What Is Tonsillitis

An infection in the tonsils (two bulks of masses in the back of the throat) is known as tonsillitis. Let’s first understand the function of tonsils. These tissues are basically the filters that prevent infectious germs from outside from entering into our bodies through the throat. They also make antibodies which fight infections. However, they can also get overwhelmed with bacteria and viruses they catch. And as a result, they become swollen and inflamed. This condition is called tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis is more common in children. There are three types of tonsillitis.

• Acute tonsillitis: It’s the shorter condition which lasts 3 – 4 days. However, it can last up to 2 weeks.
• Recurrent tonsillitis: This type of tonsillitis can recur several times during a year.
• Chronic tonsillitis: This is the long-term form of tonsillitis.

Symptoms of tonsillitis

Inflammation or swelling in tonsils is the main symptom of tonsillitis. In certain cases, this inflammation and swelling can be severe enough to obstruct the airflow. Other symptoms that may be connected with tonsillitis include:

• Tenderness and pain in throat
• Red tonsils
• Development of white or yellow coating over the tonsils
• Ulcer or painful blister in the throat area
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in the ear
• Trouble swallowing
• Fever and chills
• Bad breath
• Scratchy voice

Symptoms in children

• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Pain in the stomach
• Drooling
• Loss of appetite

Causes of tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is caused by bacterial and viral infections. A specific type of bacteria, Streptococcus, is one of the major reasons for tonsillitis. Other causes may include:

• Influenza virus
• Adenoviruses
• Parainfluenza viruses
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Enteroviruses
• Herpes simplex virus

Diagnosis

Tonsillitis is diagnosed by your doctor during a physical test. The doctor will see if the tonsils are red and swollen. They are also going to check for the fever. They will also look in the nose and ears to find any signs of infection.

Tests that run during diagnosis of tonsillitis include the following.

• Your saliva will be checked for strep bacteria. For this purpose, a cotton swab will be run along the back of your throat. This test is going to be a bit uncomfortable but it is not painful. You will get the results of this test in 10 – 15 minutes. In some cases, you may get the test reports in a couple of days.
• The CBC test is another way to know the reason for tonsillitis. If low blood cell count is the reason for tonsillitis, your doctor will be able to know about it through this test.

Treatment

Information about reasons for the tonsillitis provides guidance about the way this problem needs to be treated.

If the reason for tonsillitis is a bacterial infection, you are going to get a prescription for antibiotic medication. That medication can be a one-time injection or a course of pills that you will have to complete over a certain period of time.

Another way to treat this problem is through home remedies. You will need to rely on home remedies when it the reason for tonsillitis is a viral infection; and, so, the antibiotics are not going to be effective in this regard. In order to find relief from viral infection, you are going to have to get a lot of rest, drink warm fluids, eat softer foods, gargle with warm salt water, and take over-the-counter pain relievers.

If the problem of tonsillitis is persistent, your doctor may recommend taking the swollen tonsils getting out. But note that tonsils are an important part of your immune system; and you’re your doctor will not want to take it out unless it is absolutely necessary.