5 Things You Should Know About Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis often joins the common cold, influenza, and other infectious diseases in creating severe throat discomfort. It occurs most frequently in children but can also affect adults. If anyone in your family suffers from suspected tonsillitis, the following five key points can help you understand and deal with the problem.

1. Why People Get Tonsillitis

The inflammation of the tonsils known as tonsillitis often involves an infection of some sort. Viral infections account for more cases of tonsillitis than bacterial infections. However, the percentage of idiopathic cases (those that have no obvious cause) can range from 30 to 65 percent.

Various viruses can produce tonsillitis, including herpes, Epstein-Barr, influenza, parainfluenza, adenoviruses, and enteroviruses. As for bacterial causes, streptococcus A (the same virus behind strep throat) can cause acute tonsillitis.

Some people struggle with recurring or chronic tonsillitis. These individuals may simply come into contact with viruses and bacteria on a frequent basis, such as schoolchildren who share crowded classrooms, buses, and hallways. Others have a contaminated biofilm on their tonsils or tonsil stones that contain bacteria.

2. How to Recognize Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis produces many of the same symptoms as other viral or bacterial infections, including fever, chills, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, and bodily aches and pains. However, it also presents more specific symptoms such as swollen, red, or spotted tonsils, along with a sore throat and a scratchy, diminished voice.

Small children may show some additional symptoms that can alert parents to the possibility of tonsillitis. These symptoms include drooling, irritability, upset stomach, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

3. When to Seek Medical Treatment

Many cases of tonsillitis will come and go as the underlying infection runs its normal course. However, some situations should alert you to the need for urgent medical evaluation and treatment. If you have trouble swallowing or breathing, for instance, or if your symptoms last more than four days, seek medical help.

Tonsillitis in children generally requires medical evaluation and treatment. Even if your child does not feel intense pain or distress, early diagnosis and treatment of streptococcus-related tonsillitis can protect against potential long-term complications such as rheumatic fever, kidney problems, and joint inflammation.

4. How ENT Doctors Treat Tonsillitis

Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors must first try to determine the underlying cause of the tonsillitis. The same treatments that might tame a case of viral tonsillitis probably wouldn't work against bacterial tonsillitis, and vice versa. Your doctor will take throat cultures for analysis to identify the germ responsible.

Antiviral medications can help your body's immune system fight back against viral tonsillitis. If you or your child has streptococcus-related tonsillitis, a course of oral antibiotics can help clear it up. Severe cases might require intravenous antibiotics.

If you suffer from recurring or chronic tonsillitis, your ENT specialist may recommend a tonsillectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the offending tonsils. However, today's doctors usually reserve this once-commonplace procedure for people who come down with tonsillitis several times per year.

5. How to Protect Yourself Against Tonsillitis

You can protect yourself against tonsillitis by avoiding needless exposure to the viruses and bacteria that cause the condition. Make a point of replacing your toothbrush periodically, avoid sharing utensils or dental hygiene products, and wash your hands regularly to prevent contact with germs.

While your kids can't always steer clear of public environments and situations that might foster germs, they can still protect themselves and their schoolmates against tonsillitis. Teach them to keep their hands clean, avoid sharing personal items, and cough or sneeze into tissues whenever possible.

Wilmington Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A., has the skilled, experienced ENT specialists you need when you or your loved ones suffer from painful throat problems such as tonsillitis. Schedule an appointment at either of our locations.