Tonsillitis (infected tonsils)

Throat | Otorhinolaryngology | Tonsillitis (infected tonsils) (Disease)


Description

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, acute or chronic - small glands, with almond-shaped area located in the throat on both sides of his neck, back of tongue. The function of these glands is not noted for total, but studies suggest that help fight infections.

The main symptom of tonsillitis is the sore throat, but other manifestations are present, such as cough, headache and fever. Often, inflammation heal itself without requiring treatment. The main symptom of tonsillitis is sore throat. Other symptoms frequently seen are: tonsils swollen and erythematous (reddened);pain when swallowing;fever (which can be very high in young children);cough; headache; fatigue; ears or neck pain; whitish spots filled with pus on the tonsil surface; swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Symptoms of tonsillitis uncommon include: vomiting;constipation;hairy tongue;Bad breath;difficulty opening the mouth.

Causes and Risk factors

Tonsillitis is most commonly caused by a viral infection, but may be caused by bacteria. Viruses that cause disease are often those affecting the respiratory tract. These include influenza virus (influenza), parainfluenza virus (causes laryngitis and croup), and adenovirus, enterovirus and rhinovirus. In rare cases, tonsillitis can occur as a result of infection with Epstein-Barr virus, the virus that causes glandular fever.

Tonsillitis can be caused by viruses or bacteria, but most cases are viral. Most affected are children aged between 5 and 15 years, but can occur at any age. The disease can spread from person to person through nasal fluids and saliva. The incubation period (the period between the many fine disease and disease symptoms) is 2-4 days . In these cases, the patient feels very bad. Swollen lymph nodes may present throughout the body and splenomegaly (enlarged spleen). Bacterial tonsillitis may be caused by various types of bacteria, but most commonly is caused by streptococcus group A.

Diagnosis and Treatment

However, in severe cases and recurrences can be surgically removed tonsils (tonsillectomy). The doctor will examine the patients neck and will evaluate current symptoms. Depending on your symptoms, appearance throat and tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes present in the neck, the doctor will decide if tonsillitis is viral or bacterial cause. ...