Tonsillitis, its Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Introduction:

Tonsillitis is a medical condition in which tonsils become inflamed and swell up resulting in uncomfortable painful sensations. It is very severe in winter so here we are discussing its causes, symptoms, and treatment in order to aware persons by providing valuable information on how to recognize it and its potential treatment methods.

Etymology: Tonsilitis is a combination of two words, i.e., tonsils (two lymph nodes in the throat) and it is (inflammation).

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is the pain and inflammation of the tonsils. Tonsils are two oval-shaped lymph nodes (masses of lymphatic systems). These are located at the back of your throat. These tonsils are part of our body’s immune system and defend our bodies in case of pathogens invasions such as viral and bacterial infections. When tonsils become infected and inflamed, they become a swollen and painful condition called tonsilitis.

Infections Risks:

Tonsilitis most commonly occurs in school-going children but adults are also suitable for it. It is very rare in infants and persons above 50 years of age. It is worst in immunodeficient persons.

Causes of Tonsillitis:

Tonsillitis most commonly occurs due to infections. The following are the major causes of tonsillitis:

Viruses: The common viruses that cause tonsilitis are rhinovirus (common cold virus) and Epstein-Barr virus (that causes mononucleosis). Other viruses responsible for tonsilitis are influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, herpes simplex virus, and cytomegalovirus.
Streptococcus Bacteria: Streptococcus pyogenes is the most common bacterial infection of tonsils. This infection is called hemolytic streptococcus.

Other bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenza can also cause tonsilitis. Other bacteria that are culprits of tonsil infections are Streptococcus pneumonia, Mycoplasma pneumonia, Bordetella pertussis, and Corynebacterium diphtheria.

Symptoms of tonsillitis:

Red and Swollen tonsils
White or yellow patches on tonsils
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
Hyperemia of pillars, soft palate, and uvula
Coated tongue
Fever
Sore throat
Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing)
Bad breath
Chills
Earaches
Headaches
Malaise
General body aches

Complications of Tonsillitis:

Acute otitis media (Middle ear infections)
Chronic tonsilitis
Endocarditis
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Parapharyngeal abscess
Peritonsillar abscess
Post streptococcal glomerulonephritis
Rheumatic fever
Scarlet fever
Secondary infections such as sinusitis or bronchitis
Tonsillar Cellulitis
Tonsilloliths

Diagnosis of Tonsillitis:

Medical history
Physical Examination
Throat culture
Rapid Strep Test
Blood Tests
Differential Diagnosis:
a. Agranulocytosis
b. Aphthous ulcer
c. Diphtheria
d. Infectious mononucleosis
e. Malignancy tonsils
f. Vincent angina

Types of Tonsillitis:

Types	Acute Tonsillitis	Chronic Tonsillitis	Recurrent Tonsillitis
Nature	Short-term	Long-term	Recurrent
Onset	Sudden	Persistent	Episodic
Duration	Short period Less than two weeks	Extended periods, months, or even years	Variables
Symptoms	Sore throat, fever, dysphagia, swollen tonsils, white or yellow spots on tonsils	Sore throat, bad breath, persistent discomfort, dysphagia	Similar to acute tonsillitis, Sore throat, fever, dysphagia
Causes	Bacterial infection Streptococcus sp.	An antibiotic for acute flare-ups, Tonsillectomy	Repeated acute infections, Weakened immunity
Treatment	Antibiotics, symptomatic treatment, rest	Antibiotics for acute flare-ups, Tonsillectomy	Antibiotics, symptomatic treatment, tonsillectomy

Classification of Tonsillitis:

Types	Catarrhal Tonsilitis	Follicular Tonsillitis	Parenchymatous Tonsillitis	Membranous Tonsillitis
Appearance	Diffuse redness, swelling (edema)	Small, yellowish-white spots or follicle on tonsils. Pus filled Follicle & surrounded by inflamed tissue	Enlarged tonsils due to Inflammation & swelling of tonsillar tissue itself (peritonsillar abscess)	Formation of thick, grey-white membrane or pseudomembrane covering tonsils.
Symptoms	Sore throat, Dysphagia, General discomfort	Severe symptoms, Sore throat, high fever, Dysphagia	Sore throat, Dysphagia, A sensation that anything stuck in the neck	Severe throat pain, Dysphagia & high fever
Exudate (Discharge)	Mucus like discharge	Pus bodies	Creamy or cheesy discharge	Substantial that form membrane
Cause	Viral infections like adenovirus	Bacterial infections Streptococcus	Bacterial infections	Corynebacterium diphtheriae

Treatment of Tonsillitis:

The treatment of tonsillitis depends on its specific causes;

General treatments:

Bed rest
Hydration
Analgesics/NSAIDs
Antipyretic/Paracetamol
Antibiotics

Specific treatments:

Rest and Hydration and Symptomatic Treatments in Viral Infections
Use of Antibiotics in case of bacterial infections
a. Penicillin, amoxicillin, co-aminoxlave
b. Macrolide/Erythromycin (in case of penicillin-allergic persons)
Tonsillectomy in case of severe complication. Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of tonsils.

Surgical Indications for Tonsillectomy:

Tonsillectomy is a surgical removal of tonsils and is considered in case of serious infection. Surgical indications are included;

Chronic tonsilitis
Diphtheria
Hypertrophy of tonsils/causes obstruction in tonsils
Peritonsillar abscess
Recurrent infection
Recurrent streptococcal tonsillitis in patients with valvular heart disease.
Suspicion malignancy
Tonsillitis causing febrile seizures

Tonsillitis Vs Pharyngitis:

Tonsillitis and pharyngitis both are involved in the pain and inflammation of the throat but they are not the same. They are very different although used interchangeably. The main differences are;

Differences	Tonsillitis	Pharyngitis
Site of inflammation	Tonsils: Two masses of lymphatic systems at the back of the throat on each side.	Pharynx (Throat): This area lies behind the mouth and nasal cavity and descends down to the top of the esophagus.
Causes	Viral and bacterial infections	Viruses, bacteria, irritants, & allergens
Similar Symptoms	Sore throat, sometimes fever, dysphagia	Sore throat, fever, & dysphagia
Specific symptoms	The main symptom is the Inflammation of the tonsils, which are red and covered with white, and yellow spots. headache and abdominal pain. Swollen lymph nodes	Painful, scratchy, and dry throat, May be associated with cold, and cough.

Tonsillitis Vs Pharyngitis:

For a detailed understanding about the Pharyngitis click here

Conclusion:

Tonsillitis is a very common medical condition of tonsils that results in pain, discomfort, and plenty of ailments. It results principally from viral and bacterial infections. Pain, inflammation, sore throat, and dysphagia are common primary symptoms. If effective protocols are not followed timely that results in serious issues. Early diagnosis and treatment plans are very helpful to avoid tonsillectomy.

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment of tonsillitis, you can easily take steps to alleviate pain, and discomfort and faster recovery.

Stay Blessed