Causes of Tonsillitis

1. Viral Infections (most common):
   • Adenovirus
   • Rhinovirus (common cold)
   • Influenza
   • Epstein-Barr virus (causes mono)
2. Bacterial Infections:
   • Most commonly Group A Streptococcus (causes strep throat)
   • Less common: other types of streptococci, staphylococcus

🧪 Symptoms

• Sore throat
• Difficulty or pain with swallowing
• Red, swollen tonsils (with or without white patches)
• Fever and chills
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Bad breath
• Hoarseness or muffled voice
• Headache or ear pain
• Fatigue or irritability (in children)

In viral cases, symptoms like runny nose or cough may also be present.

🩺 Diagnosis

• Physical exam: Looking at throat and tonsils.
• Throat swab:
  • Rapid strep test: Quick, but may miss some cases.
  • Throat culture: More accurate, but results take 1–2 days.
• Blood tests (in suspected mononucleosis or chronic cases).

💊 Treatment

🔹 For Viral Tonsillitis:

• Supportive care: rest, fluids, pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen), saltwater gargles.
• Antibiotics are not effective.

🔹 For Bacterial Tonsillitis:

• Antibiotics (typically penicillin or amoxicillin).
• Full course must be completed to prevent complications like rheumatic fever.

🏥 When Is Surgery Needed?

Tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils) may be considered if:

• Recurrent tonsillitis (≥7 episodes in 1 year, or ≥5/year for 2 years)
• Chronic tonsillitis unresponsive to treatment
• Obstructive sleep apnea due to enlarged tonsils
• Peritonsillar abscess (repeated or severe)

⚠️ Possible Complications (if untreated or severe)

• Peritonsillar abscess (collection of pus)
• Airway obstruction
• Ear infections
• Spread of infection (e.g., to the neck or bloodstream)
• Rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation (post-strep)

🛡️ Prevention Tips

• Good hand hygiene
• Avoid close contact with infected people
• Don’t share utensils or drinks
• Replace toothbrush after infection clears