Tonsillitis is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the tonsils. Tonsils are small masses of lymphatic tissue located bilaterally on the lateral wall of the pharynx. Tonsils play a key role in protecting the immune system during childhood. More specifically, they act as the first line of defense against pathogenic microorganisms that enter the body through the mouth and nose. The cells that form the basic defense shield are the lymphocytes, as they help to detect the pathogenic microorganisms that are trapped in the tonsils. These cells then push the immune system to produce the appropriate antibodies to fight the respective pathogenic microorganism. However, although the tonsils is at their peak by age 4, after that they progressively atrophy and their role in adulthood is relatively insignificant.
Tonsillitis: Causes
The main cause of tonsillitis is infection by some pathogenic microorganism. Initially, viral infections are a common cause of tonsillitis, with adenovirus, rhinovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and parainfluenza virus being among the most common viruses. that cause the condition. The most common cause of the condition, of course, is infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Infections with other types of streptococcus, pneumococcus, hemolytic corynebacterium, or other bacteria have also been implicated in many cases of tonsillitis. Depending on the nature of the pathogenic microorganism responsible for the infection, tonsillitis is divided into viral and bacterial.
In general, inflammation of the tonsils is particularly common during childhood, especially during 5-6 years, while cases of the condition are rare in newborns and adults. Both viral and bacterial infections are highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets that are transmitted by sneezing, coughing or sneezing. This fact explains the frequency of cases of tonsillitis, especially in the school environment.
Symptoms and complications of tonsils inflammation
The nature and intensity of tonsillitis symptoms varies, depending on whether the condition is due to a viral or bacterial infection. If tonsillitis is caused by a virus, symptoms include throat irritation, dysphagia, runny nose, malaise and fever, and in some cases, swollen lymph nodes or laryngitis. If the cause of the tonsillitis is a bacterial infection, the symptoms are more severe, with high fever and chills, persistent sore throat accompanied by difficulty swallowing, bad breath, headaches, hoarseness, severe fatigue, swollen lymph nodes and salivation. This inflammation also causes visible redness and swelling of the tonsils, while sometimes white or yellow spots can be found on their surface that indicate the presence of pus. In this case, it is acute purulent tonsillitis, which needs special and immediate attention.
Although viral tonsillitis is generally mild and carries no risk of complications, the same is not true of the bacterial form of this inflammation. The streptococcus bacterium that usually causes bacterial tonsillitis may initially contribute, through the toxins it produces, to scarlet fever. There is also a risk of developing additional worrisome conditions, such as rheumatic fever and poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. Finally, inflammation of the tonsils of bacterial origin may cause the collection of pus either around the affected tonsil (peritonsillar abscess), or on the sides of the pharynx (plagiopharyngeal abscess).
Diagnosis of tonsils inflammation
The diagnosis of tonsillitis is usually made through a thorough evaluation by an ENT surgeon. More specifically, the patient’s medical history is taken and a clinical examination is carried out to investigate the type and severity of the inflammation and to assess the size and morphological characteristics of the tonsils, which is carried out intraorally using a special lens. The neck is also palpated to detect any swelling of the neck lymph nodes. The nasal and ear cavities are examined at the same time to highlight any coexisting infection. Blood tests or a throat swab may be needed to find out the cause of the tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis: Treatment
If a bacterial infection is confirmed, antibiotics are usually prescribed for a period of 10 days to eradicate the bacteria responsible for the condition. Analgesic medications are also particularly helpful in relieving discomfort and fever. Adequate hydration, rest, eating soft, easy-to-swallow foods, and gargling with saline or a topical antiseptic agent are also key components of managing acute bacterial tonsillitis. However, in cases of recurrent tonsillitis combined with the presence of other problems, surgery to remove the tonsils may be considered via a procedure called tonsillectomy. If a peritonsillar abscess is also found, the need for tonsillectomy is immediate to avoid complications. Tonsillectomy is performed by opening the mucous membrane near the tonsil and carefully removing it on both sides. ENT Surgeon in Athens Dr. Olga Papadopoulou successfully performs this procedure, applying the most modern techniques.