Tonsils are oval-shaped tissues located at the back of the throat on both sides of the throat. They are part of the body’s immune system and help fight infections and protect our body from harmful viruses, bacteria and foreign particles. The tonsil contains white blood cells, which are essential in fighting against the disease. Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils. The inflammation of the tonsils is commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections. If tonsillitis is left untreated, it can cause complications like quinsy, rheumatic fever, etc.
Types of Tonsillitis
Acute tonsillitis: Symptoms occur suddenly and last for a short duration. Viruses and the bacterium Group A Streptococcus cause it. The symptoms last for 2 weeks.
Recurrent tonsillitis: Multiple episodes of tonsillitis occur throughout the year, around 6-7 episodes. It can affect a person.
Chronic Tonsillitis: A persistent, mild, low-grade infection that lasts for several months. It causes a sore throat, bad breath, and enlarged tonsils that last for several months.
Peritonsillar abscess: It occurs due to untreated tonsillitis, and it forms pus near the tonsils. It requires urgent medical attention.
Causes and Risk Factors of Tonsillitis
- Viral infections caused by adenovirus, influenza, and rhinovirus can lead to tonsillitis.
- Bacterial infection by group A Streptococcus
- Close contact with the infected person.
- Wekanened immunity system
- It commonly occurs between the ages of 5 and 15
- Symptoms of Tonsillitis
- Sore throat
- Readiness of tonsils and throat
- Difficulty while swallowing
- Fever and chills
- HEadache
- Fatigue
- Hoarseness of voice
- Stiffness of the neck
- Pain in the ear
Complications of Tonsillitis
- Peritonsillar abscess: It is characterised by pus formation behind the tonsils.
- Obstructive sleep apnea: Due to swollen tonsils, it causes obstructive sleep apnea, which disrupts breathing during sleep.
- Rheumatic fever is a complication of tonsillitis, an inflammatory disease caused by the streptococcus bacteria.
Diagnosis of Tonsillitis
- Diagnosis of tonsillitis is based on medical history and physical examination.
- Blood tests, such as a Complete Blood Count and an ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).
- Rapid antigen detection tests
- Throat cultures
Treatment of Tonsillitis
- Oral medications
- Intravenous medications
- Surgical treatment, such as Tonsillectomy, is done in severe cases.
Diet and Lifestyle Management Tips
- Consume soft and soothing food like khichdi, soups, etc
- Drink warm fluids like herbal tea or soups
- Lukewarm water gargles can give relief from pain
- Practice good hygiene
- Take adequate rest and hydration.
Tonsillitis is a complex clinical condition which is characterised by the inflammation of one of the vital parts of the immune system, which are the tonsils. The Tonsillitis requires prompt medical attention to avoid further complications.