Definition:
It is basically the infection of the tonsils and may or may not cause a fever or sore throat. There are three types of tonsillitis which are acute which can be viral or bacterial, subacute which is caused by the bacterium Actinomyces that can last for at least three to three months and chronic that can last for long periods if not immediately treated.
Diagnosis:
Visible symptoms and physical examination are performed to diagnose tonsillitis. The doctor will particularly check the ears, eyes, nose and throat to look for swelling, redness and secretions. Another thing that the doctor might do is to perform a throat culture.
Treatment:
Pain management medications (topical anesthetics, viscous lidocaine)
Lozenges
Antibiotics with penicillin for bacterial tonsillitis
Ibuprofen and analgesics to reduce swelling and edema
Gargling with a warm water and salt solution to relieve pain and swelling
Surgery for chronic cases
Symptoms and Signs:
Severe sore throat
Swallowing is painful or difficult
Headache
Fever
Chills
Voice has changed
Tonsils look like swollen and red that may have purulent exudative coating of white patches
Causes:
Group A streptococcal bacteria for bacterial tonsillitis
Viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus may cause viral tonsillitis
Maybe a result of aberrant immune responses to normal bacterial flora of the nasopharynx
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