What is the recommended initial management for relief of pharyngitis in infectious mononucleosis?

The recommended initial management for relief of pharyngitis in infectious mononucleosis is the use of lozenges and gargles. The primary symptom of pharyngitis in this condition is a severe sore throat, often accompanied by inflammation of the tonsils and difficulty swallowing. Lozenges can provide symptomatic relief by moisten the throat and easing pain, while gargling with warm salt water can also be soothing and help reduce swelling.

Other supportive measures, such as oral hydration, will also be beneficial in alleviating symptoms of discomfort and dehydration but do not specifically target the throat symptoms as effectively as lozenges and gargles. The use of antibiotics is generally not indicated because infectious mononucleosis is typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a viral infection, and antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections. Corticosteroids are usually reserved for severe cases where respiratory obstruction or other serious complications arise, thus not constituting a first-line treatment for uncomplicated pharyngitis associated with infectious mononucleosis.