Synonyms
Angina tonsillaris signs, angina tonsillaris symptoms, tonsillitis symptoms
Definition
Tonsillitis is a painful inflammation of the palatal tonsils (tonsils) and the mucosa adjacent to them. The oral cavity is also an ideal habitat for a variety of bacterial pathogens in healthy people. With a balanced immune system, these bacteria are not harmful and do not cause infections.
However, if the immune system is severely impaired, for example by an infection of the respiratory tract, even normally harmless bacterial pathogens can take on pathogenic properties. In addition, bacteria from the environment can enter the body via the mouth and nose. In this way, the pathogens have to pass through the palatine tonsils, which are located in the pharynx immediately behind the lateral palatal arches.
The most important function of the palatine tonsils is the defense against bacterial and viral pathogens. For this reason, palatine tonsils are generally considered to be part of the lymphatic system. However, in people whose immune system is already severely weakened, the penetration of bacteria can usually only be insufficiently prevented.
The bacterial pathogens can then settle in the tissue of the palatine tonsils and multiply uncontrollably. As a result, the affected persons develop inflammatory processes that can be accompanied by pronounced symptoms (signs of tonsillitis). In classic tonsillitis, a distinction must be made between an acute and a chronic form.
Acute tonsillitis is usually transmitted by droplet infection, for example when coughing, sneezing, kissing or speaking. In the case of acute tonsillitis, whose signs can be very pronounced, it is often a viral infection. Nevertheless, the acute form of tonsillitis can also be caused by bacteria.
Patients who have acute tonsillitis notice the first signs within a few days of infection. Typical signs of acute tonsillitis are local swelling and redness on the back wall of the throat. In addition, a purulent secretion may be deposited on the inflamed pharyngeal tonsils.
Acute purulent tonsillitis is a highly infectious disease that requires prompt medical clarification. Otherwise, the typical signs of this disease may increase and/or complications may arise. One always speaks of a so-called chronic tonsillitis when the inflammation in the area of the palatine tonsils lasts for more than three months. In contrast to acute tonsillitis, the signs of chronic tonsillitis can be much more variable.