WHAT IS TONSILLITIS? 

Tonsillitis is the inflammation of tonsils, two oval-shaped masses of tissue at the back of the throat, one on each side. They act as filters to prevent germs entering into the airway, but sometimes they themselves get infected. It’s a common especially among children and can happen occasionally with frequent recurrences. The cause of tonsillitis can be bacterial or viral infections. One of the common cause is Streptococcus (strep) bacteria. Some other causes include Adenoviruses, Influenza virus, Parainfluenza viruses, Enteroviruses, Herpes simplex virus etc. 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TONSILLITIS? 

The main symptoms of tonsillitis are inflammation and swelling of the tonsils, sometimes severe enough to block the airways. Other symptoms include:

• Sore throat, Throat pain or tenderness

• Redness of the tonsils

• A white or yellow coating on the tonsils

• Painful blisters or ulcers on the throat

• Headache or Ear Pain

• Loss of appetite

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing through the mouth

• Swollen glands in the neck or jaw area

• Fever, chills

• Bad breath

In children, symptoms may also include nausea, vomiting and / or abdominal pain

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

Diagnosis: The diagnosis of tonsillitis is made by a review of medical history and physical examination by an ENT Doctor or Physician. Inspection of the ear, nose and throat for swelling can confirm the presence of infection. Additionally, the doctor may use a swab to take a sample from the back of throat for a rapid strep test or a throat culture. Both tests can show if the infection is caused by strep or another bacteria. A viral infection will not show up on the test, but a viral infection can be assumed if bacteria is negative. 

Treatment: The treatment for tonsillitis depends partly on the cause. If the tests reveal bacteria, treatment will involve use of antibiotics to cure the infection. Usually, symptoms are  likely to improve within two or three days after starting the antibiotic. In some cases a second course of antibiotics may be needed to cure the infection.If the tonsillitis is caused by a virus, antibiotics won't work, in these cases the body fights off the infection on its own. Irrespective of the cause, certain remedies help in improving the condition such as:  Getting enough rest, warm saline gargles, using a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in the room, eating smooth foods, lozenges containing anesthetics or over-the-counter pain relievers.  

Tonsillectomy (Surgical Removal of Tonsils) 

Tonsils are an important part of the immune system, so it is best to avoid removing them. However, if tonsillitis is recurrent or persistent, or if enlarged tonsils cause upper airway obstruction or difficulty eating, surgical removal of the tonsils, called tonsillectomy, may be necessary. Most tonsillectomies involve using a conventional scalpel to remove the tonsils; however there are many alternatives such as lasers, radio waves, ultrasonic energy, or electrocautery to cut, burn, or evaporate away enlarged tonsils.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. Tonsillectomy is a common out-patient procedure done in General Anaesthesia and lasts 30-45 minutes. Discharge is done usually same day and recovery time of 7-10 may be required. 

2. For several days after surgery, the patient may experience a low-grade fever and small specks of blood from the nose or saliva. If the fever is greater than 102 degrees Fahrenheit or if there is  bright red blood, call the doctor right away for prompt medical attention.