Everyone has suffered from throat pain at least once in their life. It’s a common misconception of associating tonsillitis with throat pain.
Let’s get to know about Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is more than just a Throat Pain.
What is Tonsillitis?
Table of Contents
It’s an infection of Tonsils. Tonsils are found at the back of the throat, they act as a filter to help to protect the airway from infections. Tonsils trap the infection and counter them. They’re the first line of defense against airborne infections.1
At times tonsils start harboring bacteria and acts as a source of infection then they become a problem.
It’s common in children & Young adults
How do we know it’s tonsillitis?
- Fever
- Throat pain
- Painful swallowing
- Neck swelling
- Tonsils appear red and swollen or might have yellowish spots on them.
Types of Tonsillitis:
- Acute Tonsillitis- lasting for a week
- Chronic Tonsillitis- Lasting for <4 weeks
- Recurrent Tonsillitis- 5-6 episodes/year
When should we consult a doctor?2
- High-Grade Fever with or without chills for more than 48 hours.
- Inability to eat
- Drooling
- Muffled Voice/ Change in voice
- Difficulty in breathing
Do we need investigations?
Yes, few investigations are essential for diagnosis and treatment:
- Blood test for infection
- Throat Swab- Culture & sensitivity: for knowing the pathogen and specific antibiotics.
How do we treat Tonsillitis?
Most of the tonsillitis is viral-induced and are self-limiting but when they’re bacterial in nature they need antibiotics.3
- Relevant Antibiotics
- Maintain hydration
- Proper rest
- Pain relief
- Warm saline gargles
At times tonsillitis has complications and in those cases, it needs specialized care in a hospital or Tonsillectomy.4
- Tonsillar Abscess
- Membranous/ Exudative Tonsillitis
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Rheumatic fever/ Scarlet Fever
- Middle Ear Infections
Precautions:
- Avoid very cold things especially during weather change.
- Maintain oro-dental hygiene
- Flu Vaccination
When Do We Need Tonsillectomy?
Tonsils are an important part of the defense system of the body so it’s better to avoid surgery. But at times surgery is unavoidable.5
- Chronic/ recurrent Tonsillitis
- Sleep apnea
- Peritonsillar abscess
- Rheumatic Fever
Tonsillectomy has it’s own side effects so it should be kept as a last resort option.
I hope my article was helpful to you I’ll be back with more about Tonsillectomy soon.
Be Healthy Be Happy.
Disclaimer: This article is for reference purposes only, under no circumstances it should be used as a replacement of medical opinion by Professionals. Any decision regarding health and health care should be taken after professional advice only. Health care advice and information shared by the author are best to her knowledge. We disclaim all responsibilities for any inadvertent omission/ commission by the author or the website.
References:
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156497.php
- https://www.healthline.com/health/tonsillitis#when-to-see-a-doctor
- https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tonsillitis-symptoms-causes-and-treatments#1
- https://www.amboss.com/us/knowledge/Acute_tonsillitis
- Scott & Brown Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery 7th Ed.
This was such an interesting read. Mainly because I never knew that having tonsils is a defense mechanism, but that is again self explanatory. I don’t have mine anymore they were removed when I was 7 years old.
i’m glad that you found my post helpful
My son had tonsillitis some years ago, thankfully he recovered from it with a simple antibiotic course. But I know a kid who has recurrent tonsillitis. Thanks for sharing this detailed and informative post, Richa.
During our childhood, when someone had to have their tonsils removed, we felt envious because they got to eat ice-cream! It is good that when detected early, it can be treated with antibiotics. Valuable information, Richa. It is amazing how our body has such a powerful defense mechanism. By the way, my health blog is called “Be Healthy, Be Happy” 🙂
So much useful information here! Thankfully I didn’t struggle too much as a kid with my tonsils and I still have mine. I also didn’t know that they were a defense mechanism. I found that very interesting and now grateful that I still have mine.
Oh We have been discussing this with doctors for over two years now. My husband has sleep apnea and my son has enlarged adenoids. My husband uses a sleep monitor that helps with beeathing as well. My son is just 6 year old and he has been suggested adenectomy (which is also done on throat). His tonsillitis are okay though.
adenoids usually resolves with age and 2 yrs is young so you can wait and watch for it for now