Question

Q8. Case study:

Peter Smith, a 19 year old university student, was suffering from influenza and visited his local GP. He said he began to feel unwell two days earlier and his condition had worsened since with an acute onset of a sore throat(pharyngitis). On examination the following observations were made:

Fever of 38.9 degrees C, Runny nose, Sneezing, Enlarged anterior cervical lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)

Peter’s throat was observed to have the following signs:

Redness, Swollen, Having a patchy covering of yellow-white exudate over his tonsils

The doctor prescribed phenoxymethylpenicillin 500 mg twice per day for ten days.

Question:

Describe the physiological basis of the second sign in Peter’s throat. Relate your response to this case study.

Answer 1

Influenza is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system such as the lungs, nose and throat. Influenza is a contagious disease that can easily spread through contact. The Epstein Barr virus causes infectious mononucleosis. It is an infection that spreads through saliva which is why it is also know as "Kissing Disease" .Hence the physician has started on phenoxymethylpenicillin 500mg twice a day for ten days. Strep can cause white spots in the throat also red spots known petechia which are the common symptoms of influenza. The only way to diagnose a strep is by a throat swab.