Tonsillitis: Overview, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Summary

Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils, which are soft tissue masses located at the back of the throat. This condition is usually caused by viral or bacterial infections and is contagious, spreading through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact.

Causes

Tonsillitis is primarily caused by viral or bacterial infections, with children being more susceptible. The infection spreads through:

Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing
Direct contact with an infected person
Contaminated objects, surfaces, utensils, and clothing
Shared food or water
Oral transmission

Symptoms

Common symptoms of tonsillitis include:

Swollen, inflamed tonsils
White or yellow patches on the tonsils
Sore throat
Difficulty or pain while swallowing (drooling in young children)
Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck
Stiff neck
Fever
Scratchy or muffled voice
Bad breath
Headache

Types of Tonsillitis

Recurrent Tonsillitis: Short but frequent episodes occurring multiple times a year.
Chronic Tonsillitis: Longer-lasting infections that persist for extended periods.

Diagnosis

Tonsillitis is diagnosed through physical examinations and laboratory tests, including:

Physical Examination: Checking for throat infection signs, nasal and ear infections, and spleen enlargement.
Lymph Node Examination: Gently palpating swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Throat Culture: Examining throat secretions under a microscope.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): Assessing blood cell levels to determine the cause of infection.

Treatment

Viral Tonsillitis: Managed with home remedies such as rest, hydration, and pain relievers.
Bacterial Tonsillitis: Treated with antibiotics.
Severe or Frequent Cases: May require tonsillectomy (surgical removal of tonsils).

Possible Complications

In children, bacterial tonsillitis (especially caused by Streptococcus bacteria) can lead to:

Breathing difficulties due to throat obstruction
Sleep disruptions due to breathing problems
Spread of infection to deeper tissues (tonsillar cellulitis)
Pus collection behind the tonsils
Rheumatic fever, affecting the heart and joints
Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, a kidney inflammation affecting waste removal

Prevention

Avoid close contact with infected individuals
Wash hands thoroughly before eating and after using the bathroom
Do not share food, drinks, utensils, or personal items

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Is the infection serious?
Is surgery necessary?
Should the patient be isolated?
How can the infection be prevented?
Do diet and lifestyle changes help in managing the condition?

Nutrition for Tonsillitis

Recommended Foods:

Lukewarm beverages (e.g., clear juices, chicken broth)
Soft foods (e.g., mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, plain pasta, rice)

Foods to Avoid:

Hard, crunchy foods (e.g., pizza crusts, crackers)
Hot or spicy foods