Tonsillopharyngitis - Acute (Pediatric)

Definition

Acute tonsillopharyngitis in children is an inflammation of the tonsils and pharynx, usually of viral or bacterial origin, characterized by sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing.

Epidemiology

• Common in children aged 5–15 years
• Peak incidence during winter and early spring
• More prevalent in school-aged children due to close contact
• Viral causes are more frequent than bacterial
• Group A Streptococcus responsible for 15–30% of pediatric cases

Etiology

• Viral: adenovirus, rhinovirus, coronavirus, influenza, Epstein-Barr virus
• Bacterial: Group A Streptococcus (most common), Streptococcus C/G, Staphylococcus aureus
• Environmental: crowded settings, poor hygiene
• Host factors: young age, immunodeficiency increases risk
• Seasonal: winter-spring predominance

Pathophysiology

• Pathogen colonizes the pharyngeal mucosa
• Immune response leads to inflammation, erythema, and edema
• Bacterial infection can result in pus formation on tonsils
• Systemic immune response causes fever and malaise
• Local inflammation may lead to lymphadenopathy
• Recurrent infection may predispose to chronic tonsillitis or complications