[Summary of the practice guideline 'Sore throat' (second revision) from the Dutch College of General Practitioners].
The second version of the practice guideline 'Sore throat' has been updated from the 1999 version. --Infections of the throat generally cure spontaneously within 7 days. In most cases the sore throat is caused by a virus. Group A beta-haemolytic streptococci (GABHS) are the most important bacterial cause ofa sore throat. --In diagnostics, the main focus is placed on evaluating how sick the patient is in general. --In adolescents who have had a sore throat for more than 7 days, the possibility of mononucleosis infectiosa should be borne in mind. This diagnosis can be verified by a test for IgM against Epstein-Barr-virus. --Additional investigations to detect GABHS are not recommended. --Prescribing antibiotics is only recommended for patients who have a severe throat infection or an increased risk of complications. Pheneticillin or phenoxymethylpenicillin remains first choice. --Referral for tonsillectomy should meet the following criteria: 5 or more episodes of sore throat per year or 3 or more episodes per year in the last 2 years.
Starreveld
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JS
Nederlands Huisartsen Genootschap, afd. Richtlijnontwikkeling en Wetenschap, Postbus 323I, 3502 GE Utrecht.
Zwart
S
S
Boukes
F S
FS
Wiersma
Tj
T
Goudswaard
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AN
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005194:Family Practice / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012955:Societies, Medical; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents