Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis Treatment in Tardeo, Mumbai

The tonsils are the two sets of tissues situated in your neck, at the back, and on either side of your throat. Each tonsil consists of several lymphoid tissues that collectively are a part of your body’s lymphatic or immune system and are responsible for fighting infections in the body. 

Often in children and even adults, the tonsils become infected, leading to swelling, pain, and soreness in and around the throat region. This condition is called tonsillitis. 

What Is Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is a contagious and highly unpleasant condition in which the tonsils get swollen up due to an infection. Such infections usually result from an infestation of viruses and bacteria.

Untreated tonsillitis can lead to severe implications. The symptoms usually last for 7 to 10 days and can cause fatigue and pains in the body. It is a common occurrence in kids and adults as well. 

Types of Tonsillitis

Based on the symptoms and recovery timeline, doctors classify tonsillitis into three types:

• Acute Tonsillitis
  It is a mild form of tonsillitis where the symptoms do not last longer than four days. In rare cases, the infection might stay for up to 2 weeks. 

• Recurrent Tonsillitis
  It is a condition where you may have experienced acute tonsillitis several times in a year, i.e., tonsillitis is a recurring problem. 

• Chronic Tonsillitis
  It is a condition where your sore throat and infection are continuous, in addition to perpetually foul-smelling breath. 

Causes

Tonsillitis occurs due to the presence of specific viruses or bacteria around your tonsils. 

Viruses like:

• Adenovirus 
• Rhinovirus 
• Influenza virus
• Respiratory syncytial virus
• Coronaviruses like SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Bacteria like:

• Staphylococcus aureus
• Mycoplasma pneumonia
• Chlamydia pneumonia
• Bordetella pertussis
• Fusobacterium
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Symptoms

Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become inflamed or swollen. Other symptoms of tonsillitis include:

• Fever
• Pain or tenderness of throat
• Blisters and ulcers in your throat
• Headaches
• Pain in the ears
• Red tonsils
• A white or yellow coating on your tonsils
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty or pain while swallowing
• Swollen glands in your neck or jaw
• Foul breath
• An itch in the throat
• Stiffness in your neck

In children, the symptoms could be more severe:

• Vomiting
• Stomach upset
• Stomach pain
• Drooling

When Should You See A Doctor?

Tonsillitis usually causes itching and pain in the throat. You may not be able to swallow food or drinks without pain. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s best to consult an ENT specialist for the appropriate treatment and medication. ENT doctors specialize in issues related to the ears, nose, and throat.

Request an appointment at Apollo Hospitals, Tardeo, Mumbai.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

Diagnosis

First and foremost, to check for tonsillitis, your doctor will physically inspect the health and size of your tonsils from the inside and outside. Then the doctor will check if they have any redness or swelling or any visible pus or infection around. 

Other tests for a complete diagnosis may include:

• Swab Test: The doctor collects a sample of your saliva around the throat region to check for the presence of any bacteria or viruses. 
• Blood Test: To check for the presence of any infections, the doctor might ask for a blood test and complete blood count (CBC). 
• Scars: Certain types of throat infection, like strep throat infection, leave scars in the throat. 

Treatment

The treatment method depends on the severity of the illness.  

Medication

Your ENT specialist will most likely put you on a course of antibiotics for a specific period. The doctor might suggest taking an injection for immediate relief. With medication, you must complete the entire course recommended by your doctor. You will start feeling better within 2 to 3 days. 

Surgery

In severe cases of tonsillitis, where the issue becomes recurring or chronic, tonsillectomy may be the only final solution. Your tonsils form an essential part of your immune system. Hence, tonsillectomy is usually the last resort when all else fails. 

Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure in which the surgeon uses a scalpel tool to remove your tonsils. Other less common ways of removing tonsils include radio waves, electrocautery, and ultrasonic energy. 

Conclusion

Although not exactly life-threatening, a persistent case of tonsillitis can significantly decrease the quality of your life and have a very stressful impact on you. Have a thorough discussion with your ENT specialist and surgeon before finalizing the mode of treatment.