Rhinorrhea in pharyngitis suggests which etiologic category?

Rhinorrhea in pharyngitis suggests which etiologic category?

• A. Allergic
• B. Viral
• C. Bacterial
• D. Fungal

Answer: (B)

Rhinorrhea with pharyngitis points to a viral upper respiratory infection. Viruses commonly cause both nasal discharge and throat inflammation, so the combination of a runny nose and sore throat is typical of viral etiologies. Bacterial pharyngitis, in contrast, often presents with fever, tonsillar exudates, and tender anterior cervical nodes, with little or no nasal discharge. Allergic rhinitis can cause a runny nose, but it typically features itching, sneezing, and conjunctival symptoms rather than an acute infectious pharyngitis. Fungal pharyngitis is rare and not a common pattern for acute pharyngitis.

Rhinorrhea with pharyngitis points to a viral upper respiratory infection. Viruses commonly cause both nasal discharge and throat inflammation, so the combination of a runny nose and sore throat is typical of viral etiologies. Bacterial pharyngitis, in contrast, often presents with fever, tonsillar exudates, and tender anterior cervical nodes, with little or no nasal discharge. Allergic rhinitis can cause a runny nose, but it typically features itching, sneezing, and conjunctival symptoms rather than an acute infectious pharyngitis. Fungal pharyngitis is rare and not a common pattern for acute pharyngitis.