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Tonsillitis Diagnosis

The lymph nodes found in the back of the mouth are called tonsils, which help block bacteria and other parasites from infecting the body. Sometimes the microorganisms it filters out causes it to become infected, a condition called tonsillitis. Although it commonly affects children, not diagnosing and treating it can lead to severe, sometimes fatal, complications such as kidney failure.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms caused by tonsillitis include ear pain, fever, chills, headache, a sore throat lasting more than 48 hours, jaw and throat tenderness, and difficulty swallowing. It may be accompanied by a loss of voice or a change in voice.

    Appearance

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, tonsils affected by tonsillitis will look red or swollen with white patches. The lymph nodes in the jaw and neck should look enlarged and tender.

    Tests

    • The physician looks at the appearance of the mouth and throat while considering the symptoms reported by the patient. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the physician also runs a rapid strep test. The rapid strep test uses a throat swab, which the physician rubs against the tonsils, to see if there is a virus present. This also helps determine if it is tonsillitis caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

    Treatment

    • After it is diagnosed, tonsillitis is treated at home by drinking warm liquids such as soup or tea. Gargling warm salt water in the mouth also helps. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen help reduce fever and pain associated with tonsillitis.

      If the tonsillitis is caused by a bacterial infection, it is treated with antibiotics, such as penicillin. All of the prescribed pills or injections must be used even after the person feels well--feeling better does not always mean the infection is gone.

      If medication or self care at home does not stop it, surgery is recommended.Called tonsillectomy, it completely removes the tonsils, stopping tonsillitis and any future outbreaks.

    Complications

    • Severe complications can develop from untreated tonsillitis, making it important to diagnose it early. Complications of tonsillitis include dehydration, bacterial or viral pharyngitis, strep throat, rheumatic fever, blocked airways, throat abscesses, and kidney failure.

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