Tonsillitis

One of the most common health problems associated with childhood is Tonsillitis, or inflammation and infection of the tonsils. With the advent of effective antibiotics, the need for surgery has been greatly reduced, except in cases of recurrent infections. Learn more about tonsils and tonsillectomy.

What are tonsils?

What are commonly referred to as Tonsils are the collections of lymph tissue on either side of the upper throat. These are the palatine tonsils. These are the tonsils that are responsible for tonsillitis and may be removed by tonsillectomy. There is a second set of tonsils called the lingual tonsils at the base of the tongue and a third set called adenoids in the nasopharynx.

What is the normal role of the tonsils?

Tonsils are a part of the body’s defence mechanism to fight infection.

Is tonsillitis and pharyngitis one and the same?

No, tonsillitis is the inflammation and infection of the tonsils, while pharyngitis is the inflammation of the throat.

What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis presents with fever, sore throat and pain on swallowing.

What are the causes of tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis may be due to infection by virus or bacteria. The same virus responsible for most infections of the respiratory tract can produce tonsillitis, that is, Influenza, Parainfluenza and Rhinovirus. Beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, Staphylococci, Pneumococci and Haemophilus are the bacteria usually responsible for bacterial infection of the tonsils. More serious infections like Diphtheria and Scarlet fever are not seen these days, with the advancement of medicine.

What is the treatment for tonsillitis?

Increased fluid intake, salt-water gargles and anti-inflammatory medicines can relieve the symptoms. Antibiotics are given for bacterial infections. If the doctor finds that there may be a resistance to mild antibiotics, stronger ones may be prescribed. Viral infections will not respond to antibiotics. Severe infections may require hospitalization.

What will happen if the tonsillitis is not treated?

Tonsillitis can lead to a very severe condition called peritonsillar abscess. This is a collection of pus caused by tissue death and breakdown of the white blood cells. The abscess can cause a swelling that could block the airway and interfere with breathing. The infection can also spread out of the tonsil and into the neck and chest. This could even be fatal. That is why it is important that a doctor should be consulted if tonsillitis is suspected.

What happens if the tonsillitis becomes chronic or recurrent?

If the tonsillitis recurs often, or becomes chronic and does not respond to medication, the doctor may advise tonsillectomy. This is the procedure by which the tonsils are removed surgically. Surgery may also be indicated as an emergency when the tonsils become very large and obstruct breathing. If a person is otherwise healthy and there are no complications, the doctor may discharge the patient within a day after the surgery. The tonsils heal by themselves in 7-10 days. There may be severe pain in the throat following surgery. This is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. Studies have shown that the removal of the tonsils does not affect the immune response of the body.

What are the possible complications of tonsillectomy?

The main complication of this surgery is that in 1-2% of cases, there may be severe bleeding at the site of surgery. This could happen soon after the surgery or a week later when the scar tissue comes off. This may require emergency surgical attention.