The Sign, Cause, Diagnosis, And Remedy Of Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is inflamation of the tonsils caused by viral or bacterial infection.A bacterium of the group A  streptococcus causes the strep throat.Tonsils are the two lymph nodes located on each side of the throat back.Tonsillitis can occur at any age.It is highly contagious.Tonsillitis is caused by a virus, the length of illness depends on which virus is involved.It is usually a complete recovery within one week but its symptom for up to two weeks.Viral infections heal naturally without medical interventions.However, medicines may be needed to alleviate pain and fever frequently associated with viral infections of the tonsil.The symptoms of tonsillitis are caused by a bacterial infection to improve for a few day after taking antibiotics.While taking antibiotics, remember to complete the full course of the drug instructed by the physician.

The signs or symptoms of tonsillitis

• Sore throat.
• Red, swollen tonsils.
• Pain when swallowing.
• Fever.
• Coughing.
• Headache.
• Tiredness.
• Chills.
• Swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck.
• White pus-filled spots on the tonsils.
• Feeling unwell (malaise).
• Pain in the ears or neck.
• Difficulty in sleeping.
• Difficulty ingesting and swallowing meal or liquid intake.
• Weight loss.
• Nausea.
• Fatigue.
• Stomach ache.
• Vomiting.
• Furry tongue.
• Bad breath (halitosis).
• Loss of appetite.
• Difficulty opening the mouth (trismus).
• Voice changes.
• Anxiety or fear of choking.
• The surface of the tonsil may be bright red and with visible white areas or streaks of pus (acute tonsillitis).

The causes of tonsillitis :

• Viral Infection : Adenovirus, rhinovirus, influenza, coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, epstein-barr virus, herpes simplex virus, and cytomegalovirus.
• Bacterial infection : Group A ß-hemolytic streptococcus, staphylococcus aureus.
• An infection of spirochaeta and treponema (Vincent's angina or Plaut-Vincent angina).

Diagnosis

The physical examination of the throat is needed to diagnose.Diagnosis of GABHS (Group A beta -hemolytic streptococcal infections) tonsillitis can be confirmed by culture of samples obtained by swabbing both tonsillar surfaces and the posterior pharyngeal wall and plating them on sheep blood agar medium.

Treatment

• Sore throat relief by gargling with salt and warm water or gargling with dissolved aspirin with warm water.Aspirin is anti-inflammatory and do not use other anti-inflammatory drugs with this way.Children are not recommended to take aspirin because it can be dangerous.
• Tonsillitis is caused by bacterial infection (Group A Streptococcus) with using antibiotics such as Penicillin or Amoxicillin.The dosage of penicillin is taken 125 to 500 mg  for three to four times a day.The effects of penicillin may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, abdominal pain, and skin rash.
• Cephalosporin is used by people allergic to penicillin.It is the good alternative in the acute setting.
• Clindamycin or amoxicillin-clavulanate is effective to treat against beta-lactamase producing bacteria.
• Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) treats fever and pain caused by tonsillitis.It is safe for children.
• Ibuprofen is to relieve inflammation and pain caused by tonsillitis.People have to eat before taking ibuprofen.Its side effects are stomach upset, dizziness, bloating, and ringing in the ears.
• Azithromycin and erythromycin are effective to treat tonsillitis caused by bacterial infection.It can be used in empty stomach.
• Tonsillectomy is used for chronic tonsillitis.Tonsillectomy is the surgery to remove the tonsils.

Prevention

• Drink plenty of fluids  or 8 glasses of water every day.
• Wash the hands before eating or drinking.
• Keep staying clean all the equipments for eating.
• Avoid smoke.
• Use an Air condition or a humidifier to moisten the air at home.
• Stay away from people who are active with the infection.