Tonsillitis in Adults

Tonsillitis in Adults

The tonsils are situated at the back of the throat, one on each side and two in total. They are made of glandular (lymphatic) tissues, and look like two small pads. Their main role is to protect your mouth from bacteria by creating white blood cells and antibodies that attack germs entering your mouth.

Tonsillitis occurs when bacteria or viruses infect the tonsils, causing them to become inflamed. This condition can affect anyone: although tonsillitis is more common in children, tonsillitis in adults is not uncommon.

What Causes Tonsillitis in Adults?


Tonsillitis is caused by either a viral or bacterial infection. The condition can be caught by breathing into infected viral or bacterial droplets, which can be expelled from an infected person via a sneeze or a caught. It is also possible for other methods of contact to spread the infection.

There have also been cases of tonsillitis which have had fungal or parasitic causes. The most common causes are the viruses Epstein-Barr, and adenovirus. If tonsillitis is caused by Group A streptococcal bacteria, then it is often referred to as "Strep Throat."

What Are the Symptoms of Tonsillitis in Adults?
There are many symptoms that are caused by tonsillitis which can also be attributed to other conditions.If you experience any of the symptoms below, ensure to speak with your health care professional.

1. Tonsil-Related Symptoms
Tonsillitis causes the tonsils to become inflamed, which leads to many physical changes that can be noted as symptoms of the condition. The tonsils may be swollen, and it is often the case that the lymph nodes also become inflamed and firm. If the tonsils have white spots on them, your tonsillitis may be caused by a bacterial infection.

2. Throat-Related Symptoms
The most common symptom of tonsillitis experienced by many is a Sore Throat, which can also include difficulty and pain when swallowing. It is also possible for sever tonsillitis to develop into a mild case of Laryngitis, which can lead to a scratchy throat or potentially the inability to speak.

3. Flu-Like Symptoms
Due to the nature of the condition, and the bacterial or viral cause of tonsillitis, it is common for those infected to experience flu-like symptoms. These can include fevers, Headaches, ear aches or body aches.

How to Treat Tonsillitis in Adults
The treatment for tonsillitis varies, from doing nothing at one end of the spectrum, to surgical removal of the tonsils at the other. It is possible for tonsillitis to go away on its own when caused by a virus, but other treatments may also be required. Below are the treatments currently used for adults suffering with tonsillitis.

1. Home Remedies
Home remedies, or home care strategies, are the only method of treatment used when tonsillitis in adults is caused by a viral infection. These treatments are to ease the symptoms and to speed up the recovery. Some at home strategies that have helped those experiencing symptoms are

• Rest – Ensure to get plenty of rest and avoid any strenuous physical activity. Also make sure you get plenty of sleep.


• Hydrate – Ensure to remain hydrated and drink lots of water.


• Diet – Avoid spicy, acidic, and hard, rough foods during the recovery. Drink clear fluids and broths. Ices can also help to ease a sore throat.


• Gargle Saltwater – If you can, gargle water mixed with salt to ease a sore throat. Mix about one teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water, gargle and spit out. Ensure you do not swallow it.


• Control Air Humidity – If the air around you is dry, then this can worsen the symptoms. Use a cool-air humidifier to humidify the dry air.


• Avoid Irritating Substances – Avoid irritants such as cleaning chemicals and smoke.


• Medication – Medication that can be bought over the counter, such as ibuprofen, can be used to ease the discomfort of tonsillitis.

You can also watch the video below to try some natural home remedies to ease the symptoms of tonsillitis.

2. Drugs
If the cause of tonsillitis is discovered to be bacterial, then your health care professional will prescribe a course of antibiotics to eliminate the bacterial infection for you. The most common treatment is penicillin taken orally. It is very important to take the medication as directed by your doctor. This means, continuing the treatment even if the symptoms dissipate.Failure to do so can cause the bacterial infection to come back again. It is also important not to take more than suggested at one time, as this could also lead to further complications.

3. Surgery
If other treatment methods have been deemed to be ineffective, then surgery is the final solution. Surgery will be suggested for those with chronic or bacterial tonsillitis that do not respond to antibacterial treatment. Surgery will also be suggested to those who have frequently occurring tonsillitis. If the symptoms of a patient's tonsillitis make their life unmanageable, then surgery will be suggested immediately. This includes if a patient is having trouble breathing or eating. The surgery, also known as a tonsillectomy, usually takes around an hour and generally requires no overnight stay at the hospital. The recovery time varies from five to ten days.

Tonsillitis in Children

Tonsillitis in Children



Tonsils are the small, pink golf ball like masses of tissues present on either side of the throat. The main function of them is basically to protect the lungs and intestines from the foreign invading germs. Unfortunately, these tonsils can be infected by pathogens, making them swollen and inflamed, which is termed as tonsillitis. Tonsillitis in children is usually more common than in adults. In this article, symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatments of tonsillitis in children will be discussed in detail.

Symptoms of Tonsillitis in Children
Generally, Sore Throat and pain with swallowing are observed in children with tonsillitis. As the child will have difficulty in swallowing, he will refuse to eat or drink due to pain in the throat. Normal breathing is also replaced by the snoring or mouth breathing with mouth odor. The worsened condition can also cause disturbances in sleep, sometimes resulting in bed-wetting (enuresis). The other common symptoms related to this disease are swollen glands in neck, decreased appetite fatigue, etc. The symptoms of tonsillitis can vary according to the cause of infection. If the infection is caused by an upper respiratory viral attack, then it starts gradually with Nasal Congestion. And if the infection is caused by the strep bacteria, it starts suddenly with high fever about 100.4⁰F.

Causes of Tonsillitis in Children
Tonsillitis is caused by two types of pathogens, either by viruses or by bacteria. Many of the viruses causing tonsillitis are the same as those causing Common colds or flu (Influenza). The "group A streptococcus bacteria" are also the causative agents for tonsillitis. These types of infections are contagious and can spread through coughing or Sneezing. It can be avoided by:

• Staying away from public places like place of work, school, etc.


• Sneezing or coughing into a tissue to avoid its spread


• Washing the hands with sanitizer or soap before eating, after coughing and sneezing, and after going to toilet

Diagnosis of Tonsillitis in Children
Normally tonsillitis in children is not a serious condition. You only need to take your children go for a treatment by GP if the symptoms:

• Last more than four days and signs of improvement are not shown


• Are severe, e.g., if your children are unable to swallow anything due to pain in throat with difficult breathing

Your GP will ask some questions about the symptoms, as well as examining the jaws and the neck to check the swelling in lymph nodes as well. Lymph nodes are also part of immune system of the body and can be infected like the tonsils. The symptoms observed in a strep bacterial infection include:

• High temperature


• Swollen Lymph Nodes


• White pus filled spots on the surface of the tonsils


• No cough

Once the causative agent is diagnosed as the strep bacteria, then the treatment can be preceded with the antibiotics. A tissue sample of the infected tonsil can be sent to the labs for further clarification in diagnosis and treatment.

Treatments for Tonsillitis in Children
Treatment of tonsillitis in children depends on the causative agent.

If tonsillitis is caused by a virus, then it is managed by waiting and watching, that means the body’s own immune system will fight off the infection. However, to ease the pain, swelling and fever, the doctor may prescribe acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). The aspirin as a pain killer should not be given to the child because of its linkage to Reye’s syndrome, which is a life-threatening condition.Above all, it’s always recommended to consult your GP before using any medication.

If the cause of tonsillitis is bacteria, then the doctor will probably prescribe an antibiotic course for 10 days. If the doctor recommends this, it’s the responsibility of the parents to complete the full course to prevent any complication. If it is not completed due to any reason, certain complications like Abscess or Rheumatic fever can take place.

For some kids who get tonsils often (five to seven times during a 12-month period), the doctor may recommend tonsillectomy to remove the infected tonsils. This tonsillectomy is usually done as an outpatient procedure unless the child is very young or the condition is very severe. If the tonsillectomy is successful and your child's condition is normal, he can go home on the same day. The normal recovery time is 14 days after the surgery.

Home Care to Make Your Children More Comfortable
Tonsillitis in childrenis common, and mostly the parents are worried about the care to make their children more comfortable. For this, as parents, you can just follow simple guidelines listed here:

• Let your child get the rest.


• Offer him cold drinks or ice pops to minimize the pain, or give him warm (not hot) and soothing tea or broth. Lemon and a little honey mixed in water can also be an effective tonic. But honey should not be given to very young children to avoid Botulism.


• Compress his neck by placing comfortably warm bottle on it.


• The throat irritation can be reduced by humidifying the air.


• Keep the cigarette smoke or pollutants of this type away from the child to avoid irritation of throat.


• If the child can gargle, then ask him to gargle with salty warm water.


• Give your child a throat lozenge to suck, in this way, saliva will be produced, which will bath and clean the throat.


• For the children of age more than 3 months, give acetaminophen only and for the age-group more than 6 month, correct dose of ibuprofen can be given, to lower the pain and fever. For the babies with age less than 3 months, every medication must be consulted by the GP.

Tonsillitis makes your children really uncomfortable, so you'd better prevent it from happening. Learn the preventions from the video below:

Medicine for Tonsillitis

Medicine for Tonsillitis

When your tonsils are inflamed and hurting, you might have tonsillitis. This means that the glands in your throat are inflamed, which result in a Sore Throat. Fortunately, most cases of tonsillitis go away without antibiotics or other medications; however, medicine for tonsillitis can make you feel much better by relieving the symptoms.

List of Medicine for Tonsillitis
Over-The-Counter Painkillers to Control Fever
There are numerous medications that work to combat the discomfort of tonsillitis. Though there is no dedicated medicine for tonsillitis, taking over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol)can help.Before reaching for the bottle, remember these rules:

• Only those who are older than 1 month can take acetaminophen.


• Only those who are 3 months or older can take ibuprofen.


• Aspirin should only be taken by those 12 years of age or older. Those who have a fever and are under the age of 16 should never take aspirin, as it has been associated with a serious complication known as Reye’s syndrome.


• Dosages of ibuprofen and acetaminophen should be based on your child’s weight. Look at the package for directions, or speak to your pediatrician about the proper dosage.


• Take dosages at regular intervals for the best relief. For example, you could take ibuprofen every 6 hours to keep an even amount of medication in your body.


• Ibuprofen has been shown to work better in adults than acetaminophen; however, this depends on the person. Acetaminophen tends to work better for children, especially those who are running a fever.

Antibiotics
Medicine for tonsillitis might sometimes include antibiotics. This might be offered if you are suffering from a bacterial infection, rather than a viral one. In most cases, however, antibiotics are not recommended. That’s because they won’t speed up recovery but might give you unpleasant side effects, and taking them too often might lead to antibiotic resistance.

However, if you are dealing with very severe symptoms that have been going on for some time, or you have a weakened immune system, you might be prescribed a 10-day course of penicillin. If so, remember that it is important to continue to take all of the medications regardless of how you feel after a few days. Not taking a full course of medicine for tonsillitis as directed could result in a “rebound” of the infection or spreading of the infection to other parts of your body. Particularly, failure to complete the full course of antibiotics could also expose you to increased risk of Rheumatic fever and inflammation of the kidney.

Penicillin is the most common prescription medicine for tonsillitis. However, those who are allergic to penicillin will find several alternatives, such as erythromycin. Those who are suffering from serious tonsillitis caused by a bacterial infection might be hospitalized if the condition worsens or symptoms don’t resolve. In such cases, the antibiotics will be administered intravenously.

Possible side effects of antibiotics include Diarrhea, rash and stomach discomfort.

Self-Help Remedies for Tonsillitis
Medicine for tonsillitis can help, but so can home remedies. Try these options to make you feel better during this time of a serious sore throat.

• Get plenty of rest.


• Keep the room moist by running a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier.


• Gargle with warm salt water, or drink warm fluids. If cold liquids make you feel better, you can have those instead.


• Recommended foods include those that are easy on the throat, such as ice-ream or applesauce.


• Stay away from cigarette smoke or the irritating fumes of cleaning products.


• Have cough drops or lozenges that contain menthol or benzocaine.

In addition, there are also a number of alternative remedies you can try:

• Look into serrapeptase and papain, which are both enzymes that treat inflammation.


• Lozenges that contain slippery elm can help ease the pain.


• Fever and sore throat might be relieved by andrographis.

Remember that many of these remedies are not appropriate for children and should only be used by adults. Speak with your doctor before starting any medicine for tonsillitis, even home remedies.

When Should I Consider Surgery?
Your tonsils actually do a good deed – they are part of the immune system, and they play a part in keeping you healthy. However, tonsils that are repeatedly inflamed might need to be surgically removed. This might happen if:

• Tonsillitis is happening often: at least 7 times in the span of a year; more than 5 times each year in the proceeding 2 year; or more than 3 times each year in the proceeding 3 years. The increased frequency is a red flag.


• Tonsillitis is affecting your normal day-to-day life and you are missing a great deal of work or school to deal with it.

Having the surgery is typically an easy operation. However, it does carry some risks. Always try medicine for tonsillitis first, and discuss with your doctor to work out the best treatment plan suitable for you.

Tonsillitis Without Tonsils

Tonsillitis Without Tonsils

Tonsils, located at the back of your throat, are two masses of tissues that act as filters for trapping germs. They prevent germs from entering the airways and causing infection. They also produce antibodies to fight infections. Sometimes, however, the tonsils can get infected when they get overwhelmed by viruses or bacteria. When this happens, they become inflamed and swollen, leading to a condition called tonsillitis. Many people have had their tonsils removed and often wonder whether they can get tonsillitis without tonsils.

Can You Get Tonsillitis Without Tonsils?
There are people who get their tonsils removed after a serious infection. They often wonder if they can still get tonsillitis. The simple answer is NO! If you do not have tonsils, it is not possible to contract tonsillitis. Nevertheless, you will experience the tonsillitis symptoms as the infection affects the area where the actual tonsils should be.

If It's Not Tonsillitis, What Cause the Typical Tonsillitis Symptoms?
Symptoms of tonsillitis without tonsils include coughing, ear pain, Headache, bad breath and loss of appetite, etc. with Sore Throat as its typical symptom. It is worth noting that sore throat could also be an indication of other conditions apart from tonsillitis without tonsils. The following are some of them.

1. Viral Infection
Sore throat can be caused by viral infections such as flu, Common cold, Mononucleosis, Chickenpox, Croup and Measles. See a doctor to determine the cause and begin treatment accordingly.

2. Bacterial Infection
Other than tonsillitis without tonsils, sore throat can also be caused by bacteria. These bacterial infections include Strep Throat, Whooping Cough and Diphtheria.

• Strep throat – it is caused by streptococcus pyogenes, a bacterium. It is also referred to as group A streptococcus.


• Whooping cough – this is a highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract.


• Diphtheria – this is a respiratory infection which is very rare. It is, however, prevalent in some developing countries.

They can be treated with antibiotics with the direction of your doctor.

3. Allergies
If you are allergic to pet dander, dust, molds and pollen, you can develop sore throat. It can become worse by postnatal drip which can inflame and irritate the throat. Take measures to prevent exposure to substances you might be allergic to.

4. Irritants
Irritants in the air and other chemicals can cause throat irritation. This includes tobacco smoke, chemicals, alcoholic beverages and spicy foods. Avoid any irritants that you react to prevent recurrence of the sore throat.

5. Dryness
During winter, when buildings are heated, your throat can feel a bit scratchy and rough, especially early in the morning when you wake up. Dryness can also be caused by breathing through your mouth. This should disappear after you wake up and have a drink.

6. Muscle Strain
Like all other muscles, you can strain the muscles in your throat. This can happen when you yell or talk for a long time in a noisy place where you have to raise your voice. This can cause sore throat and hoarseness.

7. GERD
This is a disorder of the digestive system where stomach acid and other stomach content back up in the food pipe. Other symptoms except for sore throat include hoarseness, Heartburn, regurgitation and a lump in your throat.

8. HIV Infection
Sore throat is among the very first symptoms of HIV. The infection keeps recurring due to secondary infections such as oral Thrush and a serious viral infection known as cytomegalovirus infection. You should begin to treat HIV to boost your immunity in order to avoid opportunistic infections that cause sore throat.

9. Tumors
Cancerous tumors in the throat, voice box or tongue can also cause sore throat. Other signs and symptoms include difficulty swallowing, lump in the neck, phlegm, blood in saliva and noisy breathing.

When Should You See a Doctor?
If the sore throat does not go away after taking the first drink in the morning, it is time to see a doctor. This is especially so if it happens to a child. If your child exhibits the following signs, get immediate help:

• Difficulty swallowing


• Difficulty breathing


• Unusual drooling which could be an indicator of difficulty swallowing

Recurrent Tonsillitis

Recurrent Tonsillitis

The soft tissues at the back of your throat, which are commonly known as your tonsils, are an important component of your immune system. These lymphoid tissues can be easily get inflamed (a condition called tonsillitis) and cause symptoms like Sore Throat and fever. Although this is quite common, especially in children, recurrent tonsillitis can be a problem that affects your lifestyle. Learn more about what happens when you have on and off tonsillitis.

Recurrent Tonsillitis in Adults and Children


Tonsillitis is a common condition that often affects children, and occasionally some adults. It usually goes away with minimal treatment and is not a serious disease. However, in some people, inflammation of the glands occurs more often than usual. Some children get multiple attacks in a year, which can be considered as recurrent tonsillitis by doctors. Adults are more likely to havechronic tonsillitis.

Recurrent tonsillitis in children is often caused by streptococcus pyogenes (Strep Throat); while other forms of bacteria are more likely to be involved in adults' recurrent tonsillitis. For children, recurrent tonsillitis can also have a negative effect on their development.

Such an infection may initially improve with antibiotic treatment, but some people get frequent infections throughout the year. Reasons for recurrence of infection include a weakened immune system, resistant bacteria, or having a family who is a strep carrier.

How to Know If You Have Recurrent Tonsillitis
You are likely to be diagnosed as having recurrent tonsillitis if you experience one or more of the following conditions:

• At least 7 episodes of tonsillitis in the preceding year


• At least 5 episodes per year in the last 2 years


• At least 3 episodes per year in the last 3 years

When to Seek Medical Help
There are certain conditions you need to call your doctor right away. These include:

• Having fever, cannot eat/drink due to pain, and in a very weak or tired status


• Voice changes, or cannot speak properly; Has trouble opening mouth


• Having increased pain or swelling in the jaw


• Stiff Neck, a rash and a Swollen Tongue


• Having not urinated for 12 hours


• Paused breathing while sleeping


• Symptoms don't get better, or get worse

When Should Tonsillectomy Be Performed?
Some doctors recommend surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) in patients who have recurrent tonsillitis in spite of adequate medical treatment. A tonsillectomy may be recommended if you or your child has:

• Recurrent tonsillitis with high temperature, pain and discomfort


• Chronic tonsillitis not responsive to antibiotics


• Breathing difficulties associated with enlarged tonsils


• Frequent Ear infections


• Peritonsillar Abscesses (quinsy)


• Difficulty in swallowing, resulting in poor growth

Other Preferable Treatments for Kids with Recurrent Tonsillitis
Aside from tonsillectomy, other options for treatment of recurrent tonsillitis include:

• Acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain. This is available over the counter. Follow directions for proper use.


• NSAIDS like ibuprofen to decrease fever, swelling, and pain. They are also available without a doctor's prescription, but be sure to read the label and follow directions.


• Antibiotics can be used to control bacterial infection. This is usually prescribed by a doctor. They should be applied under your doctor's directions, and you should always finish the treatment course.

Home Care Options for Your Child

• Rest and diet tips: Ensure enough rest for your children. And encourage him to eat and drink more by offering cold liquids, ice cream, and soft foods. Avoid Dehydration by increasing fluid intake.


• Salt water solution: Teach your child to gargle warm salt water solution. Mix one teaspoon of salt in 8 oz. warm water. Use this frequently to relieve throat pain and discomfort.


• Avoid spreading: Prevent spreading germs by washing your child's hands and your hands often. Avoid sharing food or drinks. Allow your child to return to school when his fever has gone for 24 hours and he feels better.

How to Prevent Recurrent Tonsillitis
Prevention is always better than fighting against the illness after it occurs. As mentioned above, you can practice good hygiene and gargle with saltwater to prevent recurrent tonsillitis. In addition, you can reduce your likelihood of acquiring recurrent infections by doing the following:

1. Purify and Humidify the Air
Avoid smoking or exposure to cigarette smoke and other airborne irritants, including strong chemicals and vapors. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home. This will help decrease throat irritation and dryness.

2. Get Plenty of Rest and Fluids
It is important for you or your child to get plenty of rest to avoid recurrent tonsillitis. Avoid using your voice often while your sore throat heals. Drink more fluids, especially when it is difficult to tolerate solid foods. Good nutrition is important for recovery from infection because it helps maintain your immune system function.

3. Avoid Sharing Food and Drinks
Germs can spread through saliva, so it is important not to share food, drinks, or utensils. Getting germs from the air is often unavoidable, but getting them from things like shared glasses or utensils can be easily avoided. Try not to spread infection by using common things, even with your child.

Is Tonsillitis Contagious?

Is Tonsillitis Contagious?

There are two lymph nodes, tonsils, precisely located on the back of your throat, one on each side. Tonsils are a part of your immune system and helps prevent infections by keeping germs out of your system. Sometimes, your tonsils become infected and you develop a condition called tonsillitis. The condition can affect people of all ages, but it is usually more common in children. The most common symptoms of tonsillitis are fever, Swollen Tonsils, and a Sore Throat.

Is Tonsillitis Contagious?

No, the condition itself is not contagious, but the infections causing tonsillitis may well be. You may develop tonsillitis due to a viral infection, such as the Common cold. A bacterial infection such as Strep Throat can also cause tonsillitis. When the condition develops due to viruses, it is possible for others to contract that infection by being exposed to an infected person.

Is tonsillitis contagious? The answer lies in the type of infection you have. When it is due to a viral infection, it stays contagious for about 7-10 days. You are contagious for the first few days even when strep bacteria cause your tonsillitis. The good thing is that antibiotics help shorten the contagious period.

How does It Spread?
Droplets of pathogens are released into air when an infected person coughs, breathes, or sneezes. Others can become infected when they inhale those droplets. It is also possible to become infected if pathogens get on your skin or you touch an infected surface and then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes with the same hand. You experience symptoms of tonsillitis in about 2-5 days after exposure.

Symptoms You Will Have If Infected
Many different symptoms may occur once you become infected and develop tonsillitis. The most common symptoms are a scratchy-sounding voice, a very sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, chills, earaches, and bad breath. Some people also experience Headaches, stomachaches, and a Stiff Neck. Neck and jaw tenderness with tonsils that appear swollen and red are other common symptoms of tonsillitis.

Very young children may also have the same symptoms but they may also have poor appetite with excessive drooling and increased irritability. You should take your child to your doctor immediately if you notice any breathing problems. Swollen tonsils can obstruct the airways and may cause serious problems.

How to Prevent Spreading or Getting Tonsillitis
As you already know the answer to your question, "Is tonsillitis contagious?" you may be wondering what you can do to avoid getting infected or stop spreading it if you have already developed it. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before eating and after using the toilet and encourage your child to do the same.


• Do not share drinking glasses, food, water bottles and other utensils with others.


• Replace your toothbrush after you have been diagnosed with tonsillitis.


• Stay at home for the first few days to avoid spreading the infection.


• Ask your doctor for how long you need to avoid social gatherings – ask them when your child can resume school.


• Always sneeze or cough into a tissue and teach your child to do the same.

Keep the following points in mind to avoid getting infected:

• Do not shake hands or maintain any close contact with someone suffering from tonsillitis.


• Do not maintain prolonged contact with someone having tonsillitis caused by bacteria.


• Do not share your toothbrush or other personal items with someone suffering from tonsillitis.


• Always disinfect the surface that an infected person may have come in contact with.

What Can Be Done If You Are Infected?
You do not usually require any treatment for a mild case of tonsillitis. As you already know the answer to, "Is tonsillitis contagious?" you may want to talk to your doctor and seek treatment to avoid infecting others. Your doctor will consider the type of tonsillitis you have and may select the following treatment options:

• They will prescribe antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection. Be sure to complete your course of antibiotics even when you feel better after a few days of use.


• They may recommend surgery and remove your tonsils through a procedure called tonsillectomy. Your doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy only when you experience repeated tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis






A tonsil is a pair of tiny organs found at the back of your throat. They are soft tissues located one on each side of the throat. For some reasons, tonsils get inflamed causing difficulty in eating and drinking. Such conditions of inflammation of tonsils are known as tonsillitis and often they are caused by bacterial infection. During inflammation the tonsils become red and swollen causing discomfort and pain. Tonsillitis can be managed by oral antibiotics and if they recur constantly it can be removed by surgery.

Symptoms :

Although tonsillitis can develop on any person it is commonly observed in young children and teenage groups. Some of the common signs of tonsillitis are Sore Throat, inflammation of tonsils, difficulty in swallowing, enlargement of lymph nodes (due to swelling), fever, scratchy voice and in rare cases stiffness in neck. Young children who cannot explain the above symptoms would refuse to eat or drink and would be fussy and drooling, due to painful throat.

Causes :

Bacteria and virus are known to cause tonsillitis. It is the Streptococcus pyogenes bacterium that is involved in causing Strep Throat and infection of tonsils. Tonsils, being part of immune system are affected first when foreign elements like bacteria or virus enter the body through mouth. Tonsils, being the first tiny organ located just in front of the esophagus are vulnerable to infection. Young children and teenage adolescents are more likely to develop tonsils infection than others.

Tonsillitis, if occurring frequently can cause complications like difficulty in breathing and infection of other organs. In rare cases if the infection is not treated tonsillitis can lead to rheumatic fever affecting internal organs like heart and its tissues. In extreme cases pus can develop on the tissues next to tonsil and this condition is called quinsy or peritonsillar Abscess. It can cause intense pain and discomfort and has to be treated with antibiotics or removed through surgery.

Diagnosis :

Your doctor will examine the child’s throat using a special lighted instrument. He would also check the condition of nose and ears to determine if the infection has spread there also. He would check the lymph nodes on the neck for inflammation. Throat swab sample is taken from the infected throat and tested in the lab for the presence of bacteria. In addition he may request for complete blood profile to confirm the presence of strep throat infection.

Treatment :

For mild form of tonsillitis the child should be given plenty of rest and given plenty of fluids to drink. Drinks that can comfort the sore throat like warm tea/coffee or cold ice pops can be given. The child should be encouraged to gargle saltwater which is highly effective in clearing mild viral infection. If the child is above 4 years he/she can be given lozenges to get relief from sore throat. Over the counter drugs like paracetomol or ibuprofen can be given to treat fever. Never give aspirin to your children.

In the condition does not improve within few days you need to consult the doctor. Antibiotics are given for treating bacterial infection of tonsillitis. Penicillin is an effective antibiotic for treating tonsillitis of Strep bacteria. Follow the instructions of your doctor in completing the course of antibiotics. Discontinuing the medication can make the child prone to get infected again but this time more severe.

Surgery is done for tonsillitis if it does not respond to medication and if occurs frequently. The child should have got at least 5 episodes of tonsillitis in a year or he is having trouble in breathing or sleeping due to chronic tonsils infection. Tonsillectomy is the procedure of removing tonsils through surgery. It is a very simple surgery and often the child can get back home within a day.

Images, Pics, Photos and Pictures of Tonsillitis :

Prevention :

The child should be instructed to wash the hands using soap water before eating anything. He should avoid sharing food or drinks with other children. Since most of the viral or bacterial infection is contagious avoid sending him to school. The child should be taught to cough or sneeze using tissue paper.