Sore Throat / Acute Tonsilitis

 18 Maret 2016   

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Tonsillitis is an infection or inflammation of the tonsils. The tonsils are lymph tissue on both sides of the throat, above and behind the tongue. They are part of the immune system. Most caused by a virus or  bacteria. The most common bacterial cause of tonsillitis is group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. Tonsillitis can also be caused by fungi or parasites. But these causes are rare in people who have healthy immune systems.

Tonsillitis is spread through the air in droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. You may then become infected after breathing in these droplets or getting them on your skin or on objects that come in contact with your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Symptom of Tonsillitis

• Sore throat and fever
• The throat and tonsils red and swollen
• Fever
• Nasal congestion and runny nose
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Difficulty swallowing
• Headache

Your doctor will look at your throat to see if you have  swollen tonsils.

Complications

Tonsillitis caused by bacteria that not treated with antibiotics may result in complications, such as ear and sinus infections or infection outside the tonsils (peritonsillar abscess). More serious complications, such as rheumatic fever are rare.

Chronic tonsillitis may obstruct the upper airway and cause problems such as snoring, nasal congestion. Sometimes chronic tonsillitis can lead to severe conditions, including obstructive sleep apnea. Viral infection of the tonsils most cases goes away with supportive treatment within 2 weeks.

If tonsillitis occurs with a fever of 38.3°C or higher, with swollen lymph nodes in the neck, without symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection. and these symptoms occur together, see your doctor. You may have streptococcus infection. Antibiotics are prescribed for tonsillitis caused by streptococcus bacteria. Be sure take the antibiotics exactly as directed by your doctor. Antibiotics should be taken for the entire duration of the prescription. If antibiotics used to treat tonsillitis are not taken as directed, bacteria can become resistant to them (antibiotic resistance). If surgery to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy) is indicated, your doctor may refer you to an otolaryngologist.

Diagnosis of tonsillitis is based on a medical history and  physical exam of the throat. If your symptoms suggest streptococcus infection , your doctor need to confirm by doing a throat culture. The results of throat kultur tests will determine whether antibiotic treatment is needed.

Selfcare at home

• Drinking warm tea
• Avoid fried food
• Avoid close contact with others who have tonsillitis
• Proper hand-washing
• Wash and disinfect surfaces and toys.
• Cover mouths when coughing or sneezing.
• Use hand sanitizer to clean hands.
• Do not smoke around your child.

Surgery

Surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) is still a common procedure. Tonsillectomy considered when patient has serious complications, recurrent infections, chronic infections that not respond with previous treatment and interfere with daily functioning.