Tonsillitis or tonsillitis is usually visually noticeable by the clearly visible, swollen or reddened and inflamed palatine tonsils. It thus represents an inflammation of the tonsils in the throat. Most often, tonsillitis occurs in the context of angina tonsillaris or tonsillitis acuta.
What is tonsillitis?
The distinctive difficulty swallowing and a swollen throat are particularly valid signs of tonsillitis. Tonsillitis can be both a symptom of various diseases. Most commonly, it is known to occur with angina tonsillaris or tonsillitis acuta. Therefore, tonsillitis itself is often used as a synonym for angina tonsillaris. However, this article will focus on tonsillitis as a symptom. More information about angina tonsillaris can be found here: Angina tonsillaris. Especially the prominent difficulty in swallowing and a swollen throat are valid signs of tonsillitis. In addition to acute tonsillitis, which quickly subsides with its accompanying illness, there is also chronic tonsillitis (tonsillitis chronica). In this case, the palatine tonsils are constantly inflamed.
Causes
As noted, tonsillitis most commonly occurs with angina tonsillaris or tonsillitis acuta. The causative pathogens are often bacteria (streptococci, pneumococci, Haemophilus influenzae, staphylococci) and more rarely viruses. Mostly tonsillitis occurs in children and adolescents, because in childhood and adolescence the tonsils are particularly responsible for the formation of a strong immune system. Likewise, children and adolescents are particularly at risk of tonsillitis if their general condition or immune system is weakened (including stress). If tonsillitis occurs more frequently, it can lead to chronic tonsillitis. Bacteria then deposit dead cells on the mucous membranes of the tonsils and the inflammation cannot recede normally. Surgical removal of the tonsils may then become appropriate, although this form of tonsillitis is usually harmless.
Diseases with this symptom
- Angina tonsillaris
- Pharyngitis
- Scarlet fever
- Chronic tonsillitis
- Pfeiffer’s glandular fever
- Diphtheria
Diagnosis and course
If the adenoids are enlarged, reddened and the patient complains of pain in this area, the doctor will diagnose tonsillitis. If the disease is accompanied by yellowish spots (stippling) on the tonsils, swollen lymph glands in the neck, and moderate or even high fever, this indicates an already advanced stage. In order to determine the pathogen (viral or bacterial), the physician will, if necessary, perform a smear test. The course of the disease depends on the underlying disease, the treatment and the constitution of the patient: As a rule, tonsillitis heals without consequences in the course of a week. Those who are prone to recurrences in this area should consult their physician about appropriate countermeasures.
Complications
Some complications may occur in the setting of tonsillitis. Even though it is a common condition that almost everyone goes through at least once in their life, tonsillitis should not be considered harmless. If bacterial tonsillitis is present, there is a risk that the bacteria will enter the blood, leading to sepsis (“blood poisoning“). Furthermore, it is possible that the bacteria are transported via the blood to other organs, especially the kidneys and the heart, and lead to inflammation there. Thus, both kidney and heart muscle inflammation are possible complications that can occur in the course of tonsillitis. After a tonsillitis caused by streptococci, rheumatic fever can also occur. Numerous organs are involved in this systemic disease. Moreover, an abscess]] in the area of the tissue surrounding the palatine tonsils, the so-called [peritonsillar abscess]], may occur. This is the most common complication of tonsillitis. In addition, peritonsillar abscess is often accompanied by inflammatory lockjaw, in which the mouth can be opened only slightly. Retropharyngeal abscess and cervical phlegmon are also possible complications of tonsillitis.However, it is usually assumed that no complications will occur if the condition is treated medically.
When should you go to the doctor?
Tonsillitis is a medical condition that should definitely be examined by a doctor. At the same time, tonsillitis occurs in conjunction with various medical conditions, but they can be effectively controlled and contained with appropriate medications. Among the said clinical pictures are headaches, fever, a general malaise or even chills. Anyone who completely forgoes medical and drug treatment at this point runs a very high risk. The above symptoms can worsen considerably, so that a visit to the doctor is unavoidable. However, those who take advantage of appropriate treatment can treat the respective clinical pictures very well and effectively. Within a short time, a significant improvement should occur. In general, tonsillitis should be treated by the patient’s own family doctor at the first signs. Only with treatment and the appropriate medication can possible complications be avoided. Who renounces it, must count on substantial complaints and aggravations. Under certain circumstances, even the food intake can be significantly restricted, since tonsillitis causes severe difficulty in swallowing.
Treatment and therapy
First of all, the doctor must determine what type of tonsillitis is present. Any further treatment will then be based on this.
Treatment of acute tonsillitis
Here, the doctor examines the inside of the mouth or throat. If the doctor finds swollen and reddened palatine tonsils, which are well covered by pus coatings, it can usually be assumed that the patient has acute tonsillitis. Further palpation of the neck usually reveals pain in the lymph nodes, which is also a clear indication of acute tonsillitis. Sometimes the tongue is also coated and the palate reddened. A throat swab for a more detailed examination of the pathogens can provide further information if chronic tonsillitis is suspected. To cure it, fever-reducing and pain-relieving medication is then administered. Home remedies such as calf compresses or warm neck compresses also help. Only soft or liquid food should be eaten. In addition, cold drinks or ice can be helpful and often please the little patient. However, avoid acidic drinks such as juices, as they only irritate the throat unnecessarily. Herbal tea and water are absolutely sufficient. If necessary, the doctor will also prescribe gargle preparations that have a disinfecting effect. Medicines with natural active ingredients of sage and chamomile have proved particularly effective.
Treatment of chronic tonsillitis
In chronic tonsillitis, the tonsils on the palate are often scarred. They are either greatly enlarged or greatly reduced in size. If pressure is applied to the tonsils, pus or pus-like secretions may come out. In any case, the doctor should take a smear of the pus to determine the exact pathogens and antibodies. Further treatment usually involves surgical removal of the tonsils.
Outlook and prognosis
In most cases, tonsillitis can be treated without surgery and progresses without further complications. The inflammation itself also swells on its own within a few days without additional treatment. The patient often suffers from a sore throat, which makes the intake of food and fluids very difficult. In this case, painkillers and sore throat remedies can be used. If tonsillitis is relatively advanced and does not disappear on its own, a visit to the doctor is advisable. It can also be treated with the help of antibiotics. If the infection occurred due to viruses and not bacteria, antibiotics cannot treat tonsillitis. If the tonsils are greatly enlarged due to the infection, shortness of breath may occur. This should be taken care of especially in children, because tonsils of children in ordinary condition are already relatively large. In most cases, tonsillitis can be controlled very quickly with timely treatment and does not lead to further complications or discomfort.
Prevention
A healthy immune system is the best prevention against tonsillitis.This is best obtained through plenty of exercise in nature, sports and a healthy diet. Avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol. Take saunas more often.
This is what you can do yourself
Tonsillitis is annoying, but not life-threatening. The patient should follow the dull, battered feeling and rest, preferably at home in bed. School, study or work will have to wait, because concentration is not good anyway and the added stress can make tonsillitis last longer than absolutely necessary. Since tonsillitis often results in a fever, sufficient fluids are important during this time. Oily herbal teas such as sage or chamomile are good to swallow. They also have a disinfecting effect and are therefore more suitable than water or other drinks. Since the throat dries out quickly during tonsillitis and it is also not possible to drink all the time, sugar-free herb-based throat lozenges are recommended. Herbal candies also contain effective oils that keep the throat well moistened and prevent it from drying out painfully. Something may be taken for fever and headache in tonsillitis, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. It is not advisable to take cold remedies, because they actually make the patient feel better – better than he should. This only tempts one to try harder than is really good in the current physical condition. Home remedies such as onion or curd compresses, wrapped around the neck for a short time, are better.
