Tonsillitis: Causes, Symptoms and Management

 

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, which are two small glands located at the back of the throat. It can be caused by various factors, with infections being the most common cause. Know more about tonsilitis and its management by logging into DocTube.

Tonsillitis Causes

1. Viral Infections

The majority of tonsillitis cases are caused by viruses, such as the common cold virus (rhinovirus), influenza virus and adenovirus, among others (Alasmari, N.S.H., Bamashmous, R.O.M., Alshuwaykan, R.M.A., Alahmari, M.A.M., Alshahrani, A.A.M., Alqarni, S.A., Alhadlag, A.S., Alotaibi, F.A.A., Alassiri, A.S.A., Alnaji, A.A.H. and Alamri, S.O.R., 2017. Causes and treatment of tonsillitis. The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine, 69(8), pp.2975-2980). Viral tonsillitis typically resolves on its own without specific treatment.

2. Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections can also be some of the most common tonsillitis causes. The most common bacterial tonsillitis causes is Streptococcus pyogenes, which can result in a condition known as strep throat. Strep throat requires antibiotic treatment to prevent complications.

Group A Streptococcus (Strep Throat)

This bacterium is a frequent bacterial tonsillitis causes, and it requires prompt treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications like rheumatic fever (Georgalas, C.C., Tolley, N.S. and Narula, A., 2014. Tonsillitis. BMJ clinical evidence, 2014).

3. Other Bacterial Infections

Besides Streptococcus, bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus or Haemophilus influenzae can also be other tonsillitis causes. 

4. Fungal Infections

Although less common, but fungal infections, particularly candida can lead to tonsillitis, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems.

5. Allergies

Allergies, especially when they cause postnasal drip and chronic irritation of the throat, can contribute to inflammation of the tonsils. This is known as allergic tonsillitis.

6. Environmental Factors

Exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke or air pollution can irritate the throat and tonsils, potentially leading to inflammation.

7. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

When stomach acid flows back into the throat, it can cause irritation of the tonsils and throat, a condition sometimes referred to as reflux tonsillitis (Siupsinskiene, N., Katutiene, I., Jonikiene, V., Janciauskas, D. and Vaitkus, S., 2017. Helicobacter pylori in the tonsillar tissue: a possible association with chronic tonsillitis and laryngopharyngeal reflux. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology, 131(6), pp.549-556).    

8. Tonsillar Stones

Tonsillar stones, also known as tonsilloliths, can form in the crevices of the tonsils. They consist of trapped food particles, mucus and bacteria and can cause discomfort and inflammation.

9. Environmental Factors

Cold weather and exposure to cold or dry air may also increase the risk of developing tonsillitis, as they can contribute to a weakened immune response.

Tonsillitis Symptoms

1. Sore Throat

A sore throat is often the first and most noticeable tonsillitis symptoms. It can be mild to severe and may worsen when swallowing.

2. Difficulty Swallowing

Swallowing can become painful and difficult due to the swollen and inflamed tonsils.

3. Fever

Tonsillitis is often accompanied by a fever, which can range from low-grade to high, depending on the severity of the infection.

4. Swollen Tonsils

The tonsils are two oval-shaped glands at the back of the throat. During tonsillitis, they become enlarged and may have a red or yellowish appearance (Lindbæk, M., Høiby, E.A., Lermark, G., Steinsholt, I.M. and Hjortdahl, P., 2005. Clinical symptoms and signs in sore throat patients with large colony variant β-haemolytic streptococci groups C or G versus group A. British Journal of General Practice, 55(517), pp.615-619). In severe cases, they can almost touch each other in the middle of the throat. These are other common tonsillitis symptoms. 

5. White or Yellow Patches

Bacterial tonsillitis, especially streptococcal tonsillitis, can cause white or yellow patches or streaks on the tonsils.

6. Tender Neck Glands

The lymph nodes in the neck may become swollen and tender in response to the infection.

7. Headache

Many individuals with tonsillitis experience headaches, which can be caused by the infection or fever.

8. Ear Pain

Pain in the ears can occur because the tonsils and ears share some nerves.

9. Bad Breath

Foul-smelling breath is another common tonsillitis symptoms. This can result from the accumulation of bacteria and debris in the throat.

10. Coughing

A persistent dry and hacking cough can be other tonsillitis symptoms particularly when postnasal drip occurs.

11. Fatigue

Feeling tired and lethargic is common when the body is fighting an infection.

12. Voice Changes

Some people may notice changes in their voice, such as sudden hoarseness.

Management of Tonsilitis 

The management of tonsillitis depends on its underlying cause, which can be viral or bacterial. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Effective management usually includes the following:

1. See a Healthcare Professional

If you suspect you have tonsillitis or experience symptoms like a sore throat, difficulty swallowing or fever, it is crucial to see a doctor. They will perform a physical examination and may take throat swabs or other diagnostic tests to determine the cause.

2. Rest 

Get plenty of rest to help your body fight off the infection and recover more quickly (Windfuhr, J.P., Toepfner, N., Steffen, G., Waldfahrer, F. and Berner, R., 2016. Clinical practice guideline: tonsillitis I. Diagnostics and nonsurgical management. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 273, pp.973-987).  Avoid strenuous physical activity and try to stay home to prevent spreading the infection to others.

3. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas and clear broths. Staying hydrated helps soothe the throat and prevents dehydration, especially if you have a fever.

4. Pain Relief

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce pain and fever. Follow the recommended dosages on the label and consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns, especially when giving these medications to children.

5. Gargle with Warm Salt Water

Gargling with warm salt water can provide relief by reducing throat inflammation and soothing discomfort. Mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and use it for gargling.

6. Avoid Irritants

Avoid exposure to irritants like tobacco smoke and air pollution, which can worsen throat irritation.

7. Antibiotics

If your tonsillitis is caused by bacteria, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics (Bartlett, A., Bola, S. and Williams, R., 2015. Acute tonsillitis and its complications: an overview. Journal of the Royal Naval Medical Service, 101(1). It is essential to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start feeling better before finishing the medication.

8. Surgical Options

In some cases of recurrent or severe tonsillitis, or when complications occur, a healthcare provider may recommend a tonsillectomy, which is the surgical removal of the tonsils. This procedure is generally considered when other treatments have not been effective or when there is a risk of complications.

 

What to eat when suffering from tonsillitis?

 

   

While suffering from tonsillitis, it is important to consume foods that are soft and easy to swallow such as mashed potato, stews, cooked pasta, cooked vegetables, soups, scrambled eggs, smoothes and noodles.

 

 

How to heal from tonsillitis fast?

 

   

Take enough rest. Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hard food items. Gargle with saltwater. Take medicated lozenges and warm tea with honey