2. PHARYNGITIS AND TONSILLITIS
• Pharyngitis and tonsillitis are common comorbidities that occur due to infection
of the throat.
• If the throat is primarily affected, it is called as Pharyngitis, and if mainly
tonsils are affected, it is known as tonsillitis.
3. INCIDENCE AND ETIOLOGY
• There are several causes of tonsillitis and throat infection.
• The common infectious agents are –
1) Viruses like adenovirus, influenza virus, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes
simplex virus.
2) Bacteria like group A hemolytic streptococci (responsible for 20% cases),
Neisseria gonorrhea, H. Influenza, Chlamydia pneumonia
3) Fungi like Candida species
4) Parasitic infection
4. CINICAL FEATURES
• The symptoms of pharyngitis and tonsillitis depend greatly on the cause of
infection.
• The most common symptoms are –
Sore throat
Fever
Headache
Anorexia
Malaise
Dysphagia
Muscle ache
6. MANAGEMENT
• If the cause of the infection is bacterial, antibiotics are prescribed
by physician.
• If the cause is viral, then treatment is focused on comfort of the
child.
7. TREATMENT
• Treatment incudes –
Warm saline gargles
Throat lozenges
Antibiotics (if infection is bacteria)
Antipyretics and non aspirin analgesics to reduce pain and fever
8. • A TONSILLECTOMY with or
without adenoidectomy may be
indicated for recurrent streptococcal
tonsillitis or when hypertrophied tonsils
interfere with eating or breathing.
• The surgical procedure to remove
tonsils is called Dissection.
SURGICAL TREATMENT
9. NURSING MANAGEMENT
PREOPERATIVE NURSING CARE INCLUDES –
1) MAKE PREOPERATIVE ASSESSMENT
• Evaluate the child for severity of condition.
• Check and record the results of all investigations including bleeding and
clotting time.
2) PREPARE THE CHID FOR SURGERY
• Explain the need of tonsillectomy to the parents and problems caused by
tonsillitis
• Answer the queries of parents and child.
• Tell the child to talk in soft voice after surgery, as he will have sore throat post
operatively.
10. POST OPERATIVE NURSING CARE
INCLUDES
1) Watch and control haemorrhage
Record vital signs frequently (every 2-4 hours)
Place the child in prone position during sleep and elevate the head end of bed.
2) Maintain airway
Observe and report signs of stridor, rapid respiration, and cyanosis.
Suction the secretions whenever necessary.
11. 3) Control fever
Monitor temperature every 2 hourly.
Encourage intake of oral fluids.
Administer prescribed medications like paracetamol
4) Promote adequate hydration
Maintain intravenous IV fluids, until the child is allowed oral intake.
Start oral fluids when child is alert and has no vomiting.
Give small and frequent fluids like ice chips, cold water and bland juices.
12. 5) Relieve anxiety of child and parents
Reassure the child and parents that minute blood in mucus or coffee color of
vomitus are normal.
Allow the parents to remain with the child.
Explain all treatment and procedures to parents and child.
Explain the parents that child may have sore throat for 1-2 weeks, temporary
change in voice, ear pain mainly on swallowing and white patches in the
wound area which will subside spontaneously.
