A common health condition in which the tonsils become infected is called tonsillitis. Sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes are the most common symptoms of this disorder. The treatment is often different among people because it depends on the underlying condition, such as a viral or bacterial infection. Most people notice improvements within 7 days with treatment.
Two small lumps of soft tissue at the back of the throat are called tonsils. These structures can be seen in a mirror by opening the mouth and sticking out the tongue. Moreover, tonsils are a part of the immune system that helps block germs that can cause infections. The medical term for this condition is tonsillopharyngitis. However, in most cases, it is called a sore throat.
This condition mostly affects children and adolescents, but it may occur in adults as well. Generally, most people have tonsillitis at least once during their lifetime.
Symptoms
Usually, symptoms of this condition occur suddenly. Check below some examples:
- Swollen and red tonsils and throat
- Scratchy or sore throat
- Pain or swallowing problems
- White spots on the tonsils
- Fever (more than 100,4 degrees F or 38 degrees C)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Yellow, gray, or white coating on the tonsils
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
The first symptom of this condition is usually a sore throat. It is important to see a doctor if you develop this symptom suddenly.
Causes
While the most common cause of tonsillitis is viral infections, it may also occur due to bacterial infections.
- Viral tonsillitis – Usually, tonsillitis develops when you have the common cold or the flu. It accounts for approximately 70% of all diagnosed tonsillitis. In most cases, people with this type of tonsillitis have mild symptoms compared to those of bacterial tonsillitis.
- Bacterial tonsillitis (also called strep throat) – This type of tonsillitis often occurs due to a group of bacteria A Streptococcus. Furthermore, people who do not have tonsils can still develop strep throat. In such cases, bacteria negatively affect the throat. People who develop this type of tonsillitis usually experience more severe symptoms.
It is important to know that the viruses and bacteria that cause tonsillitis are very contagious. Commonly, they are passed along by:
- Kissing
- Sharing utensils, food, or drinks
- Direct contact with an infected person
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then the eyes, mouth, or nose
- Inhaling small particles that become airborne when an infected person coughs or sneezes
Risk Factors
Healthcare professionals have identified some factors that could increase your risk of developing tonsillitis. For example:
- Age – children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 15 are more prone to develop tonsillitis.
- Frequent exposure to germs – For example, teachers who work closely with children.
What Are The Potential Complications of Tonsillitis?
Complications also occur differently among people because they depend on the type of tonsillitis you develop. Check below some examples:
Viral Tonsillitis Complications
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Peritonsillar abscess
- Tonsil stones
- Tonsillar cellulitis
Bacterial Tonsillitis Complications
If left untreated, this type of tonsillitis may cause other complications. For example:
- Rheumatic or scarlet fever
- Kidney inflammation
- Poststreptococcal reactive arthritis (it causes joint pain and swelling)
How to Prevent Tonsillitis?
While you cannot totally prevent tonsillitis, you can take steps to reduce the risk. For example:
- Regularly wash your hands, especially before touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.
- Do not share foods, drinks, or utensils with sick people
- It is also advised to replace the toothbrush every 3 months or every time you get sick.
Diagnosis
Healthcare professionals often diagnose this condition by examining the throat for redness and swelling, looking in the ears to check for infections, and touching the sides of the neck to determine whether your lymph nodes are swollen or not. They may also ask some questions about the symptoms and medical history.
Once you are diagnosed with tonsillitis, physicians may perform some tests to determine which type of condition you have developed (bacterial or viral). Thus, they perform a bacterial culture test. It involves a cotton swab that helps wipe the back of the throat. When tests are positive, it means you have a bacterial tonsillitis, but when outcomes are negative, you have developed a viral tonsillitis.
Treatment
The treatment is often different for people with tonsillitis. It depends on the exact cause and severity of the condition, age, existing health problems, and preferences. Check below some treatments usually prescribed by doctors for people with this disorder:
- Antibiotics – This group of medications is often recommended for people who develop a bacterial tonsillitis. They often prescribe Penicillin, Clindamycin, or Cephalosporin. It is very important to finish treatment with antibiotics even if you do not have symptoms. Otherwise, the condition may return.
- Painkillers – If you experience moderate to severe pain, doctors may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, including Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, and others.
- Tonsillectomy (tonsillitis surgery) – This procedure is often used in people who have a chronic (long-term) or recurrent tonsillitis. It involves the removal of the tonsils.
Home Remedies
Healthcare professionals may also recommend the following remedies to relieve the symptoms of this condition. Check below some examples:
- Drink warm fluids (including apple cider, tea, or broth)
- Gargling with warm salt water
- Sucking on throat lozenges
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect if I have tonsillitis?
In most cases, viral tonsillitis goes away within several days, especially with treatment and plenty of rest. However, if you develop the bacterial type of condition, it may go away within 10 days.
When is tonsillitis an emergency?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER). For example:
- Fever above 101 degrees F or 38 degrees C
- Shortness of breath
- A sore throat that does not improve for more than 4 days
What happens if tonsillitis goes untreated?
If you ignore the symptoms or do not get treatment, it may lead to some complications. One of them is a peritonsillar abscess. It is a serious complication that causes the tonsils to fill with bacteria, which often leads to severe throat pain and voice changes. Ask your healthcare provider if you have additional questions.
