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Tonsillitis
What is tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis refers to the inflammation of a tonsil
-- the large, fleshy, oval masses of tissue that lie in the
lateral wall of the oral pharynx on either side of the throat.
These clusters of tissue contain cells that produce antibodies
that are helpful in fighting infection.
What causes tonsillitis?
There are many possible, highly contagious bacterial
and viral causes of tonsillitis. Causes of tonsillitis include
the following:
- Streptococcus (commonly referred to as "strep")
bacteria (the most common cause of tonsillitis)
- adenoviruses
- the
influenza virus
- the Epstein-Barr virus
- parainfluenza viruses
- enteroviruses
- the
herpes simplex virus
What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?
The following are the most common symptoms for tonsillitis,
however, individuals may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms
may include:
- swollen, red tonsils (often coated with
a yellow, gray, or white membrane)
- blisters or painful
ulcerated areas on the throat
- sudden onset sore throat
- pain
with swallowing
- headache
- loss of appetite
- malaise
- chills
- fever
- swollen
and tender lymph nodes in the neck or jaw area
Additional symptoms of tonsillitis in children
include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
The symptoms of tonsillitis may resemble other
conditions or medical problems. Consult a physician for a
diagnosis.
Can tonsillitis be prevented?
The following suggestions may help to inhibit the
spread of the contagious illnesses that are generally responsible
for the spread of tonsillitis:
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Keep your (and your child's) distance from
anyone with tonsillitis or a sore throat.
-
Do not share utensils, drinking glasses,
toothbrushes, etc., with anyone who has tonsillitis or
a sore throat.
-
Wash your (and your child's) hands frequently.
-
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze,
and teach your children to do the same.
It is also possible that someone (especially
a child) is carrying the strep bacteria (a common cause of
tonsillitis) without presenting any symptoms of the infection.
This person acts as a "carrier" and can transmit the infection
to another person.
Treatment for tonsillitis:
Specific treatment will be determined by the physician(s)
based on:
- patient’s age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disease
- expectations for the course of the disease
- patient’s tolerance for specific medications, procedures,
or therapies
- patient’s (or family’s) opinion or preference
- the cause of the infection
Tonsillitis caused by a viral infection is treated differently
than tonsillitis caused by a bacterial infection. Generally,
tonsillitis caused by a bacterial strep infection can be
successfully treated with an antibiotic medication. Viral
tonsillitis is not treated with antibiotic medications, as
antibiotics are ineffective at defeating viral infections,
but may be treated with other antiviral medications.
To read more of this article and related materials from
The Centers for Chronic Nasal and Sinus Dysfunction at Nasal.net,
please click here: http://www.nasal.net/otolaryngology/tonsillitis.htm
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