Tonsillitis – What is it, Causes, Symptoms and Treatments!

Tonsillitis – What it is, Causes, Symptoms and Treatments of this condition. Also, Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils caused by  bacterial or viral infection . Typical symptoms of Tonsillitis   are sore throat, swollen tonsils  , difficulty swallowing, fever and swollen glands in the neck. Treatment for tonsillitis   will vary depending on whether the cause is bacterial or viral. Surgical removal of the tonsils  (tonsillectomy) may be recommended in some cases.

Tonsillitis  can occur at any age and is a common  childhood infection . It is often diagnosed in preschool age children through environment. Symptoms include a sore throat, swollen tonsils  and fever.

Causes: As the tonsils  are the first line of defense against invaders from the outside world, they are susceptible to infection itself . Tonsillitis is typically  viral, but can sometimes be bacterial. If it is due to a bacterium belonging to group A streptococcus, the condition is referred to as streptococcus.

Whether viral or bacterial, tonsillitis  can be contagious and spread from person to person. However, if the condition is caused by a secondary illness, such as sinusitis or hay fever, it is unlikely to be infectious.

Symptoms: Symptoms of Tonsillitis  include:

• Sore throat, which can be severe
• Red and swollen tonsils;
• Problem in swallowing;
• White or yellow coating on the tonsils ;
• Swollen glands in the neck;
• Fever;
• Bad breath.

Diagnoses: Your healthcare professional will perform a physical exam, paying particular attention to the throat and neck area.  Virus Tonsillitis can look very similar to Bacterial Tonsillitis  , so diagnostic tests (eg, throat culture, rapid strep test) may be needed to differentiate between the two potential causes.

Treatments: 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, tonsillectomy today is only recommended for people who experience  chronic or recurrent tonsillitis . 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 a sore throat can also help while the throat is healing.

Prevention: Tonsillitis is highly contagious. To lower your risk of getting tonsillitis, stay away from people withactive infections . Wash your hands thoroughly, especially after coming into contact with someone who has a sore throat or is coughing or sneezing. If you have tonsillitis, try to stay away from others until it is no longer contagious.