angine

Angine is the term used in medical French for an acute infection and inflammation of the throat, most often acute tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils) or acute pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx). It characteristically presents with sudden sore throat and fever, and may include swollen tonsils, white patches, painful swallowing, and tender neck glands. Viral infections are common; bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes are also important because they may require antibiotics.

Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on history and examination. When bacterial infection is suspected or testing is available, throat swabs with rapid antigen detection or culture can confirm Streptococcus pyogenes. Scoring systems like Centor or FeverPAIN help decide when to test or treat with antibiotics.

Treatment depends on cause. Viral angine is managed with supportive care: fluids, analgesics, and rest. Bacterial angine is treated with antibiotics to shorten symptoms and reduce complications; penicillin (or amoxicillin) is commonly used, with alternatives for penicillin allergy. Most courses last about 5–10 days.

Prognosis is favorable with proper care; most people recover within a week. Complications are uncommon in otherwise healthy individuals but can include peritonsillar abscess and, rarely, rheumatic fever or post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis following Strep infection.

Prevention focuses on reducing transmission through good hand hygiene and avoiding sharing utensils during illness. Angine is common in children and adolescents and shows a seasonal peak in winter.