Overview of Tonsillitis

Tonsils are an element of our body's defence mechanism. The "Tonsils" are two tissues located in the rear of our throat. They operate as filters, trapping microorganisms that may otherwise enter our airways and cause infection. Tonsils create antibodies to fight infection.

What is Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils, which are two tissue masses in the back of your throat. Your tonsils operate as filters, keeping germs that may otherwise make their way into your airways and cause infection. They also produce antibodies to help fight infection. However, bacteria or viruses can sometimes overpower them. They may become swollen and inflamed as a result of this.

Types of Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is commonly found in children and can happen once in a while or can come back within a very short period.

Mainly there are three types of Tonsillitis:

• Acute Tonsillitis: Symptoms usually don't last more than 3 to 4 days
• Recurrent Tonsillitis: When a person gets Tonsillitis many times in a year
• Chronic Tonsillitis: When a person is having a long-term tonsil infection

What Causes Tonsillitis?

Viral Causes

• Adenoviruses
• Influenza viruses
• Parainfluenza viruses
• Enteroviruses
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (associated with infectious mononucleosis)
• Herpes simplex virus
• Cytomegalovirus
• Measles virus

Bacterial Causes

• Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) is the most common bacterial cause, also known as strep throat.

What Symptoms Can Indicate Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is usually detected when a person has a painful throat. Apart from that, there is a slew of symptoms that indicate Tonsillitis and are frequently misdiagnosed as other illnesses.

Here's a list of symptoms and how to tell if they're caused by Tonsillitis or something else.

Common Symptoms

• Sore Throat: Similar to strep throat, more severe than a typical sore throat. Requires antibiotic treatment.
• Difficulty in Swallowing: Due to tonsil inflammation.
• Lousy Breath: Sometimes caused by tonsil stones.
• Earaches: Result from fluid backup in the inner ear due to swollen tonsils.
• Tender Jaw and Neck: Jaw pain and neck tenderness due to enlarged lymph nodes.
• Additional Symptoms: Chills, fever, headaches, abdominal pain, and scratchy voice.

Symptoms of Tonsillitis in Adults

• Throat pain and tenderness
• Fever
• Red tonsils
• White or yellow coating on the tonsils
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Ear pain
• Trouble swallowing
• Swollen glands

Symptoms of Tonsillitis in Children

• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Stomach Pain
• Drooling
• Not wanting to eat or swallow

How the Diagnosis of Tonsillitis is Done?

Your child's healthcare provider will inquire about symptoms and medical history related to Tonsillitis. Later based on the symptoms the diagnosis is done.

Physical Examination

Examination of the throat and neck to check for:

• Redness or inflammation of the tonsils
• The presence of white patches on the tonsils
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Tests for Strep Throat

Quick Strep Test

• Conducted in the office.
• Provides rapid results within minutes.

Throat Culture

• Sample collected from the tonsils and throat.
• Sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• Results are typically available in a few days.
• More accurate than the rapid strep test.

Follow-up

If the rapid strep test is negative but symptoms persist, a throat culture may be performed to confirm the absence of strep bacteria.

Monitoring

Monitoring for complications or recurrence may be necessary, especially in severe or recurrent cases.

Treatment for Tonsillitis

Treatment Based on Etiology

Treatment depends on the diagnosis (viral or bacterial):

• Viral Tonsillitis: Managed with supportive care as antibiotics are ineffective.
• Bacterial Tonsillitis (Strep Throat): Requires antibiotic treatment to resolve the infection.

Antibiotic Use

Finish the prescribed course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve to prevent bacterial resistance and recurrence.

Risk Factors of Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is caused due to bacterial and viral infections. Some of the significant risk factors are:

• Adenoviruses
• Influenza virus
• Enteroviruses

In some cases, a person may have severe allergic reactions, which are known as anaphylaxis.

Relief Tips for Tonsillitis

• Rest: Get plenty of rest to support recovery.
• Hydration: Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
• Soft Foods: Eat soft foods that are gentle on the throat.
• Warm or Cold: Consume warm liquids or cold foods to soothe the throat.
• Humidifier: Use a humidifier in the bedroom to maintain moisture in the air.
• Saltwater Gargle: Gargle with warm salt water to reduce throat inflammation.

Pain Relievers: Take over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate discomfort and fever.