Introduction:
The inflammation that results from the infection of the tonsils is called tonsillitis. It is a common childhood infection. The usual symptoms are fever, throat pain, and enlarged tonsils. The bacteria and viruses causing tonsillitis are very contagious, so frequent handwashing can help prevent the spread of this infection. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets are released into the air, which can spread tonsillitis.
What are Tonsils?
Tonsils are two oval and pea-sized collections of lymph cells at either side of the opening of the throat. They appear larger in children and tend to shrink in size as the person grows older. They prevent foreign objects from entering the lungs and filter out bacteria and viruses.
According to recent research, they also help the immune system by producing white blood cells and antibodies. Previously, they were thought to be of no use, but now it is believed to be the first line of defense of the immune system.
How Do Tonsils Get Inflamed?
Viral infection is the primary cause of tonsillitis in younger children. The most common bacteria causing tonsillitis is Streptococcal bacteria, which causes strep throat, which is usually seen in kids between five and 15 years of age. Tonsils are vulnerable to the bacteria and viruses that they prevent from entering the body. Tonsillitis is rarely seen in adults because the role it plays in immunity declines after puberty.
Tonsillitis is also caused by the Influenza virus, which causes cold and flu, and also the Ebstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis. The other viruses include adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, enterovirus, and herpes simplex virus. Exposure to any of these microorganisms through personal contact causes inflammation of the tonsils.
What are the Types of Tonsillitis?
The three types of tonsillitis are:
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Acute - It is a severe form of tonsillitis that lasts from three to four days to two weeks.
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Recurrent - More than two to three episodes of acute tonsillitis a year.
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Chronic - Here, the symptoms like sore throat and bad breath last for a longer time than acute tonsillitis.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Tonsillitis?
The first signs and symptoms that are seen in tonsillitis are:
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Sore throat.
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Fever.
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Pain on swallowing.
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Difficulty swallowing.
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Red and swollen tonsils.
Other signs include:
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Bad breath.
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Hoarse voice.
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Chills.
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Scratchy throat.
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Ear pain.
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Stomach pain.
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Headaches.
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Stiff neck.
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Tiredness.
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Swollen lymph nodes cause jaw and neck pain.
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Furry tongue.
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Loss of appetite.
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Difficulty opening the mouth.
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White or yellow spots on tonsils.
Toddlers with tonsillitis become fussy, refuse to eat, and drool due to pain and difficulty swallowing.
Risk Factors:
Risk factors of tonsillitis include:
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Age: Children between the ages of five to 15 years can get the infection due to frequent exposure to the germs.
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Mouth breathing.
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Streptococcus infection.
When to Take the Child to the Doctor?
Seek immediate medical attention in the following situations:
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When the swelling of the tonsils causes difficulty in breathing.
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Fever more than 103℉.
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Neck stiffness.
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Muscle weakness.
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If the soreness in the throat is not better after two days.
How Is Tonsillitis Diagnosed?
If the child exhibits the above signs and symptoms, then they should be sent to the physician. The doctor will ask about the child's symptoms and other medical histories. Then the doctor will examine the child’s throat to look for swelling redness or white spots on the tonsils, and he or she will also look at the nose and the ear.
The doctor might look for other signs like skin rashes, which are associated with strep throat. If needed, the doctor will order a throat swab and complete blood count (CBC).
Tonsillitis Treatment:
If bacteria cause tonsillitis, then the doctor will prescribe antibiotics and other home remedies that will make the child comfortable and help in a fast recovery. If it is caused by a virus, then the child will feel better within ten days with the help of home remedies and other palliative care.
Tonsillitis Home Remedies:
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Get plenty of rest.
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Prevent dehydration by drinking a lot of fluids and water.
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Drinking warm soup or tea will help soothe a sore throat.
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Gargle with warm saline water three to four times daily.
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Use throat lozenges.
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A cool-air humidifier can help eliminate dry air, which might aggravate a sore throat.
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Avoid smoking.
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The doctor might prescribe painkillers like Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen to control fever and relieve pain.
Antibiotics:
In case of a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Usually, for strep throat, Penicillin is given for 10 days. If allergic to Penicillin, then the doctor will prescribe some alternative antibiotic. The course of antibiotics should be completed, as a failure to do so might cause the infection to spread which might affect the kidneys and cause other complications.
Tonsillectomy Surgery:
Tonsillectomy is the surgery done to remove tonsils. It is indicated for recurring, chronic, and bacterial tonsillitis that does not respond to antibiotics. Surgery is also done if tonsillitis results in other complications like obstructive sleep apnea, difficulty breathing and swallowing, and peritonsillar abscess.
What Are the Complications of Tonsillitis?
The complications due to swelling and infection of the tonsils and strep throat are:
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Obstructive sleep apnea.
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Tonsillar cellulitis.
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Peritonsillar abscess.
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Difficulty breathing.
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Rheumatic fever.
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Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis.
How to Prevent Tonsillitis and Other Infections?
Infections from contagious microorganisms can be prevented from spreading by following good hygiene. Some of the tips to prevent the spread of diseases are:
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Wash hands frequently and adequately.
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Stay away from someone who has a sore throat.
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Do not share utensils and food.
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Replace the child’s toothbrush if he or she has tonsillitis.
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If already infected, stay at home and rest.
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Cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Conclusion:
Tonsillitis is due to the infection and inflammation of the tonsils. The symptoms caused by tonsillitis should improve after a couple of days of taking medicines and rest. If it is difficult to breathe and the symptoms get worse, consult an otolaryngologist. Although bacterial infections can also result in tonsillitis, common viral illnesses constitute the majority of instances. It is essential to get an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible because the best course of treatment for tonsillitis relies on the underlying reason. Treatment for tonsillitis used to often involve surgery to remove the affected tissue. However, these days, it is typically saved for cases where the infection is severe, does not get better with medication, or has serious consequences.
