Introduction
When we talk about the tonsils that can be seen on both sides of the throat behind the tongue, we mean the palatine tonsils (Tonsillae palatinae). They are lymphatic organs and together with the other tonsils (e.g. the pharyngeal tonsil, tonsilla pharyngea) form the lymphatic pharyngeal ring. They serve to recognize pathogens in the mouth and throat area early and prepare the immune system for them.
Puss on the tonsils, for example, often occurs in the course of tonsillitis. This is known as tonsillitis or angina tonsillaris; the tonsils turn red and swell up. In addition, there are white spots of pus on the tonsils or they are completely festered.
Pus is usually a yellowish liquid with a variable consistency and is always a sign of an inflammatory reaction of the body. It is a mass of dead white blood cells (usually neutrophil granulocytes, a subspecies of leukocytes). Pus, with a few exceptions, is actually always a sign of an infection caused by bacteria.
Causes
Pus is in most cases a sign of a bacterial infection, but tonsillitis is usually caused by viruses. In the case of viral tonsillitis, there is initially no pus on the tonsils. However, if the infection is so severe that the immune function of the tonsils is weakened, bacteria (e.g. pneumococci or streptococci) can spread and grow in the mouth and throat area.
Other causes of tonsillitis can also be Pfeiffer’s glandular fever or scarlet fever, both of which are infectious diseases. White chunks on the tonsils do not necessarily have to be pus, they can also be almond stones. These are formed in the furrows of the almonds and are then expelled into the oral cavity.
Almond stones are not harmful, but can easily be confused with tonsillitis, but then the almonds are not reddened and swollen. Almond stones can be a cause of bad breath. or amygdala
Diagnosis
For diagnosis, the doctor examines the mouth, nose and throat area. Swollen and reddened tonsils covered with pus are a relatively safe indication of tonsillitis. The doctor palpates the throat for swollen and pain-sensitive lymph nodes.
In addition, the doctor can take a throat swab with a long cotton swab, so that the responsible pathogens can be precisely identified in the laboratory or by means of a quick test. Pfeiffer’s glandular fever is diagnosed by detecting Epstein-Barr virus antibodies and an elevated leukocyte count in the blood. Scarlet fever can be differentiated because, in addition to the inflamed, purulent tonsils, an inflammation and reddening of the entire throat area and a red discolored tongue with white spots (strawberry tongue) occur. In addition, one develops a skin rash. The detection of streptococci that cause scarlet fever consolidates the diagnosis.
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