Tonsillitis: Signs, Causes & Treatment!

Tonsillitis is a type of pharyngitis characterized by the inflammation of the tonsils.

It is commonly referred as tonsils by the general population.

Dehydration
Blocked airways due to inflammation
Pharyngitis
Peritonsillar abscess, developed lateral to the tonsils
Lemierre’s Syndrome, infection & inflammation of the internal jugular vein which can lead to sepsis
Inability to swallow anything
In strep throat associated with tonsillitis very rarely diseases like rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis can occur.
Untreated strep throat related to tonsillitis can lead to pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS).

Virus

Bacteria

Physical symptoms like swollen tonsils, swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, presence of exudate, sore throat, inability to swallow & fever are noted.
For the detection of the particular bacterial strain causing the infection, a bacterial culture stain is produced by a throat swab test.
An increase in antistreptolysin O (ASO) streptococcal antibody titer 3–6 weeks following the acute infection can provide definitive confirmation of GABHS infection.
Lymphocyte count in a full blood test is done for detection of Epstein Barr Virus.
Increased values of secreted phospholipase A2 & altered fatty acid metabolism in patients with tonsillitis is identified and provides a positive diagnostic approach.
Nasoendoscopy in patients with severe neck pain and inability to swallow food, for differential diagnosis of masked epiglottis & supraglotitis.