history (sore throat)

Last reviewed 12/2022

The history should include:

  • symptom duration
  • absence or presence of trismus
  • symptoms of systemic upset e.g. fever, malaise
  • symptoms of dysphagia?
  • rash?
  • history of previous episodes?

If there is stridor then this is an ominous sign. A child may complain of abdominal pain. A cough indicates a lower likelihood of streptococcal infection.

Reference:

  • McWhinney I. A textbook of familiy medicine. Oxford: OUP, 1989.