Tonsil Problems

Tonsillitis will most likely affect you at some point in your life. It is important to understand the differences between viral and bacterial cases, as well as is when it is important to see your physician to find the cause. Many people have had tonsillectomies with great relief, however, there are cases noted where the tonsils have actually grown back, which may mean that the tonsil problems recur.

Functions

• The tonsils are a collection of tissue similar to that of your body's lymph nodes. The tonsils are thought to produce antibodies that fight off bacteria and allergens before they enter the body. However, there is some debate regarding the long-term function of the tonsils. Some researchers argue that the tonsils only work for the first year of life and then become obsolete and are therefore dispensable.

Types

• There are many different types of common tonsil problems. Ailments of the tonsils are categorized into acute and chronic classifications. Acute tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils caused by many different types of viruses and bacteria. Chronic tonsillitis is a recurring infection that is often difficult to cure. Both types typically present in the same manner; onset of a sore throat, in some cases severe, possible fever, bad breath, and even a rash. There are two types of severe tonsillitis, Strep throat caused by the streptococcus bacteria, and acute mononucleosis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Both are severe infections that can cause other ailments. It is important for those individuals with any type of heart disease to be particularly aware of the danger of strep throat. The virus that causes strep throat can actually make its way to the heart and infect the membrane covering of the heart muscle.

Life Threatening

• There are two potentially life-threatening tonsil problems. The first is Peritonsillar Abscess. This abscess is a collection of puss behind the tonsil that pushes the tonsils toward uvula. This can be extremely painful and often makes opening the mouth difficult. If left untreated the infection can spread down the throat and neck causing serious harm as well as obstructing the airway. The second is Hypertrophic Tonsils, which can contribute to snoring as well as sleep apnea.

Remedies

• Acute cases of tonsillitis, if bacterial, are treated with a course of antibiotics. However, antibiotics are useless in viral cases. In bacterial cases it is important to take all of the antibiotics as prescribed by your physician. If the course is not complete, it is possible for the infection to come back worse than before. The rule of thumb with viral tonsillitis is to treat the symptoms. This means warm salt water gargles, warm soothing liquids to drink, such as tea, or even an over-the-counter throat spray to numb the tonsils and decrease pain. A peritonsillar abscess can be drained by your physician either by aspiration of the pussy fluid with a syringe, cutting open the abscess with a scalpel, or in recurring and particularly bothersome cases, a tonsillectomy.

Treatments

• For chronic cases of tonsillitis, a tonsillectomy or removal of the tonsils via surgery may be necessary. Chronic episodes are medically defined as six or seven episodes in one year. Tonsillectomies are seriously considered for those patients with recurring infections who are at an increased risk of serious complications, such as heart patients previously mentioned. If you are experiencing recurring throat pain see your physician to determine the best method of dealing with tonsil problems.