Systems AffectedTonsils help to fight off infection by trapping bacteria or viruses that enter the body. They carry different types of immune cells to kill off whatever it traps. Tonsillitis is the inflammation of these tonsils. This can be caused by them getting overwhelmed with the same bacteria or virus that its supposed to stop. A common infection of the tonsils is Streptococcus, also known as Strep Throat. The effectiveness of of the tonsils decreased after puberty, which may allow for occasional rare infections in adulthood.
SymptomsDiagnosisVisual Test: Doctor will look for infections in the throat, ears, or nose. May feel the neck for swollen glands.
Throat Swab: A doctor will use a cotton swab to take a sample from the back of the throat which will then be sent to a lab for examination. If it returns positive for bacteria, tonsillitis is certain. If it comes back negative, it is likely a viral infection. Complete Blood Cell Count: A sample of blood will be taken and sent to a lab for a count of the different types of blood cells. Tonsillitis will be determined based on which type of blood cell in elevated. This test is usually only used if the throat swab comes back negative. |
TreatmentsFor both viral and bacterial infections, antibiotics will be prescribed to be taken for 10 days. Some people will need to take a second course of antibiotics depending on how strong their infection is. Afterwards the infection is usually cured.
If the tonsils continuously become infected, surgery may be required to remove them completely via tonsillectomy. At-home remedies for viruses include:
Life ExpectancyNon-detrimental. Antibiotics cure infections easily. For persistent problems a tonsillectomy will be performed.
Case Study5 year old boy with acute bacterial tonsillitis
|