Causes and risk factors
Tonsillitis is essentially an infection caused by bacteria or viruses. The causative organisms are streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci and viruses such as adenovirus, rhinovirus etc.
Following are the risk factors for the onset of tonsillitis:
- Pre-existing respiratory tract infection
- Ingestion of extremely cold food or drink
- Presence of a foreign body in the tonsillar area
Clinical presentation
Irritation or rawness is felt in the throat as an initial symptom. Throat pain is aggravated on swallowing. There may be a change in the voice of the patient.
The patient develops fever, headache and weakness. He refuses to eat on account of pain. Foul breath from the mouth (halitosis) may be present. The jugulodigastric lymph nodes may be enlarged.
Untreated acute tonsillitis can give rise to complications like quinsy, chronic tonsillitis, acute otitis media, laryngeal oedema, pharyngeal abscess and sleep apnea resulting from obstruction by the enlarged tonsils.
Diagnosis & Investigations
On physical examination of the throat, your doctor may find that the tonsils are red and enlarged. The movement of the palate is restricted and there is excessive secretion of saliva. Tonsillitis must be differentiated from diphtheria, Vincent’s angina and scarlet fever.
You may be asked to undergo a complete blood count and a throat swab to detect the causative organism.
Treatment
The patient is advised to rest and have plenty of fluids. Warm saline gargles are advised several times a day for relief. Lozenges may be sucked to help soothe the throat
Antibiotics are prescribed to fight the infection if it is severe. Pain relieving drugs are given.
Tonsillectomy: Surgical removal of the tonsils is advised in some patients who suffer from recurrent or persistent tonsillitis.
