Postanginal sepsis. A pain in the neck.

The primary care physician must be on the alert when a patient presents with a sore throat, signs of sepsis, and a rapidly deteriorating condition. Recognition of this distinct clinical presentation should lead to the diagnosis of postanginal sepsis. Once this diagnosis is suspected, therapy with an antibiotic that provides coverage against streptococci and anaerobes should be initiated promptly, and a drainable focus of infection should be excluded.