What is Tonsillitis ? causes, symptoms, treatment of Tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis - causes, symptoms, treatment
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils caused by bacterial or viral infection. Typical symptoms are sore throat, swollen tonsils, difficulty swallowing, fever, and swollen glands in the neck. Treatment will differ depending on whether the cause is bacterial or viral. Surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be recommended in some cases.
Most New Zealand children will develop tonsillitis at least once.
Causes
The majority of tonsillitis cases are caused by viruses, with only 15 - 30% of cases caused by bacteria.
Many different types of virus can cause viral tonsillitis but the cold virus is the most common cause. The Epstein-Barr virus, which is responsible for glandular fever, the measles virus and cytomegalovirus can also cause tonsillitis. Most cases of bacterial tonsillitis are associated with a bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes, which is the most common cause of strep throat.
Tonsillitis is contagious if the cause is bacterial and may be contagious if the cause is viral, depending on whether a person has been previously exposed to that particular virus. Tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes is highly contagious and tonsillitis c
Many different types of virus can cause viral tonsillitis but the cold virus is the most common cause. The Epstein-Barr virus, which is responsible for glandular fever, the measles virus and cytomegalovirus can also cause tonsillitis. Most cases of bacterial tonsillitis are associated with a bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes, which is the most common cause of strep throat.
Tonsillitis is contagious if the cause is bacterial and may be contagious if the cause is viral, depending on whether a person has been previously exposed to that particular virus. Tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes is highly contagious and tonsillitis c
Signs and symptoms
A sore throat is often the first sign of a cold and may get better after a day or two; other cold symptoms such as a runny nose and congestion may follow the sore throat. The primary symptom of tonsillitis is a moderate to severe sore throat lasting longer than 2 days and involves inflammation of the tonsils. Other symptoms of tonsillitis may include:
- Difficult or painful swallowing
- Swollen and tender glands (lymph nodes) on the sides of the neck
- Bad breath
- Fever and chills
- Tiredness and headache
- Stomach upset or pain
- Enlarged and reddened tonsils with spots of white/yellow pus
- Mouth breathing, noisy breathing, and/or snoring (due to enlarged tonsils blocking the airways).
Symptoms of tonsillitis usually resolve after three to four days but may last up to two weeks, even with treatment.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on symptoms and physical examination of the throat. In addition to directly inspecting your throat and tonsils, your GP may take a throat swab if strep throat is suspected. The throat swab is sent to a laboratory for culture and identification of the bacteria causing the symptoms.
Your GP may suspect glandular fever, which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, in a teenager or younger child with tonsillitis, particularly if accompanied by the additional symptoms of severe lethargy and tiredness, swollen glands in the neck, armpits and/or groin, and an enlarged spleen.
Your GP may suspect glandular fever, which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, in a teenager or younger child with tonsillitis, particularly if accompanied by the additional symptoms of severe lethargy and tiredness, swollen glands in the neck, armpits and/or groin, and an enlarged spleen.
Treatment
Treatment of viral tonsillitis primarily involves rest, recovery and symptom relief. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids and have regular meals (soft foods and smoothies are best).
If bacterial infection is confirmed by throat culture, antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent complications, particularly rheumatic fever and kidney disease. It is important to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed to prevent the infection returning and to reduce the likelihood of developing rheumatic fever or kidney disease. Refer to our strep throth page for more information.
Antibiotics will not be prescribed for viral tonsillitis because antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Viral tonsillitis will usually get better without treatment. Pain relief and reduction of fever can be achieved with over-the-counter paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Gargling salt water (half teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water) may provide some symptom relief as may sucking on hard sweets or throat lozenges containing ingredients that are cooling, anaesthetic, anti-septic, or anti-inflammatory.
Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone or prednisone may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling, particularly when it is making swallowing and breathing difficult.
If bacterial infection is confirmed by throat culture, antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent complications, particularly rheumatic fever and kidney disease. It is important to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed to prevent the infection returning and to reduce the likelihood of developing rheumatic fever or kidney disease. Refer to our strep throth page for more information.
Antibiotics will not be prescribed for viral tonsillitis because antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Viral tonsillitis will usually get better without treatment. Pain relief and reduction of fever can be achieved with over-the-counter paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Gargling salt water (half teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water) may provide some symptom relief as may sucking on hard sweets or throat lozenges containing ingredients that are cooling, anaesthetic, anti-septic, or anti-inflammatory.
Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone or prednisone may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling, particularly when it is making swallowing and breathing difficult.
Surgery
Improved care and the availability of effective antibiotics means that surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) is less common today than it was previously. Tonsillectomy, however, may be recommended in people who have frequent episodes of tonsillitis, bacterial tonsillitis that does not respond to antibacterial medication or are allergic to antibiotics.
Surgery does carry some risks, including bleeding during and after the operation in some people. Throat pain and difficulty eating is usual in the first few days after the operation. Full recovery typically takes two to three weeks.
Peritonsillar abscesses can be drained using a needle and syringe or by making an incision with a scalpel. Tonsillectomy is an option in those with a history of peritonsillar abscess.
Surgery does carry some risks, including bleeding during and after the operation in some people. Throat pain and difficulty eating is usual in the first few days after the operation. Full recovery typically takes two to three weeks.
Peritonsillar abscesses can be drained using a needle and syringe or by making an incision with a scalpel. Tonsillectomy is an option in those with a history of peritonsillar abscess.
Prevention
Avoiding close contact with people who have tonsillitis is advisable to prevent passing on the infection. Children and other family members should be kept away from people with tonsillitis as much as possible. Hygiene measures should also be used to prevent spread of infection. These include:
- Regular and thorough washing and drying of hands
- Using a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes
- Frequent and through washing and drying of hands
- Not sharing foods, liquids, or eating utensils or drinking vessels
- Frequent cleaning of surfaces particularly in the kitchen and bathroom.
