Tonsillitis – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment!

Tonsillitis – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment . Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils caused by bacterial or viral infection. Typical symptoms are sore throat , swollen tonsils, difficulty swallowing, fever, and swollen glands in the neck. Treatment will vary depending on whether the cause is bacterial or viral. Surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be recommended in some cases. Sore throat can be associated with colds and flu, tonsillitis and strep throat.

Causes of tonsillitis:

• The tonsils are your first line of defense against illness. They produce white blood cells to help your body fight infection. The tonsils fight bacteria and viruses that
• enter your body through your mouth. However, the tonsils are also vulnerable to infection by these invaders.
• Anesthesia can be caused by a virus , such as the common cold, or a bacterial infection, such as strep throat. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP),
• an estimated 15 to 30 percent of tonsillitis cases are due to bacteria . Most often, it is streptomycotic bacteria.
• Viruses are the most common cause of tonsillitis . The Epstein -Barr virus can cause tonsillitis , which can also cause mononucleosis.
• Children come into close contact with others at school and play games, exposing them to a variety of viruses and bacteria . This makes them particularly vulnerable to the germs that cause
• tonsillitis .

Symptoms of Tonsillitis:

There are several types of tonsillitis , and there are many possible symptoms that include:

• A very irritated throat
• Difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing
• a red-haired voice
• bad breath
• fever
• goosebumps
• Earaches
• stomachache
• Headaches
• a stiff neck
• Jaw and neck tenderness due to swollen lymph nodes
• Tonsils that appear red and swollen
• Tonsils with white or yellow spots

Treatment for Tonsillitis:

• A mild case of tonsillitis does not necessarily require treatment, especially if a  virus , such as a cold, causes it.
• Treatments for more severe cases of tonsillitis may include antibiotics or a tonsillectomy.
• Antibiotics will be prescribed to fight a bacterial infection. It is important that you complete the full course of antibiotics. Your doctor may want you to schedule a
• follow-up visit to ensure the medication is effective.
• Surgery to remove the tonsils is called a tonsillectomy. This was once a very common procedure. However, today’s tonsillectomies are only recommended for people who
• experience tonsillitis  and chronic or recurrent. Surgery is also recommended to treat tonsillitis that does not respond to other treatment, or tonsillitis that causes complications.

If a person becomes dehydrated due to tonsillitis , they may need intravenous fluids. Pain medications to relieve sore throat can also help while the throat heals.

Home care tips to relieve sore throat :

• drink a lot of fluids
• Rest a lot
• Gargle with warm salt water several times a day
• Use throat lozenges
• Use a humidifier to moisten the air in your home
• Avoid smoking

Additionally, you may want to use over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Always check with your doctor before administering medication to children.