Tonsils, also known as palatine tonsils, are a pair of soft tissue masses located at the back of the throat. They function similarly to lymph nodes and play a crucial role in our immune system. When these tonsils become inflamed, the condition is called tonsillitis. This inflammation is often caused by viruses, such as adenovirus and Epstein-Barr virus, but can also result from bacterial infections, including Streptococcus pyogenes and other streptococcal strains.

 

Symptoms of Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is most commonly seen in children from preschool age to mid-adolescence and is characterized by the following symptoms:

Swollen and reddened tonsils
Sore throat
Painful swallowing
High fever
Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck
Hoarse or scratchy voice
Breathing difficulties
Stomach pain
Headache
Neck pain or stiffness
In infants and toddlers, symptoms include:

Excessive drooling due to difficulty swallowing
Refusal to eat

 

Diagnosing Tonsillitis

When a patient presents with symptoms of tonsillitis, a doctor will perform a thorough evaluation, which includes:

1. Examining the throat, ears, and nose with a lighted instrument to check for infection
2. Looking for a rash (scarlatina) associated with strep throat
3. Checking for swollen glands
4. Using a stethoscope to listen to the patient’s breathing
5. Examining the spleen for enlargement

 

To confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment, the doctor may recommend:

1. Throat swab
2. Complete blood count (CBC)

 

Treatment of Tonsillitis

Treatment options for tonsillitis include medications and, in persistent cases, surgery.

 

Antibiotics:If a bacterial infection is identified, antibiotics will be prescribed. Completing the full course of antibiotics is crucial to prevent complications such as rheumatic fever and kidney inflammation.

 

Surgery: If symptoms do not improve with antibiotics, surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be necessary. Tonsillectomy is also recommended if tonsillitis causes:

1. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
2. Breathing difficulties
3. Problems swallowing, particularly solid foods
4. An abscess that does not respond to antibiotics