Tonsil Infection

It starts with a bit of a twinge in the back of your throat. Then it starts feeling a little scratchy. The next thing you know, your tonsils are the size of golf balls and swallowing a spoonful of soup seems all but impossible. Tonsil infections, also called tonsillitis, are very common in childhood, but can plague adults as well. They are usually a result of a viral or bacterial infection.

Causes

• Your tonsils are part of your lymphatic system, so they work to protect your body from viruses and bacteria. When germs are inhaled and enter your body, they often come in contact with your tonsils, which try to stop them in their tracks. The tonsils will filter any wayward germs and attack them with white blood cells. Sometimes, the bacteria or virus can cause an infection in the tonsils that makes them painful and swollen.

Risk Factors

• Children are generally at a higher risk for contracting tonsillitis simply because they are exposed to lots of germs all the time. This comes from being in contact with many other kids in school and daycare settings. Adults are at risk in the same way. They can catch viruses and come in contact with bacteria at work or anywhere else.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of tonsillitis are usually pretty easy to identify. All you have to do is look in the back of your throat and you can see if they are red and swollen. Other symptoms include painful swallowing, fever, chills, headache, swollen glands and loss of voice. A common bacterial infection of the tonsils, strep throat, can produce white patches on the tonsils.

Diagnosis

• Your doctor will be able to diagnose tonsillitis. First they will examine the throat and check for signs of redness, swelling and pus. Usually a simple throat swab is needed to test for bacteria. In rare cases, the doctor may opt to conduct a blood test to check for infection.

Treatment

• The treatment method for tonsillitis depends on whether it is viral or bacterial. Typically, tonsillitis is caused by a virus, such as a cold. In this case, the virus just has to run its course and an antibiotic would be ineffective. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain killers and drinking warm and soothing liquids. Gargling with warm salt water can also be very effective. A bacterial infection, such as strep throat, can usually be treated with an antibiotic.

Prevention

• The only way to help prevent tonsillitis is to try to avoid getting sick by practicing good hygiene. The best way to do this is to frequently wash hands and not share personal items like toothbrushes, makeup and food. Some people who get tonsillitis frequently may benefit by having the tonsils surgically removed. As with most surgeries, tonsillectomies are usually used as a last resort but can be a good treatment for some.