Pharyngitis can be determined by symptoms, examination and experimental treatment to determine whether it is bacterial or viral. It is recommended to go to the ear, nose and throat department of the hospital to identify the cause of the disease and follow the doctor’s advice.
1. Symptoms: Bacterial pharyngitis is often characterized by redness, swelling and burning pain in the pharynx, accompanied by purulent secretion, etc. Viral pharyngitis has an acute onset and is mainly characterized by burning pain in the pharynx, accompanied by systemic symptoms such as chills and high fever.
2. Physical examination: the center of lymphoid follicles in the posterior pharyngeal wall of bacterial pharyngitis can show yellowish-white dot-like exudate. Viral pharyngitis is often characterized by acute diffuse congestion and edema of the mucosa.
3. Examination
(1) Routine blood test: the routine blood test of bacterial pharyngitis can indicate high leukocytes and neutrophils; the routine blood test of viral pharyngitis often indicates high lymphocytes.
(2) Pharyngeal swab related examination: including pharyngeal swab culture and antibody detection. Pharyngeal swab culture can detect pathogenic bacteria, and pharyngeal swab antibody test can mainly be used for virus isolation, which can intuitively determine whether the infection is bacterial or viral. However, it is important to note that the test is best performed before the application of antibacterial drugs, etc., so as not to affect the results.
4. Experimental treatment: Cefixime, Roxithromycin and other antibiotics can be used for experimental treatment. If they are effective within 72 hours, it can be inferred that the infection is bacterial; if they are ineffective, it can be inferred that the infection is viral. However, the above drugs need to be applied under the guidance of a doctor.
If there is discomfort in the throat, it is recommended to consult a doctor in time for relevant examination and diagnosis.