Table 2.
Clinical presentation of streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis
| Common findings in GAS infectiona | Findings not suggesting GAS infection |
|---|---|
| Symptoms | |
| Sudden onset sore throat | Coryza |
| Pain on swallowing | Hoarseness |
| Fever | Cough |
| Headache | Diarrhea |
| Abdominal pain | |
| Nausea and vomiting | |
| Signs | |
| Tonsillopharyngeal erythema | Conjunctivitis |
| Tonsillopharyngeal exudates | Anterior stomatitis |
| Soft palate petechiae (“doughnut” lesions) | Discrete ulcerative lesions |
| Beefy red, swollen uvula | |
| Anterior cervical adenitis | |
| Scarlatiniform rash | |
Abbreviation: GAS, group A streptococci.
From Dajani A, Taubert K, Ferrieri P, et al. Treatment of acute streptococcal pharyngitis and prevention of rheumatic fever: a statement for health professionals. Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis, and Kawasaki Disease of the Council on Cardiovascular Disease in the Young, the American Heart Association. Pediatrics 1995;96:759; with permission.
a
These findings are noted primarily in children older than 3 years of age and adults. Symptoms and signs in younger children can be different and less specific.