Contents
Overview
Inflamed tonsils
Inflamed tonsils
Tonsils are fleshy pads located at each side of the back of the throat .
tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, two egg-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat — one tonsil on each side. Signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include swollen tonsils, sensitive throat, difficulty swallow and tender lymph nodes on the sides of the neck.
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Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by infection with a common virus, but bacterial infections besides may cause tonsillitis .
Because allow treatment for tonsillitis depends on the lawsuit, it ‘s authoritative to get a prompt and accurate diagnosis. operating room to remove tonsils, once a common operation to treat tonsillitis, is normally performed entirely when tonsillitis occurs frequently, does n’t respond to other treatments or causes dangerous complications .
Symptoms
tonsillitis most normally affects children between preschool ages and the midteenage years. Common signs and symptoms of tonsillitis admit :
- Red, swollen tonsils
- White or yellow coating or patches on the tonsils
- Sore throat
- Difficult or painful swallowing
- Fever
- Enlarged, tender glands (lymph nodes) in the neck
- A scratchy, muffled or throaty voice
- Bad breath
- Stomachache
- Neck pain or stiff neck
- Headache
In young children who are unable to describe how they feel, signs of tonsillitis may include :
- Drooling due to difficult or painful swallowing
- Refusal to eat
- Unusual fussiness
When to see a doctor
It ‘s important to get an accurate diagnosis if your child has symptoms that may indicate tonsillitis .
Call your doctor if your child is experiencing :
- A sore throat with fever
- A sore throat that doesn’t go away within 24 to 48 hours
- Painful or difficult swallowing
- Extreme weakness, fatigue or fussiness
Get immediate care if your child has any of these signs :
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme difficulty swallowing
- Excessive drooling
Causes
tonsillitis is most often caused by common viruses, but bacterial infections besides can be the campaign .
The most coarse bacteria causing tonsillitis is Streptococcus pyogenes ( group A streptococcus ), the bacteria that causes streptococcus throat. other strains of streptococcal and other bacteria besides may cause tonsillitis .
Why do tonsils get infected?
The tonsils are the immune system ‘s first line of defensive structure against bacteria and viruses that enter your mouth. This function may make the tonsils particularly vulnerable to infection and inflammation. however, the tonsil ‘s immune arrangement routine declines after puberty — a agent that may account for the rare cases of tonsillitis in adults .
Risk factors
gamble factors for tonsillitis admit :
- Young age. Tonsillitis most often affects children, and tonsillitis caused by bacteria is most common in children ages 5 to 15.
- Frequent exposure to germs. School-age children are in close contact with their peers and frequently exposed to viruses or bacteria that can cause tonsillitis.
Complications
excitement or well of the tonsils from frequent or ongoing ( chronic ) tonsillitis can cause complications such as :
- Disrupted breathing during sleep (obstructive sleep apnea)
- Infection that spreads deep into surrounding tissue (tonsillar cellulitis)
- Infection that results in a collection of pus behind a tonsil (peritonsillar abscess)
Strep infection
If tonsillitis caused by group A streptococcus or another song of streptococcal bacteria is n’t treated or if antibiotic treatment is incomplete, your child has an increased risk of rare disorders such as :
- Rheumatic fever, a serious inflammatory condition that can affect the heart, joints, nervous system and skin
- Complications of scarlet fever, a streptococcal infection characterized by a prominent rash
- Inflammation of the kidney (poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis)
- Poststreptococcal reactive arthritis, a condition that causes inflammation of the joints
Prevention
The germs that cause viral and bacterial tonsillitis are catching. consequently, the best prevention is to rehearse good hygiene. Teach your child to :
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- Wash his or her hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after using the toilet and before eating
- Avoid sharing food, drinking glasses, water bottles or utensils
- Replace his or her toothbrush after being diagnosed with tonsillitis
To help your child prevent the spread of a bacterial or viral infection to others :
- Keep your child at home when he or she is ill
- Ask your doctor when it’s all right for your child to return to school
- Teach your child to cough or sneeze into a tissue or, when necessary, into his or her elbow
- Teach your child to wash his or her hands after sneezing or coughing