What Is Tonsillitis?
Understanding the Tonsils
The tonsils are two lymphatic tissues located on the left and right sides of the throat near the base of the tongue.
Their functions include:
๐ Trapping and destroying microorganisms that enter through the digestive and respiratory tracts
๐ Supporting the body’s immune response
However, the tonsils can also become a place where germs accumulate, leading to chronic sore throat, enlarged tonsils, or inflammation.
What Is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils. It can be classified as either acute or chronic.
The condition is commonly found in children younger than ten years old. Most cases are caused by viruses, followed by bacterial infections. One of the most common bacterial causes is Group A Streptococcus.
Tonsillitis in preschool children is often caused by viruses and can spread easily. In older children and adults, bacterial tonsillitis may be more common.
Causes of Tonsillitis
Exposure to Viruses or Bacteria
Tonsillitis may occur after contact with viruses or bacteria through respiratory droplets, contaminated hands, food, or drinks. This is a common cause among school-aged children.
Complications Associated with Other Infections
Certain untreated bacterial infections may lead to complications such as rheumatic fever or acute inflammation of the kidneys.
These conditions are not direct causes of tonsillitis but may develop after infections caused by bacteria such as Group A Streptococcus.
Insufficient Rest
Inadequate sleep and physical exhaustion may weaken the immune system, making the body less able to control viruses or bacteria and increasing the likelihood of infection.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Inadequate oral hygiene can allow bacteria to accumulate in the mouth.
These bacteria may travel with food, drinks, or saliva into the throat and become trapped in the tonsils. When the amount of bacteria becomes greater than the tonsils can manage, inflammation may develop.
Who Is More Likely to Develop Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis can affect people of all ages, but it is more common among children younger than 15 years old.
The immune function of the tonsils gradually becomes less active after approximately ten years of age, which is one reason the condition is more frequently seen in younger children.
Symptoms of Enlarged and Inflamed Tonsils
Common symptoms include:
๐ Sore throat
๐ Red and swollen tonsils
๐ Pain when swallowing
๐ White patches or pus on the tonsils
๐ High fever
๐ Difficulty swallowing food
๐ Bad breath
๐ Pain that spreads towards the ears
Young children who cannot yet describe their symptoms may experience:
๐ Excessive drooling
๐ Vomiting after eating
๐ Noisy breathing
๐ Snoring
๐ Refusal to eat because swallowing is painful
Inflammation of the larynx or bronchial tubes may also occur together with tonsillitis.
If the tonsils remain enlarged after the infection has resolved, they may obstruct the upper airway. This can lead to chronic snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea.
Treatment for Tonsillitis
1. Symptomatic and Medical Treatment
If tonsillitis is caused by a virus, treatment usually focuses on relieving symptoms.
Treatment may include:
๐ Fever-reducing medication
๐ Throat sprays
๐ Lozenges for sore throat
๐ Adequate rest
๐ Sufficient fluid intake
If the infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may be prescribed. Most patients improve within approximately 7-10 days.
Patients should take antibiotics exactly as prescribed and complete the full course, even when symptoms begin to improve.
2. Tonsillectomy
Surgery may be considered when tonsillitis becomes chronic, repeatedly returns, or causes complications.
During a tonsillectomy, the surgeon inserts instruments through the mouth and removes the tonsils. There is therefore no visible surgical wound on the outside of the neck.
When Is Tonsil Surgery Recommended?
A tonsillectomy may be considered in the following situations.
Chronic Tonsillitis
๐ Persistent sore throat
๐ Repeated pus on the tonsils
๐ Symptoms that do not improve after appropriate antibiotic treatment
๐ Tonsils that have become a chronic source of bacterial infection
Recurrent Tonsillitis Affecting Daily Life
Repeated tonsillitis may significantly affect quality of life, particularly when fever, sore throat, and illness frequently require the patient to miss school or work.
Complications from Infection
Surgery may be recommended after complications such as:
๐ A peritonsillar abscess
๐ A deep neck abscess
After the acute complication has been treated, removal of the tonsils may help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Airway Obstruction
Enlarged tonsils may narrow the airway and cause:
๐ Difficulty breathing
๐ Loud snoring
๐ Obstructive sleep apnoea
Suspected Tumour or Tonsil Cancer
Surgery may also be required when the doctor suspects cancer or another type of tumour involving the tonsils.
How to Prepare for Tonsil Surgery
Because tonsillectomy is performed under general anaesthesia, patients normally undergo preoperative examinations.
These may include:
๐ Complete blood count
๐ Electrolyte testing
๐ Blood sugar testing
๐ Liver and kidney function tests
๐ Chest X-ray
๐ Electrocardiogram
Patients must usually avoid food and drinks for at least six hours before surgery to reduce the risk of stomach contents entering the lungs during anaesthesia.
Care After Tonsil Surgery
During the first week after surgery, patients should follow these recommendations.
Food and Drink
๐ Eat soft foods with mild flavours.
๐ Avoid hard, sharp, spicy, or irritating foods that may damage the wound inside the throat.
๐ Drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration.
Oral and Throat Care
๐ Avoid forceful coughing or clearing the throat.
๐ Gently rinse the mouth with saline solution or an appropriate mouthwash after meals.
๐ Brush the teeth gently.
๐ Avoid inserting the toothbrush too deeply into the mouth.
Medication and Activity
๐ Complete all prescribed medication.
๐ Avoid strenuous exercise and activities that could cause bleeding.
๐ Follow the doctor’s instructions regarding pain medication and follow-up appointments.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Patients should seek medical care immediately if there is significant bleeding from the surgical wound or blood is repeatedly seen in the saliva.
Summary
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils caused mainly by viruses or bacteria. Symptoms may resemble a common cold, but some cases can become chronic, obstruct breathing, or cause serious complications.
Reference :
Independent Writer
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