Tonsillitis are two small pieces of lymph tissue in the back of the throat, commonly known as "tonsils". Tonsils act as part of the body's immune system. They form the first line of defense against harmful bacteria and viruses that enter the throat. Tonsillitis refers to a condition in which the tonsils become infected or inflamed. This condition usually presents with symptoms such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever and swollen tonsils.
Tonsillitis is usually caused by viruses or bacteria. Treatment can vary depending on the cause and severity of the disease. It is usually done with rest, plenty of fluids and sometimes medicines prescribed by the doctor. A surgical procedure called tonsillectomy may also be needed in cases of recurrent tonsillitis or when it causes breathing problems.
What are the Types of Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the tonsils and can be divided into different types. These types are determined by the course of the disease and recovery time and help to create a treatment plan. The types of tonsillitis are as follows:
Acute Tonsillitis: Symptoms usually last for 3 to 4 days, but can sometimes last up to 2 weeks. It is characterized by severe symptoms that start quickly.
Recurrent tonsillitis: This is when a person has acute tonsillitis more than once a year. This means that the tonsils become inflamed frequently and this happens in recurrent attacks.
Chronic tonsillitis: This is a type that lasts longer than acute tonsillitis. This type is characterized by symptoms such as persistent sore throat, bad breath and tender lymph nodes in the neck. It refers to a condition in which the tonsils are constantly inflamed.
What Causes Tonsillitis?
Tonsils are the first line of defense against infections, but they are also vulnerable to these infections. Common causes of tonsillitis , which usually occurs as a result of infected tonsils, can be listed as follows:
- Viral infections,
- Bacterial infections,
- Transmission by sneezing and coughing,
- Immune system weakness,
- Allergies
- Cigarette smoke
- Respiratory tract problems.
What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?
Symptoms of tonsillitis can vary from person to person and can vary depending on the type of tonsillitis (viral or bacterial), its severity and the state of the person's immune system. In general, however, common symptoms of tonsillitis can include
- Sore throat,
- Difficulty swallowing,
- Fire,
- Swollen and red tonsils,
- White or yellow pus,
- Weakness and fatigue,
- Cough
- Headache
- Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck,
- Bad breath and bad breath,
- Voice changes,
- Abdominal pain and vomiting,
- Nasal discharge
- Neck stiffness
How is tonsillitis diagnosed?
Tonsillitis is usually diagnosed based on a physical examination by a healthcare professional and the patient's symptoms. Here is a general explanation of how tonsillitis is diagnosed:
Patient History: The doctor listens to the patient's symptoms and complaints. He or she also inquires about the patient's previous history of tonsillitis and health history.
Physical Examination: The doctor looks at the patient's throat, ears and nose. During this examination, the color, size and appearance of the tonsils are evaluated. Swollen, red or pus-covered tonsils can be a sign of tonsillitis.
Laboratory Tests: The doctor may perform laboratory tests such as a throat culture or rapid strep test to detect a bacterial infection such as strep throat. Also, blood tests such as a complete blood count are sometimes used. These tests can help determine the cause of the infection.
General condition of the patient: The doctor assesses the patient's fever, swollen lymph nodes, general health and other symptoms. This can help determine the severity and type of tonsillitis.
Doctor's Assessment: The doctor diagnoses tonsillitis on the basis of symptoms and signs. If a bacterial infection (such as a streptococcal infection) is detected, appropriate antibiotic treatment can be started. If it is a viral infection, recommendations will be made to relieve symptoms and support the healing process.
How is tonsillitis treated?
Treatment of tonsillitis varies depending on the cause of the infection. Viral tonsillitis usually improves with home care strategies, while bacterial tonsillitis requires antibiotic treatment. Home care strategies include bed rest, adequate fluid intake, saline gargling, consumption of hot and cold foods, and humidifying the air. In cases where antibiotic treatment is required, antibiotics recommended by the doctor are used. Tonsillectomy surgery may also be considered in cases of recurrent or chronic tonsillitis.