ºC / 102.2ºF and 39.9ºC / 103.82ºF

    Feeling generally unwell

Symptoms to watch out for

Fever not relieved by antipyretics (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
Difficulty breathing or drooling
One-sided neck swelling and pain
Hoarseness
Difficulty opening the mouth
Difficulty swallowing

Self-care

Maintain a fluid intake of 6 - 8 cups per day.
Consume beverages and foods that help relieve pain (tea, soup, honey, etc.).
Consult with your primary care physician regarding the prescription of antibiotics.
Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke.
Avoid spicy foods.
Use over-the-counter analgesics and antipyretics for muscle pain or fever (temperature > 100.4 F).
Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.
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