Crucial Information on Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is the soreness of two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat on each side known as tonsils. Symptoms and signs of tonsillitis include inflamed tonsil, tender throat, difficulty swallowing and sore lymph nodes on the sides of the neck.

95 percent of tonsillitis cases are caused by infection with a common virus, but bacterial infections may also be responsible for the same.

Treatment of tonsillitis depends on the cause but it’s quintessential to get the right treatment. The most common way to treat tonsillitis is to surgically remove them but it’s usually performed when the condition occurs frequently, doesn’t respond to medications or causes serious complexities.

The indications of tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is very common these days and mainly seen in small children and the mid-teenage ones. Prevalent symptoms of tonsillitis include:

• Swollen tonsils. Looks red in color
• Whitish yellow patches on the tonsils
• Tender throat
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Fever
• Inflated, sore glands in the neck
• A very heavy, scratchy voice
• Foul smell from the mouth
• Pain in the stomach particularly in small children
• Headache 

In young children who are unable to describe their feelings, signs of tonsillitis may include:

• Salivating due to discomfort in swallowing
• Rejection to eat food
• Abnormal meticulousness

When to call up an ENT specialist

It’s significant to get the right kind of treatment and care for your kid if he/she shows the symptoms of tonsillitis. Call your medical professional if your loved one is encountering:

• A tender throat that doesn’t go away in 24 hours
• Swallowing becomes difficult
• Weakness, fatigue or tiredness 

What causes tonsillitis?

Besides common viruses, bacteria are also responsible for causing tonsillitis. The most common one is Streptococcus pyogenes. It causes the throat to strep.

Tonsils are immune system’s first line of defense against relentless viruses and bacteria. They form a shield to restrict the entry of such viruses. This may make tonsils vulnerable to infection and inflammation. Conversely, the fighting capabilities of tonsils reduce greatly as we age- a factor that accounts for lesser adults suffering from this disease. 

Liabilities associated with tonsillitis

Tonsillitis may include the following risk factors:

• Tonsillitis is common amongst younger age group such as small and younger children.
• Tonsillitis is a communicable disease. It can easily spread, especially when children come in contact with each other. Once exposed to viruses or bacteria, they become prone to tonsillitis. 

Complexities of tonsillitis

Inflammation of tonsils from regular tonsillitis can make way for following complications:

• Inability to breathe freely
• Sleep may be interrupted due to breathlessness
• Infection may spread deeper if not treated timely
• Possibility of formation of puss behind a tonsil

Preparing to meet ENT specialist

If your kid is experiencing a tender throat, difficulty swallowing or other symptoms related to tonsillitis, you may consult an ENT specialist at the earliest. He/she may be interested in knowing the evaluation of the disease, symptoms in detail and more.