At the very back of the throat, there are two tissue masses that act as filters, trapping germs that can potentially enter the airway and cause infection. These tissue masses are referred to as the tonsils. The tonsils produce antibodies which fight infections, but sometimes the tonsils can become infected. When this occurs, the tonsils will become inflamed and swell due to bacteria or viruses resulting in a condition that is known as tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is a very common illness and especially prevalent in children.
Most cases of tonsillitis can be attributed to viruses including adenovirus, rhinovirus (common cold) and the influenza virus. The most common bacterial infection of the tonsils is Streptococcus, which can also cause strep throat. Other common causes include:
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Parainfluenza viruses
• Enteroviruses
• Herpes simplex virus
The main symptoms of tonsillitis include inflammation and swelling of the tonsils, on some occasions the swelling can be so severe it may ever block the airways. Other symptoms of tonsillitis include:
• Tenderness or throat pain
• Redness in the area of the tonsils
• A white or yellow coating on the tonsils
• Blisters or ulcers on the throat that are painful
• Hoarseness or in some cases complete loss of voice
• Headache
• Diminished appetite
• Ear ache
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swollen glands in the jaw or neck area
• Fever & chills
• Bad breath
In children, addition symptoms may also include:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
The experienced professionals at ENT Specialists recommend an examination to diagnose and determine the cause of your child’s infection. Once your ENT specialist determines whether the infection is bacterial or viral, we will prescribe a course of antibiotics. Your ENT specialists will perform a test called a throat swab culture or rapid strep test. The test involves swabbing the back of throat as close as possible to the tonsils with a cotton swab. A lab test can confirm a bacterial infection but a viral infection will not show on the test. Antibiotics will be prescribed for a bacterial infection they are of no use for a viral infection. On many occasions, your child’s body will fight off the infection on its own as is generally the case with a viral infection. The infection will make your child uncomfortable and the best course of action is to ensure that your child receives plenty of fluids along with rest. Since eating and drinking can be very painful, you can offer warm or cold foods such as soup or Jell-O which will soothe the throat and make it easier to swallow. Over-the-counter pain relievers including acetaminophen may be offered for pain management. In very severe cases or cases that are reoccurring, your ENT specialist may recommend surgery to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy). Your ENT Specialists professional will discuss the various techniques available and recommend the procedure that will be the best option for your child.
Tonsillectomy is typically an outpatient procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes to complete. Most children are able to go home approximately four hours after surgery with a ten day recovery period. You can expect your child to experience throat pain after surgery, some children may also complain of ear, jaw and neck pain. Your ENT specialist will prescribe medication to ease the pain.
For more information regarding tonsillitis or other conditions of the nose and throat, contact the knowledgeable experts at ENT today.
