Paradise et al used a number of criteria to determine if a sore throat should "count" as being significant. This can be used to monitor a child with recurrent sore throat over time. The authors are from the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Criteria for significant sore throat – one or more of the following "counting" findings:
(1) oral temperature >= 38.3°C
(2) anterior cervical lymphadenopathy > 2 cm or tender
(3) tonsillar or pharyngeal exudate
(4) positive culture for group A, beta-hemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes
where:
• I would think a positive rapid test for group A beta hemolytic streptococcus would be adequate to meet the criteria.
Intermediate sore throat: oral temperature > 37°C but < 38.3°C no "counting" criteria
Minor episode: no fever and no "counting" criteria
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
