About Tonsillitis

The tonsils are part of the lymphoid system and act as a filter for infections. There are two pads (tonsils) at the back of the throat. Tonsillitis occurs when the fleshy pads become infected. Bacteria and viruses cause infections that lead to tonsillitis.

Identification

• Symptoms of tonsillitis include swollen lymph nodes in the neck and jaw; red and swollen tonsils with white patches present; sore throat that causes difficulty swallowing; headache; fever; chills and laryngitis. In children, abdominal pain can be an indication of tonsillitis.

Types

• Viral and bacterial infections cause tonsillitis. If caused by a virus, tonsillitis usually only requires home care. When caused by a bacterial infection, tonsillitis is more serious and requires medical attention. You are more likely to have a bacterial form of tonsillitis if your symptoms came up suddenly, lymph nodes are painful and swollen and you have no nasal congestion.

Considerations

• Tonsillitis can be caused by serious infections. One viral cause of tonsillitis is the Epstein-Barr virus. This same virus causes mononucleosis. A serious bacterial infection that causes tonsillitis is Streptococci A. When this happens, tonsillitis becomes known as strep throat.

Warning

• Left untreated, tonsillitis can lead to serious health problems. If tonsillitis turns into strep throat and isn't treated properly a person can develop rheumatic fever. Swollen tonsils can block the airway causing breathing problems. Abscesses can also form around the tonsils. The abscess can sometimes involve the blood stream or spread into the chest and more of the neck. It is imperative that tonsillitis be taken care of to avoid complications.

Time Frame

• Take antibiotics as directed if prescribed. Do not stop medication early. This leaves infection present and you run the risk of relapse. Some antibiotics require a 10-day regime. Even if you feel better after a few days, take the rest of the medication.

Prevention/Solution

• As with the common cold or flu, tonsillitis is spread through contact with infected individuals. Wash your hands thoroughly and often, avoid sick people, and don't drink or eat after anyone else to prevent infection. If you do develop tonsillitis, take medication and practice home-care. Home care for tonsillitis includes gargling with warm salt water, take anti-inflammatory medications, eat soup and drink warm liquids, and rest. Most cases of tonsillitis take between one and two weeks to clear up. If you do not show improvement within this time, an abscess has formed that is resistant to treatment, or you have chronic tonsillitis, surgery may be called for. While tonsillectomies used to be done routinely, they are considered a last resort now.