Tonsillitis - an acute inflammation of the tonsils
Tonsillitis, also called acute purulent inflammation of the tonsils, is a very common disease, especially in children. A complication of tonsillitis is a peritonsillar abscess, which forms between the tonsil and the wall of the throat if the infection spreads from the infected tonsil to the surrounding area. Tonsillitis can occur at any age, but is most common in children and can recur several times.
Symptoms
Symptoms of tonsillitis are:
- a sore throat;
- swelling of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat;
- difficulty opening the mouth;
- pain when swallowing;
- difficulty swallowing, which may lead to uncontrollable salivation;
- hoarse or no voice;
- bad breath;
- unilateral or bilateral earache;
- headache and feeling tired;
- shortness of breath;
- high temperature.
Causes of tonsillitis
Tonsillitis can be caused by both viral and bacterial infections. The most common causes of tonsillitis are Hemophilus influenzae and hemolytic streptococcus group beta. If tonsillitis is poorly or improperly treated, a serious complication such as peritonsillar abscess develops.
Prevention of tonsillitis
One of the best ways to prevent tonsillitis is to reduce the risk of developing it. This can be accomplished by avoiding close contact with patients with tonsillitis caused by bacteria or viral infection. It is also important to wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap. Don't share things with sick people, and don't use their glasses or personal belongings.
Smoking cigarettes can also increase your risk of developing tonsillitis so if you smoke, it's best to quit. Antibiotic treatment for sore throat (inflammation of the tonsils) caused by a viral infection does not significantly reduce the risk of developing tonsillitis, so the use of antibiotics in such cases is not recommended.
Risk factors
Factors that increase the risk of developing tonsillitis after a sore throat:
- diabetes;
- an immune system that cannot fight infections effectively, for example, if you have AIDS.
When should I see a doctor?
If you or your child has symptoms of sore throat, you should always see a doctor. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms and examine your throat and tonsils. The tonsils are lumps of tissue in the back of the mouth and top of the throat. Timely diagnosis and prompt treatment of a sore throat is very important to prevent the spread of infection, as well as to prevent serious complications such as difficulty breathing.
Treatment of tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is treated with a combination of medications and surgery.
Medications, antibiotics - a course of antibiotics is needed to treat the infection. Antibiotics are administered intravenously, this method is much more effective than taking antibiotics in tablet form.
Surgery - in case of recurrent tonsillitis, antibiotics alone are ineffective and surgery is required.
Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy involves surgery to remove the tonsils.. These are two small tonsils located in the throat, behind the tongue. Tonsillectomy is recommended for complicated tonsillitis or sore throat.
Hospital treatment
Depending on the severity of the infection, you may need to spend a few days in the hospital and receive treatment. During this time, you will be given medicines and fluids through an IV. After you are discharged from the hospital, you will need to rest at home for 1 week. You may need to take antibiotics and painkillers at home.
