What is tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is an infection of the upper respiratory tract, more specifically, in the tonsils that are located on the side wall of the throat, between the roof of the mouth and the tongue.
What are the causes of tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis can be caused by viruses or bacteria, with viral tonsillitis being more common.
When the infection is bacterial, the most common bacterium is Streptococcus pyogenes/ group A Streptococcus. In paediatric age, bacterial tonsillitis is more common between the ages of 5 and 15
.What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?
In the face of bacterial tonsillitis, the most common symptoms and signs are:
- high fever (39 – 40ºC)
- Odynophagia – sore throat when swallowing food, drink, or saliva
- presence of pus in the tonsils
- red, swollen tonsils
- nausea
- Vomiting
- abdominal pain
In the case of viral tonsillitis, it is common to experience:
- fever
- odynophagia/mild sore throat
- nasal congestion
- cough
- hoarseness
- diarrhea
- conjunctivitis
- vesicles in the mouth/throat
- presence of pus in the tonsils (less common than in bacterial tonsillitis)
How are these viruses or bacteria transmitted?
Tonsillitis can be spread person-to-person through direct contact with secretions from the throat or nose of infected people.
Propagation is more frequent in winter and spring. There are some conditions that facilitate the spread of the virus, namely, the presence in closed places and with large groups, such as schools and kindergartens.
Can tonsillitis progress to other complications?
yes. Sometimes, the viral or bacterial infection can progress and cause:
- acute otitis media
- mesenteric adenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes near the intestine)
- sinusitis
- abscess near the tonsils
- rheumatic fever
- acute glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney)
How can I prevent this infection?
There are some hygiene habits and behaviors that can help prevent tonsillitis, such as:
- Avoid close contact with individuals with tonsillitis or sore throat
- adopt respiratory etiquette – cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Wash your hands frequently
- Avoid sharing glasses, cutlery, water bottles, among other utensils for individual use
How is the diagnosis made?
The diagnosis of tonsillitis involves evaluating symptoms and observing the throat.
In addition, an oropharyngeal exudate test may also be requested, where secretions from the throat are collected with a swab for laboratory analysis.
What is the treatment of tonsillitis?
Treatment of tonsillitis differs depending on its cause, whether it is viral or bacterial.
In the case of viral infection, there is no specific treatment. The most important precautions are:
- Intake of plenty of fluids
- if necessary, taking medication aimed at the symptoms caused by the disease, for pain and fever relief
- Pain relief through: eating softer diet, cold food, gargling warm salt water (children over 6 years), sipping warm or cold tea with lemon and honey (honey only in children over 12 months)
In the case of bacterial infection, the precautions described above and treatment with antibiotics are recommended. These are always prescribed by a doctor and should be taken until the end of the days indicated by the doctor, even if the symptoms have already disappeared.
Does tonsillitis always need antibiotics?
Not always. Antibiotics should only be prescribed in case of bacterial infection, as their improper or excessive use in unnecessary cases favors the emergence of resistant organisms.
Can I have several tonsillitis in a row?
Yes, some people see a doctor for repeated episodes of tonsillitis.
Is bacterial tonsillitis a compulsory school avoidance disease?
yes. If tonsillitis is caused by group A Streptococcus, school avoidance should be maintained for up to 24 hours after starting treatment.
Source: Directorate-General for Health (DGS)