Tonsillitis

What's the tonsillitis?

 Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils; these are two small glands situated at the back of the throat.
Specifically, if your tonsils get infected, you experience an illness called tonsillitis. The two small round shaped masses of soft fleshy tissue at the back of your throat, one on each side are known as tonsils. If you part your lips and protrude your tongue, one can observe the tonsils via a mirror. Being part of your body’s immune system, tonsils help to prevent pathogenic microorganisms from penetrating your body. They become swollen and pains when infected, and even swallowing becomes painful if the tonsils are infected. While scientifically, tonsillitis is referred to as tonsillopharyngitis, people often call it a sore throat because that is what it is – the throat that aches. Everyone can be susceptible to tonsillitis; however, children and adolescents are the most affected. It usually does not occur in children below the age of three years. Tonsillitis affects most people.

Symptoms of tonsillitis

Signs and symptoms of tonsillitis may differ if the infection is viral or bacterial and the general health status of an individual. undefined
Sore throat: Another sign of tonsillitis that affects a large number of people is difficulty in swallowing and a sore throat when swallowing.

Difficulty swallowing: Tonsils that are painful and big may cause a lot of struggle in swallowing food and drinks.
Fever and chills: This is because tonsillitis can lead to fever and other symptoms such as chills and body aches.
Swollen lymph nodes: This kind of infection may make the lymph nodes in the neck to swell and become tender.
Red and swollen tonsils: The lymphoid tissue may be red, enlarged and inflamed and may contain white or yellow pustules on the surface.

Bad breath: Tonsillitis causes bad breath because the throat acts as a reservoir, and bacteria and other debris build up in the throat.

Hoarse voice: Pharynx irritation and swelling of the vocal cords causes a hoarse or raspy voice.

Headache: There are cases where individuals with tonsillitis may have one or more of these additional symptoms such as headaches or general malaise.

Ear pain: Because the tonsils are located at the throat area, tonsillitis can at times lead to referred pain to the ears causing ear discomfort or pain.

In this, one has to be aware that not all the people who are affected by tonsillitis will be presenting all these signs and symptoms, and the severity of the tonsillitis signs and symptoms can be different from one person to the other. If you or your child has signs that suggest you could have tonsillitis, you ought to seek medical advice from a qualified doctor for a proper diagnosis of the condition and the correct course of action to be taken.

Tonsillitis causes

It is mostly due to a viral or bacterial infection of the tonsils which is two oval shaped pads of tissues situated in the back of the throat. The most common causes of tonsillitis include:The most common causes of tonsillitis include:

1. Viral infections: Some examples of viruses that cause viral tonsillitis include rhinovirus, which is implicated in common cold, influenza virus, adenoviruses, and Epstein-Barr virus, which is responsible for the development of infectious mononucleosis.

2. Bacterial infections: A lot of bacterial infections that lead to tonsillitis are caused by Streptococcus pyogenes that is majorly known as group A streptococcus. This kind of bacterial infection is commonly known as strep throat and this particular infection will need particular antibiotics for its treatment.

3. Other bacteria: Other bacteria including group A Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus and Moraxella catarrhalis can also cause bacterial tonsillitis.

4. Fungal infections: On occasion, a common fungus like candidiasis or oral thrush may even be responsible for tonsillitis, particularly when the immune system has been compromised.

5. Allergies: The following conditions common causes of inflammation in the tonsils; Allergies such as pollen allergies, dust, pet dander among other allergens, may cause inflammation to the tonsils making symptoms look like those of tonsillitis.

6. Environmental factors: Environmental stimuli like cigarette smoke, pollution, and dry air and even factors such as poor nutrition, allergy, or heredity can also lead to inflammation of the tonsils.

7. Chronic tonsillitis: Some people may develop tonsillitis, which is constantly occurring or regularly repeating, referred to as chronic tonsillitis, which may be due to recurrent infections or other causes.

How is tonsillitis transmitted?

The causes of tonsillitis are bacteria and viruses and these are very contagious.

when using shared utensils such as plates or cups, eating from the same plate or share food and drinks, or engaging in kissing.

having physical contact with or near an ill individual.

such as touching the mouth or the nose with the same hand after touching a dirty object.

by taking in tiny droplets that circulate in the air when a diseased individual is either coughing or sneezing.

Complications of tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is a fairly frequent problem that goes away after the child has been properly treated and rested. Nonetheless, undesirable side effects may manifest at times, especially when the infection is not treated or has progressed.

1. Peritonsillar abscess: This is pus that forms at the side of a tonsil due to untreated or poorly treated tonsillitis. It may lead to severe pain in the ear, problems with swallowing, and swelling of the throat.

2. Chronic or recurrent tonsillitis: Others may suffer from recurrent instances of tonsillitis, resulting in constant inflammation of the tonsils. In such instances, the tonsils may require removal through the process known as tonsillectomy to minimize future infections.

3. Rheumatic fever: Given untreated, streptococcal tonsillitis caused by group A streptococcus can result into rheumatic fever, a condition characterized by inflammation of the heart, joints, skin and the brain.

4. Glomerulonephritis: Occasionally, streptococcal tonsillitis can lead to glomerulonephritis if it is left untreated and this is a condition that affects the small units present in the kidneys known as glomeruli.

5. Abscess formation: It can also cause abscesses in the throat or the neck that may need to be drained and treated with antibiotics.

6. Airway obstruction: In some cases, tonsillitis can cause the tonsils to swell making it difficult for the patient to breathe normally and this may call for an emergency treatment in some circumstances.

7. Spread of infection: Infectious tonsillitis may be caused by bacteria or viruses that may extend to other areas like the sinuses, ears, or lungs.

At some point, if one develops severe signs of tonsillitis or if their condition remains ache without improvement with home interventions, it is advisable to visit a doctor.

If the tonsillitis is properly diagnosed, it should be treated and managed effectively to avoid the occurrence of complications and speed up the recovery process.

Management and Treatment

1: Activities like getting enough rest: Your body will also need enough rest so that it can be able to fight the infection and heal within the shortest time possible by drinking plenty water.

2. Pain relief: Appropriate O. T. C. medications include Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) which can help in suppression of fever or reduction of throat pain.

3. Warm saltwater gargles: This home remedy of using warm saltwater to gargle for about three times a day aids in relieving sore throat and inflammation.

4. Antibiotics: Your doctor may prescribe some antibiotics to cure your tonsillitis if it was caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus. Finally, accurate strategies imply the need to complete the use of the whole course of antibiotics as prescribed.

5. Steroids: To reduce the possibility of swelling and inflammation in the throat, the physician may prescribe certain corticosteroids every now and then.

6. Throat sprays or lozenges: Today throat calmer is often sold in local stores as a throat lozenge.

7. Fluids and humidifiers: Consuming liquids and having a humidifier placed in your bedroom ensure that your throat is moist reducing the various discomforts you might feel.

8. Surgical intervention: If, however, the tonsillitis is recurrent or chronic or complications appear, the specialist may advise his patient to undergo tonsillectomy – the removal of the tonsils.

Avoidance

Are there ways in which one can prevent getting the tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is not entirely preventable, although some measures could be taken to reduce the likelihood of the infection. However, you can lower your risk by following these hygienic practices:However, you can lower your risk by following these hygienic practices:

These include hands should be washed and this is more especially when a hand is brought into the region of the face, lips or nose.

It is advisable to avoid taking foods, drinks or utensils from patient that has a sickness or is affected by a sickness.

Remember to change it every 3 months and each time you get sick or after enduring a particularly hearty snack.

Dietary food treatments of tonsillitis

In relation to dietary management of tonsillitis, it might be wise to stick to foods that are comfortable to swallow such that they do not cause soreness.

1. Warm liquids: Have warm drinks such as herbal teas, chicken soup or broth, warm water with honey or ginger, or warm lemon and water to help soothe the throat and keep you hydrated.

2. Soft foods: choose meals that can be easily swallowed like smoothies, yogurts, apples and mashed bananas, potatoes, oats, scrambled Eggs and puddings.

4. Warm soups: Smooth, warm soups that do not contain large pieces of other ingredients may still provide comfort and nourishment for a sore throat.

5. Avoid irritants: Avoid foods that cause the throat to become irritated even further such as spicy, acidic, or those that are really rough on the throat.

6. Stay hydrated: This is especially important for a sore throat because you can take a lot of water and wash away toxins all day.

7. Herbal remedies: Some people get comfort with other forms like herbal teas, chamomile, licorice root, or slippery elm which can help the throat.

It is always advisable to seek professional advice from your doctor or a registered dietician after reviewing your nutritional requirements depending on the condition being catered for. If you have respiratory problems or are having severe symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately.