Tonsillitis is a very common condition, the infection of tonsils is known as tonsillitis. Most common symptoms of tonsillitis include sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fever and others. In this blog we will cover its types,...
Tonsils are the lymph nodes that are present on each side of your throat. Tonsils prevent your body from getting infection as they work as a defence mechanism but when the infection affects tonsils, it is known as tonsillitis. Tonsillitis has symptoms like sore throat, itchy throat, swollen tonsils etc. tonsils occurs in children or pre teens most often although it can affect a person at any age. Tonsillitis can be diagnosed very easily and its symptoms get resolved within 7-10 days if you follow certain home remedies during its course.
Types of Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is classified into various types based on its causes and severity. Tonsil inflammation can be
Tonsillitis due to infection can be-
- Viral Tonsillitis- this type of tonsillitis is caused by rhinoviruses that are responsible for the common cold, or due to rhinovirus. Viral tonsillitis occurs most commonly in about 70% of tonsillitis cases. Viral tonsillitis gets resolved by itself within a week or two.
- Bacterial Tonsillitis- when bacterias like streptococcus pyogenes or group A streptococcus affects tonsils it is known as bacterial tonsillitis. This type of tonsillitis is less common and often more severe.
Tonsillitis on the Basis of Duration
- Acute Tonsillitis- It is the sudden occurrence of the symptoms pertaining to tonsillitis such as fever, sore throat, swollen tonsils etc. it can be caused due to viral or bacterial infections and typically lasts for a few days to weeks.
- Chronic Tonsillitis- It is the persistent inflammation of tonsils that may last for more than two weeks. Bacterial infections that develop resistance to antibiotics often cause chronic tonsillitis.
- Recurrent Tonsillitis- When you get tonsillitis several times in a year, it is known as recurrent tonsillitis.
Causes of Tonsillitis
Tonsils produce white blood cells to fight against infection while they act as a first line of defence against any illness. Tonsils fight against the bacterias or viruses that enter through your body via nose or mouth. Tonsillitis is the infection of tonsils that render their ability to fight against infections less, which can be caused due to
- Common cold
- Bacterial infection
- Streptococcus bacteria
- Staphylococcus aureus infection
- Quinsy (pus buildup)
- Viral infections
What Are the Symptoms of Tonsillitis?
Acute or sudden tonsillitis symptoms
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes in neck
- Tender lymph nodes in neck
- Painful swallowing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bad breath/halitosis
- Snoring
- Mouth breathing
- Fatigue
- Red, inflamed tonsils
- White patches on the tonsils
Symptoms of Chronic or Long Term Tonsillitis
- Severe and chronic sore throat
- Bad breath/halitosis
- Tender lymph nodes for long period of time
- Chronically swollen lymph nodes
- Tonsils stones may occur (these are small, hardened lumps of material that collect on the tonsils)
Tonsillitis Symptoms in Children
- Upset stomach
- Not wanting to eat
- Not wanting to swallow
- Drooling saliva
- Stomach pain
- nausea/vomiting
Diagnosis of Tonsillitis
Your doctor will evaluate you and look for visible signs of tonsillitis to see if they are swollen, red or have pus in them. The doctor will further ask you about your general symptoms, history of infections.
Some diagnostic tests for tonsillitis can be
- Throat swab- In a throat swab, your doctor will collect saliva and cells from your throat and will test it for bacterias like streptococcus. The test results usually take a maximum of an hour or a few days if the centre has more samples in line.
- Blood test- A CBC test- complete blood cell count. A blood test can reveal the number of blood tests that indicate the presence of viral or bacterial infections.
- Rash- Scarlatina is the typical rash linked to streptococcal throat infections.
- CT scan- CT scans can reveal certain features of tonsillitis
- Kissing tonsils which is caused due to enlargement of tonsils that reaches the midline
- Iso or hypodense images shown on a non contrast CT scan (NCCT)
- Contrast CT scans can enhance linear densities of tonsils without focal fluid collection.
- It can show fat extending in parapharyngeal spaces.
- MRI Scan- MRI scans can show features of tonsillitis.
Complications of Tonsillitis
If tonsillitis is not treated, tonsillitis can get severe and cause
- Peritonsillar abscess (quinsy)
- Obstructive sleep apnea due to chronic tonsillitis
- Spread of tonsil infection to spaces
- Retropharyngeal space
- Parapharyngeal space
- Masticator space
- Submandibular spaces
- Otitis media
- Intratonsillar abscess
- Tonsillar cellulitis
Home Remedies for Tonsillitis
Few remedies to cure tonsillitis at home
- Get a lot of rest
- Drink warm and copious fluids to help relieve throat pain
- Eat smooth food so as to prevent irritation of throat
- Use warm salt water gargles
- Use lozenges containing benzocaine or other numbing medications
- Take over-the-counter drugs to relieve pain such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen
- Use steam or humidifier in your room
- Do not smoke
- Eat frozen food or popsicles
- For children, use spray lozenges
Conclusion
Swollen tonsils that are infected are known as tonsillitis. Tonsillitis can often cause breathlessness which can cause disturbances in sleeping. If tonsillitis is left untreated and home remedies are also not taken for long periods, it may progress to cause certain complications. You should book your diagnostic tests from renowned or best diagnostic centre for reliable results and good prognosis.
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Ganesh Diagnostic Centre has been an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.
We have CT Scan which can offer report Images online as well. We also offer FLAT 50% OFF on CT scan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Can Cause Tonsillitis?
Viral infections are the most common causes of tonsillitis. Viral infections such as influenza or common cold can cause tonsillitis, some bacterial infections typically strains of streptococcus bacteria cause tonsillitis.
Can Tonsillitis Go Away on Its Own?
Yes, by following simple home remedies and over-the-counter drugs, tonsillitis can get resolved by a week. Some bacterial infections might need antibiotics but antibiotics are not effective in viral infections. Although both the types can get resolved by themselves with certain home remedies.
What is the Best Medicine for Tonsillitis?
Most commonly used antibiotic for tonsillitis is penicillin which should be taken for a bacterial (group A streptococcus) tonsillitis. If you are allergic to penicillin, you will be prescribed alternative antibiotics.
How Long Does Viral Tonsillitis Last?
Viral tonsillitis symptoms usually last for up to 3-4 days and get resolved by themselves.
Can Tonsillitis Go Away in 3 Days?
Tonsillitis usually gets resolved within 3-4 days with medication(antibiotics) and self care. If the symptoms of tonsillitis do not get resolved within 3-4 days, you might need to take antibiotics for a little longer
What Helps Tonsillitis Go Away Faster?
You can use certain remedies to resolve tonsillitis faster
- Drink warm liquids
- Drink a lots of water
- Wat smooth cold non spicy food
- Get proper rest
- Use over-the-counter drugs for pain relief
- Gargle with warm salt water
- Use steam inhalation or humidifier
- Avoid hard food
- Avoid straining your throat
Is Ice Cream Good for Tonsillitis?
Yes icecream can provide soothing relief due to its creamy, cold and smooth texture. Its chilled nature can offer temporary numbness that relieves pain. You are generally suggested to eat ice cream after tonsillectomy for comforting effect
What to Eat With Tonsillitis?
Soft food and drinks for tonsillitis include
- Oatmeal
- Plain yoghourt
- Milk
- Ice pops
- Warm fluids like soups or warm water
- Soft cooked vegetables like potato, pumpkin, carrots, or weet potato
Can We Drink Milk in Tonsils?
Yes, milk or other food like popsicles, cream based soups, non-acidic juices and gelatin desserts can help you feel energetic and nourished.
Is Lemon Good for Tonsillitis?
Lemon has vitamin C in it which helps in boosting the immune system which helps in fighting against infections. Lemon should be mixed with warm water for relief.
