WHAT IS TONSILLITIS? SYMPTOMS, CAUSES & TREATMENT

Tonsils are small but very crucial formations at the back of the throat and are considered one of the first defenses toward any infection in the body. They contain immune cells that counter germs coming from the mouth and nose. They have an important role to play in early childhood since they help in immunization, but these structures sometimes could do more harm than good and result in having a problem, like causing inflammation of the tonsils, which are known as tonsillitis and can turn out to be a real problem. This inflammation can cause persistent issues and sometimes becomes a hassle that is difficult to cope with and hence requires surgical aid by removal of the tonsils or tonsillectomy.  

If your child frequently complains about sore throat and swallowing issues, along with other symptoms that we will explain in this blog, then you should learn more about this condition, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. We will elaborate all the information for you on tonsils, tonsillitis, and their proper management with or without surgical intervention so that appropriate measures are timely taken for the well-being of your child.

Tonsils are two tiny, pinky masses of lymphoid tissue (immune cells) present on either side of the back of the throat. They are a vital component of the immune system, which serves as the body’s first line of defense against pathogens and generates antibodies to combat infections.

Why Are Tonsils Important for My Child?

Tonsils play a crucial role in protecting the body from infections in young children. They aid in stopping the spread of dangerous viruses and bacteria to the blood and the whole body. The tonsils become less necessary as children get older because other immune system components replace this function.

What is Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become inflamed due to bacterial or viral infections. It can manifest either for a few days, called acute tonsillitis, or last longer, called chronic tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis Causes:

•  Bacterial infections, which are most frequently brought on by the Streptococcus bacteria and known as strep throat.
• Viral infections, which can cause tonsillitis as well but are less severe than the bacterial ones.

Symptoms of Tonsillitis:

Symptoms of tonsillitis may include:

1. Fever and chills
2. Sore throat and difficulty swallowing
3. Ear pain
4. Headache
5. Swollen lymph nodes; tenderness of the jaw and neck
6. Bad breath
7. Red, swollen tonsils with or without white or yellow dots on the tonsils

Types of Tonsillitis:

1. Acute Tonsillitis: This is the most common type, particularly among young children. It lasts less than 10 days and usually clears up with home treatment. Antibiotics may be needed in certain cases with bacterial infection as advised by the doctor.
2. Chronic Tonsillitis: Symptoms last longer than acute tonsillitis but in milder form, often including persistent sore throat, bad breath, and swollen lymph nodes for over 3 months. Chronic tonsillitis may also cause tonsil stones. They are debris of pathogens, food particles, and pus that hardens in the tonsils and mostly require removal.
3. Recurrent Tonsillitis: Defined as having tonsillitis 6–7 times in one year, or more than 3 times per year over multiple years. Genetics or an insufficient immune response to group A streptococcus may contribute to recurrent tonsillitis.

When to see a Tonsillitis specialist?

Consult a doctor if you or your child develops:

• A fever over 103°F (39.5°C)
• Body aches and muscle weakness
• Stiff or tender neck or neck lumps
• Sore throat that lasts longer than two days
• Difficulty breathing due to a swollen throat (rare but requires immediate medical attention)

Complications of Tonsillitis:

• Repeated infections like frequent sore throats and fevers that may spread to the blood and other organs in the body
• Large tonsils, which affect both the airway and the food pipe, cause breathing or swallowing difficulties, snoring, or sleep apnea
• Tonsil stones, which cause bad breath and interfere with normal swallowing
• Abscesses (painful, swollen areas next to the tonsils) that may persist and cause systemic problems due to bacterial spread.

Diagnosis of Tonsillitis:

Tonsillitis diagnosis depends basically on physical examination and medical history, often combined with throat cultures or blood tests to determine the cause of the infection.

Treatment Options for Tonsillitis:

• Mild Cases: Viral tonsillitis usually disappears on its own and may not require treatment.
• Bacterial Infections: Antibiotics are given to cure bacterial tonsillitis.
• Tonsillectomy: A tonsil removal surgery, recommended in chronic or recurrent tonsillitis or when complications like abscesses or tonsil stones arise.

Home Remedies for Tonsillitis:

The following home remedies can be useful for the relief of symptoms of acute tonsillitis or as supportive therapies recommended by doctors. However, they should not replace initial therapy.

• Take as much fluid as possible to keep you hydrated and soothe the throat.
• Rest as much as possible to let the body recover.
• Gargle with warm water multiple times a day to minimize throat irritation.
• Take throat lozenges to numb the throat and minimize discomfort.
• Lick popsicles or frozen desserts to numb the throat and minimize swelling.
• Run a humidifier to wet the air and soothe throat irritation.
• Avoid smoke and irritants to minimize further inflammation of the throat.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and fever.

Indications for When Tonsillectomy is Necessary:

A tonsillectomy is possible if your child has:

• Persistent tonsillitis (5 or more episodes a year).
• Breathing or sleep apnea due to inflamed tonsils.
• Persistent ear infections due to inflamed tonsils or infections that do not improve with medicine.
• Persistent tonsil stones or abscesses.

Tonsillectomy Procedure:

• The operation is done under general anesthesia so your child will be asleep.
• The tonsils are removed by mouth with a hot instrument called a Coblator. No cuts or stitches are required.
• The procedure is usually performed in 20-30 minutes.

Risks of Tonsillectomy

• Tonsil surgery is very safe, but there is always some risk with any surgery. The main risks are bleeding and infection.
• Anesthesia Reactions: Some reactions to anesthesia medications will be discussed with the anesthesiologist.
• Dehydration: If swallowing is painful.

Conclusion:

Although tonsils are vital for keeping the body from becoming infected during childhood, in certain conditions, they can potentially cause more problems.

If your kid is experiencing issues like recurrent fever, sleep apnea, or sore throat, take them to see an ENT surgeon and have them assessed to determine the best possible treatment. The doctor will recommend home remedies, medication, or tonsillectomy, as per your child’s condition that leads them towards recovery. 

At Reem Hospital, we provide the highest quality treatments and personalized care for tonsillitis and similar conditions so your child can grow healthier and happier at the same time.