Tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils) (inflammation of the tonsils): symptoms, causes, medications, etc. & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis or what is often referred to as tonsillitis is inflammation and swelling that occurs in the tonsils. Inflammation is generally caused by viral and bacterial infections.

The tonsils are two oval shaped tissues found at the back of the throat. Respectively located on the left and right side of the throat. The tonsils are part of the lymphatic system that works to ward off infectious germs from entering the body.

Inflammation of the tonsils can be characterized by the characteristics of the tonsils that look red and swollen, but they are usually accompanied by symptoms of a sore throat and difficulty swallowing.

In most cases tonsillitis will heal within a few days, but it can also be chronic (more than 10 days) and recur many times.

How common is tonsillitis?

Inflammation of the tonsils can actually occur in patients of any age. However, most cases are found in children to adolescents, with patients with an average age of 5-15 years.

The size of the tonsils in children is larger than in adults. This is because the tonsils still play an important role in preventing disease infections in their infancy. As they get older, the tonsils will shrink in size.

Therefore, inflammation of the tonsils usually has more of an impact on the health of the child.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of tonsillitis?

Symptoms of tonsillitis generally begin to appear 2-4 days after you contract the disease. The most common features and symptoms of tonsillitis are:

• The tonsils appear red and swollen
• Sore throat
• Hoarse voice
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• Fever chills
• Swelling of the lymph glands

In pediatric patients, there may be additional symptoms such as fussiness, decreased appetite, and excess salivation.

If accompanied by signs such as red spots or rash on the skin, swollen tonsils can be associated with dengue fever.

However, the symptoms of tonsillitis can differ depending on the type. Based on how long the symptoms last, tonsillitis can be divided into 3 types, namely acute, chronic, and recurrent tonsillitis.

1. Acute tonsillitis

If signs and symptoms last for less than 10 days, this condition is considered acute tonsillitis. This condition is more common in children, but rarely occurs in children under 2 years of age.

The characteristics of acute tonsillitis include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain when swallowing
• Dehydration
• The lymph glands in the neck are slightly swollen
• Snoring or sleep apnea disorders
• The body is weak and tired
• Yellowish white patches on the tonsils

It is easier to treat acute tonsillitis even with home remedies.

However, in some cases sufferers may need antibiotic treatment. During treatment, the symptoms of tonsillitis will slowly disappear.

2. Chronic tonsillitis

If the symptoms of tonsillitis do not go away for more than 10 days, the condition is chronic tonsillitis. People with chronic tonsillitis experience more serious symptoms such as:

• Chronic laryngitis
• Bad breath
• Soft lumps in the neck due to swollen lymph nodes
• Pain in the jaw and neck due to swollen lymph nodes
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Tonsil stones, which are formed as a result of a buildup of cells, saliva, and food scraps in the cleft of the tonsils

3. Recurrent tonsillitis

Recurrent tonsillitis is usually characterized by the following characteristics:

• Sore throat or tonsils occur about 5-7 times in 1 year
• Inflammation of the tonsils occurs at least 5 times for 2 consecutive years, or 3 times for 3 consecutive years

Both chronic and recurrent tonsillitis that is severe enough sometimes require a tonsillectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils.

When should I see a doctor?

Although most cases of acute tonsillitis can be treated with home remedies, chronic and recurrent tonsillitis conditions require medical attention.

You should immediately check with an ear, nose, and throat specialist if you experience the following symptoms of tonsillitis:

• Fever above 39.5 ° C
• Muscle weakness
• Stiff neck
• Swelling of the neck, accompanied by redness
• Pain or difficulty swallowing
• Unable to open mouth (trismus)
• Difficulty breathing
• The voice changed

What are the complications caused by tonsillitis?

Inflammation of the tonsils that is allowed to get worse has the potential to lead to several complications of tonsillitis, such as:

• Difficulty breathing due to swollen tonsils
• Disturbed breathing during sleep (sleep apnea)
• Infection that spreads to the tissue around the tonsils (tonsil cellulitis)
• Peritonsil abscess or the formation of purulent sacs (abscesses) on the tonsils

In addition, if the inflammation of the tonsils is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria or other types of Streptococcus bacteria, the sufferer is at risk of experiencing quite rare complications of tonsillitis, such as:

• Rheumatic fever, inflammation that occurs in the heart, joints, and other tissues.
• Post-infectious glomerulonephritis, inflammation of the kidneys that causes abnormalities in the disposal of metabolic waste in the body.

Cause

What causes tonsillitis?

The tonsils are the first bastion of your body's defenses. This organ produces white blood cells which are responsible for fighting bacterial and viral infections that enter through the mouth or nose. However, this organ is also susceptible to infection from these pathogens and causes inflammation.

Tonsillitis is a contagious disease. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, 70 percent of strep throat cases are caused by a viral infection, but the cause can also come from a bacterial infection that causes strep throat.

1. Viral infection

The virus causing tonsillitis is the same type of virus that causes the cold or flu. Some of the most common types of viruses that cause tonsillitis are:

• Adenovirus
• Influenza
• Parainfluenza
• Enterovirus
• Mycoplasma

Children and adolescents infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which causes glandular fever (mononucleosis), will inevitably experience tonsillitis.

However, it is possible that other types of viruses can also cause this disease, such as Hepatitis A and HIV.

2. Bacterial infection

Apart from viruses, bacteria can also trigger tonsillitis. About 15-30 percent of tonsillitis cases are caused by a bacterial infection.

The bacteria that is most often the main cause of tonsillitis is Streptococcus, which is the bacteria that causes sore throat (strep throat) .

These bacteria are transmitted through air contaminated with the causing bacteria and contact with the splashes that are released when the sufferer coughs, sneezes or shares eating utensils together.

3. Biofilm

A study from Journal of Inflammation Research in 2018 demonstrated that chronic and recurrent tonsillitis may be caused by biofilms present in the folds of the tonsils.

Biofilms are a collection of microorganisms (usually bacteria) that adhere to and form a blanket on a body surface.

Biofilm formation can also occur due to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance usually occurs due to improper consumption of antibiotics, for example drinking not according to the dose given.

4. Genetic

In addition, it is possible that recurrent tonsillitis has a genetic cause.

Some children with recurrent tonsillitis have a genetic disorder that causes their immune system to deteriorate. This condition results in the body unable to fight infection with Group A Streptococcus bacteria properly.

Risk factors

What factors increase my risk for tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is a condition that can occur in almost anyone, regardless of age and racial group. However, there are several factors that can increase your risk of developing tonsillitis.

1. Age

Inflammation of the tonsils most often occurs in pediatric patients aged 5 to adolescents aged 15 years. However, it is possible that this disease can also occur in adults and the elderly.

2. Often in an environment full of germs

If you or your child often has direct contact with other people or in a less hygienic environment, the risk of getting a viral or bacterial infection that causes tonsillitis is much higher.

Diagnosis

How to diagnose inflammation of tonsillitis?

Doctors usually do a physical exam by checking your throat. After that, the doctor may also do a swab test (swab) by wiping the back of your throat to collect a sample of mucus.

This throat fluid sample will be examined in the laboratory to detect what is the main cause of the infection. In addition, your doctor may also order a complete blood count test (complete blood count).

Through these two tests, the doctor can find out whether the infection is caused by a virus or bacteria so that the appropriate type of treatment can be determined.

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How to treat tonsillitis?

Viral cases of tonsillitis are usually temporary with mild symptoms.

Most cases of viral tonsillitis get better within 7-10 days, so they can be treated at home. This includes making sure the body is getting enough fluids and taking pain relievers.

Types of painkillers for tonsillitis that can be purchased without a prescription at pharmacies include:

• Acetaminopen or paracetamol
• Ibuprofen
• Aspirin

However, a sore throat that doesn't go away requires medical attention. The doctor will do the following treatment:

1. Antibiotics

If tonsillitis is caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics as tonsillitis medication to help fight the infection. Antibiotics help relieve inflammatory symptoms more quickly.

Doctors usually prescribe types of antibiotics:

• Penicillin
• Cephalosporin
• Macrolides
• Clindamycin

However, consumption of these drugs can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, this treatment is usually only given in cases of inflammation that are severe enough and have the potential to cause complications.

2. Operation

The surgical procedure for removing the tonsils is called a tonsillectomy. Usually, this procedure is only performed on people with chronic or recurrent tonsillitis.

A tonsillectomy can relieve any breathing problems or difficulty swallowing you are experiencing. However, this procedure also carries a long-term risk of infection.

However, generally the chances of a successful operation are high enough to cure tonsillitis.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat tonsillitis?

Here are the lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with tonsillitis:

• Drink lots of fluids, especially water.
• Enough rest.
• Gargle with warm salt water several times a day.
• Consuming throat lozenges such as lozenges.
• Use humidifier to humidify the air in the room.
• Avoid pollution fumes, waste, and exposure to hazardous chemicals.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.