TONSILLITIS

 Basic information

description

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils due to an infection. The tonsils are lymphoid tissue located on each side of the back of the throat. They are small at birth, enlarge during childhood, and become smaller during the teen years. Tonsils usually help prevent infections in the nose, mouth, and throat from spreading to other places in the body. However, they themselves can become infected. Tonsillitis can be spread from person to person. It affects all ages, but is most common in children between ages 5 and 10.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Sore throat and pain when you swallow.
• Tonsils are redder than normal.
• Throat may have white or yellow patches.
• Swollen glands on either side of the jaw.
• Fever.
• Headache.
• Ear pain.
• Bad breath.
• A very young child may not want to eat.

causes

Most cases are caused by a viral infection. A bacterial infection (often streptococcus, or "strep" as it is called) may also be a cause. Viral or bacterial germs are spread both by droplets you breathe in (e.g., from a person's cough or sneeze) or through germs on a surface or object that you handle and then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes.

risk increases with

• Young children.
• Daycare centers (for both children and teachers).
• Living, working, or being in crowded places.
• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Having a chronic illness, such as diabetes.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

There are no specific preventive measures. Wash hands often to prevent spreading germs. Avoid contact with persons who have strep infections or other infections. Don't share glasses, cups, silverware, or toothbrushes.

expected outcomes

Most cases heal well with no problems. Symptoms generally begin to improve in a few days.

possible complications

• Abscess (an infected sore on the tonsils).
• Chronic tonsillitis. It can cause ear infection and enlarged tonsils. This may lead to breathing problems and snoring.
• Rheumatic fever may occur if the cause is strep and it is not treated, or if treatment is stopped too soon.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will examine your head, neck, and throat. Medical tests may include a rapid strep test and a throat culture (to find which germ is the cause). Family members may also need a strep test. A person may carry the strep germ, but not have any symptoms.
• Treatment usually involves self-care and drug therapy if needed.
• To relieve the sore throat, gargle frequently with warm or cold double-strength tea or warm salt water (mix one-half teaspoon of salt in one cup of water).
• Suck on throat lozenges or hard candy such as lemon drops, to increase moisture in the mouth.
• If tonsillitis is severe and occurs often, your health care provider may suggest surgery (tonsillectomy) to remove the tonsils.

medications

• If the cause is a bacterial infection, an antibiotic (e.g., penicillin) is usually prescribed. It is typically taken for 10 days. Antibiotics will not cure a viral infection.
• To relieve pain, you may use acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Don't give aspirin to children under age 18.

activity

• Stay away from others until fever, pain, and other symptoms disappear.
• Bed rest if there is fever. Then return to your regular routine.

diet

Drink plenty of fluids. While the throat is very sore, use liquids for food. This includes milk shakes, soups, and high-protein fluids (diet or instant-breakfast type drinks).

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of tonsillitis. If there is any trouble with breathing, call right away.
• Symptoms worsen, or other symptoms occur during treatment.

Special Notes: