The palatine tonsils, colloquially only called almonds, are located laterally in the back of the mouth and throat. They can be seen when the mouth is wide open. Both palatine tonsils are inflamed in acute palatine tonsillitis.
They are painfully swollen, reddened and covered with typical yellow-white coatings. Tonsillitis can affect anyone, but it occurs mainly in children and young adults. Acute tonsillitis of the palate is distinguished from chronic tonsillitis, which usually causes fewer symptoms.
Causes of tonsillitis of the palate
An acute inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis) is caused by infections with bacteria or viruses. Among the bacteria, type A streptococci often cause tonsillitis. This is called tonsillar or streptococcal angina.
The term angina means narrowness/tightness. Angina tonsillaris describes the feeling of tightness in the throat caused by the swelling of the tonsils. Less frequently, other bacteria, such as pneumococci, staphylococci or Haemophilus influenzae, cause tonsillitis of the palate.
The development of palatine tonsillitis is favored by a weakened immune system. Tonsilitis can also be associated with other diseases.
- Scarlet fever is a disease transmitted by droplet infection and caused by A-streptococci. The infection affects the whole body and tonsillitis is an accompanying symptom.
- Diseases that are triggered by viruses, such as Pfeiffer’s glandular fever (Epstein-Barr virus) or herpangina (Coxsackie A virus) also cause tonsillitis in the course of the disease.
- Inflammation of the palatal tonsils can also occur in the context of tuberculosis, syphilis, leukemia, diphtheria or in the case of the soorangina due to fungi (Candida albicans).
Diagnosis
One often recognizes an inflammation of the tonsils very quickly due to the typical symptoms. Swollen and reddened palatine tonsils as well as pus coatings on the tonsils are signs of an acute palatine tonsilitis. The doctor can confirm the suspicion with a look in the mouth.
Occasionally the palatal arches and the tongue are also covered with pus. When the lymph nodes in the neck area are palpated, they are often swollen. An inflammation of the tonsils of the palate can be detected early by the family doctor or ear, nose and throat doctor with a few examinations.
