Almonds are part of the immune system, and the first line of defense for the respiratory system, as they protect it from viruses and bacteria reaching it. They can also manufacture various antibodies, but what happens if they are infected with these germs?

What is tonsillitis?

It is an infection that affects the tonsils, which are located in the back of the throat, and act as a filter or filter to prevent bacteria or germs from entering the airway and respiratory system.

Sometimes, germs overtake and infect the tonsils, causing them to become swollen, swollen, and inflamed.

يمكنك قراءة What is the treatment for tonsil pus in children and when is inflammation dangerous?

What are the types of tonsillitis?

There are three types of tonsillitis:

• Acute tonsillitis, which lasts for approximately 4-15 days, depending on the patient’s general health and immunity.
• Recurrent inflammation, which occurs when the tonsils become infected repeatedly, up to 7 or more times during one year.
• Chronic tonsillitis, which occurs when the tonsils become infected for a long time.

What is the treatment for tonsillitis?

Treatment for tonsillitis depends on the cause of the infection. If it is bacterial, doctors will prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers, and the patient will often feel better within a few days.

If the cause is viral, antibiotics will not help fight or eliminate the infection, so doctors will advise some instructions that must be adhered to until the infection is completely healed, including the following:

1. Drink warm liquids in addition to water, in order to relieve sore throat and its pain, because dehydration increases it.
2. Take enough rest and try to sleep enough hours during the day.
3. Gargle with warm salt water to relieve inflammation and disinfect the throat.
4. Take pain relievers, such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen.
5. Sucking lozenges 2 to 3 times daily as directed by your doctor.

If the inflammation is chronic or recurrent, the doctor may resort to surgical, endoscopic, or laser removal of the tonsils in order to avoid complications, such as:

• انقطاع التنفس في أثناء النوم.
• صعوبة التنفس.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• A severe abscess or pus that is difficult to treat.
• Tonsil cellulitis, where the infection spreads to the surrounding tissues, and this may lead to the accumulation of pus behind the tonsils

Book your consultation now at قسم الأنف والأذن والحنجرة At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.

What are the causes of tonsillitis?

The main cause of tonsillitis is viral infection, with an incidence of approximately 70%, but it may also occur as a result of bacterial infection.

He knows Tonsillitis Bacterial sore throat, usually caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria.

Is tonsillitis contagious?

Yes, tonsillitis is an infectious disease, as bacteria or viruses are transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person through the following cases:

1. Kissing the infected person.
2. Sharing the infected person’s tools without washing or sterilizing them, such as: spoons or plates.
3. Touching a surface contaminated with bacteria or viruses, such as door handles and phone screens, and then touching the mouth and nose afterwards.
4. Inhaling air laden with viruses or bacteria after an infected person sneezes or coughs.

What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?

Viral tonsillitis is usually less serious than bacterial tonsillitis, but the following symptoms generally occur with both types:

1. Swollen and swollen tonsils.
2. Inflammation and redness of the tonsils.
3. Feeling pain in the throat.
4. Feeling itchy in the throat.
5. The appearance of white, yellow, or gray spots or layer on the almonds.
6. High body temperature.
7. Painful blisters or ulcers appear in the throat and around the tonsils.
8. صداع.
9. Loss of appetite and difficulty swallowing food.
10. Feeling pain in the ear.
11. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or jaw.
12. رائحة فم كريهة.
13. Stomach pain or vomiting. These signs usually appear in children and teenagers.

In the end, treatment for tonsillitis depends on the cause of the infection, so you must go to: Ear, nose and throat doctor To conduct the appropriate examination and take a throat swab to determine the virus or bacteria causing the infection so that he can develop a treatment plan appropriate to the patient’s condition and general health, thus accelerating the healing process and recovery from this health problem.

الاسئلة الشائعة : 

How do I know if tonsillitis is bacterial or viral?

Distinguishing between bacterial and viral tonsillitis is important to determine the appropriate treatment for tonsillitis. The main signs of each type include the following:

• Bacterial tonsillitis is characterized by a sudden fever of 38.3°C or higher without coughing or sneezing, with white spots or pus on the tonsils, swollen lymph nodes in the neck with pain on palpation, severe throat pain that makes it difficult to swallow, and bad breath.
• While the symptoms of viral tonsillitis resemble a cold, such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, with hoarseness, with a mild fever or without fever, redness of the tonsils without pus, and red eyes or conjunctivitis. 

When is tonsillitis dangerous?

In some cases, tonsillitis becomes serious, and the most prominent warning signs that indicate serious complications include the following:

• Difficulty breathing or a feeling of suffocation due to severe swelling of the tonsils.
• Inability to swallow, which may lead to severe dehydration.
• High temperature above 39°C with chills or cramps.
• Severe swelling of the neck or jaw, which may indicate a peritonsillar abscess or spreading infection.
• The appearance of a rash or joint pain.
• Dark urine or facial swelling.
• A stiff neck with fever may indicate meningitis.
• Delirium or mental confusion due to high fever.

المصادر والمراجع :

Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment – clevelandclinic

Tonsillitis and Peritonsillar Abscess Treatment & Management – medscape