Tonsillitis

Definition

Tonsillitis is the swelling of the tonsils due to infection.

Alternative names

Causes, incidence and risk factors

Tonsils are the lymph nodes present at the back of the throat and prevent entry of micro-organisms in the body. When the tonsils become overloaded with bacteria then they cause inflammation of the tonsils. In bacterial tonsillitis infection by group A Streptococci is the most common. Viral tonsillitis is caused by Epstein-Barr virus. Tonsillitis may also be caused by super infection by spirochetes and Treponema.

The exact cause of tonsillitis is not known whether it is due to infection or the body’s immune response against the infection. There may be inflammation of the throat and the surrounding area causing pharyngitis.

The condition is common especially in children. The infection can spread from one person to another.

Symptoms

Sore throat for longer than 48 hours, fever, chills, headache, changes in voice, loss of voice, difficulty in swallowing, coughing, earache and tenderness of jaw and throat are the symptoms of tonsillitis.

Signs and tests

The condition is diagnosed by visual examination of the tonsils and physical examination. Tonsils are red in color with inflammation and white spots. The lymph nodes in the neck become tender and inflamed.

Rapid strep test, culture of throat swab and blood test for complete blood count are the tests done for the diagnosis of tonsillitis.

Treatment

If tonsillitis is caused by bacterial infection the oral antibiotics are prescribed. It is important to complete the prescribed course of antibiotic even though there is symptomatic relief. Penicillin or erythromycin is generally used. Steroids may be given to relieve inflammation. Rest, intake of lots of fluids (warm fluids, blend fluids or very cold fluids), sucking lozenges and gargling with warm salt water help sooth the throat. Over the counter pain and fever medications are helpful to relieve the symptoms. For tonsillitis caused by viruses self care and pain medications help. Aspirin should not be given to children as it has risk of developing Reye syndrome.

In case of recurrent infections surgery to remove the tonsils is done.

Expectations (Prognosis)

The symptoms start improving two to three days after the treatment starts. Sometimes more than one antibiotic course is required. If the disease is not treated then it may cause severe complications.

Complications

Bacterial or viral pharyngitis, airway blockage due to inflamed tonsils, throat abscess, dehydration due to difficulty in swallowing fluids, kidney failure, rheumatic fever or post streptococcal glomerulonephritis are the possible complications of tonsillitis.

Calling your health care provide

If the sore throat is for longer than 48 hours, fever is more than 103^oF, there are additional symptoms, symptoms become worse or new symptoms develop then calling health care provider is better.

Prevention

Washing hands thoroughly and frequently and not sharing things with infected person can prevent tonsillitis.

Reference

Nih.gov, wikipedia.com, mayoclinic.com