Tonsillitis – All You Need to Know

Tonsils are small, ovoid, fleshy glands situated on the side and at the back of the throat and nose. They are a part of our immune system. They play a vital role in protecting us against germs that enter our body through the nose and mouth. We could say that tonsils act as checkposts.

The size of the tonsillar tissue may be variable; they increase in size in response to infection. An inflammation (swelling) of this tissue is called tonsillitis. They may get affected by many common viruses and a few bacteria.

Symptoms

The main presenting features are:

• Throat pain
• Sore throat
• Painful swallowing
• Fever
• Snoring and open-mouth breathing (in children)
• Swelling in the neck
• Other related complaints – ear pain, breathing difficulty, choking sensation, drooling and refusal of feeds.

Children between the age of 3-15 years are more prone to the infection.

If your child is having symptoms of tonsillitis, it is better to seek medical advice to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Infection with a particular bacterial strain (Streptococcus- group A betahemolytic) has to be treated with appropriate antibiotics. Otherwise, the infected person may be at risk of developing rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart and neurological disease and a type of kidney inflammation called glomerulonephritis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is mainly by physical examination. Your doctor will take a look into your throat and nose, palpate and feel for glands in the neck and may even look for a rash over the body. Some simple blood tests and a throat swab will aid in diagnosis and the choice of medications.

Treatment

• Adequate rest and hydration.
• Salted warm water and antiseptic gargles for the throat.
• Medications for pain and fever.
• Antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected.
• Surgery only in cases of repeated infection, obstructive symptoms or complications.

Prevention

There is a risk of germs that cause tonsillitis to spread to close contacts. Therefore, good hygiene practices are essential for prevention.

• Washing of hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after getting back from school, playtime and before eating.
• Avoid sharing of food and water.

To prevent the spread of infection to other kids:

• Avoid sending your child to school when ill.
• Enquire with your doctor about the safe time for your child to return to school.
• Teach your child to cough or sneeze into a tissue and to wash hands after coughing and sneezing.One should also remember that throat pain doesn’t always mean tonsillitis. Some other causes of sore throat are allergies, voice abuse, acid reflux, infection of the nose and sinuses, inhalation of irritants, etc. Kindly seek medical attention if throat pain lasts for more than 2 days and get treated appropriately.