Common Tonsillitis Causes: Causes, Diagnosis And Treatment Of Common Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is a medical condition where the tonsil glands inflame due to infectious pathogens, allergens, or the body’s reverse immune response. Pain, discomfort, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, and fever are common symptoms. As the tonsil gland acts as the first line of defence for our body by flushing out pathogens and toxic substances entering through the mouth, maintaining its health is crucial. Besides, the glands produce lymphocytes, which are integral to the body’s immune system. Hence, understanding tonsillitis and its symptoms is important.

Understanding Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsil gland, often accompanied by tenderness, redness, and white patches. It can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, allergies, and several other environmental factors, like exposure to air-borne pollutants, a long-term habit of smoking, and seasonal weather variations. 

Some of the most common symptoms of tonsillitis are:

• Sore throat

• Low-grade fever for viral infections and high fever for bacterial infections

• Difficulty in swallowing food or water

• Discomfort and pain

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Tender tonsil glands with redness

• Bad breath, also known as halitosis

• Referred pain in the ear

• Headache and fatigue

• Loss of appetite 

Bacterial Infections Causing Tonsillitis

There are many bacteria causing tonsillitis, and some of the most common ones are:

1. Streptococcus Pyogenes

Belonging to the family of Group A Streptococcus, Streptococcus pyogenes cause both tonsillitis and strep throat. It is highly contagious and often requires medicine to alleviate the symptoms.

Some of the most common symptoms are:

• Severe sore throat

• Red and tenderised tonsil glands

• Swollen and enlarged lymph nodes

• High-grade fever with a body temperature of more than 101°F

• Headache and body fatigue

• Scarlet fever rash

Apart from Streptococcus pyogenes, some other bacterial species causing tonsillitis are:

1. Group C and Group G Streptococci

2. Staphylococcus aureus

3. Mycoplasma pneumonia

4. Neisseria gonorrhoea

5. Corynebacterium diphtheriae 

2. Viruses Causing Tonsillitis

Some common viruses causing tonsillitis are:

3. Adenovirus

Adenovirus causes upper respiratory tract infection, leading to the inflammation of the tonsil glands. It spreads through mucus droplets in the air or by direct contact with infected surfaces. A few symptoms that people often experience when infected with adenovirus are:

• Prominent to severe sore throats

• No pus secretion from the inflamed tonsil glands

• Persistent cough 

• Runny and stuffy nose with mucus discharge

• Low to moderate fever

• Enlarged lymph nodes but with low-grade tenderness

• Conjunctivitis or pink eye

4. Epstein-Barr virus and Mononucleosis

Another virus causing tonsillitis is the Epstein-Barr virus, often termed infectious mononucleosis. The most common transmission method is through the exchange of saliva with the infected person. It targets the throat and the surrounding lymphatic nodes, thereby activating the immune system and leading to inflammation of the tonsil glands. Some of the symptoms of mononucleosis are:

• Severe sore throat

• Enlarged and reddened tonsil glands

• Prolonged fever

• Tender lymph nodes in the neck and groin

• Persistent fatigue

• Difficulty in swallowing 

• Enlarged spleen gland with risks of ruptures 

5. Other Viral Culprits

Some other viruses causing tonsillitis are:

• Influenza virus

• Coxsackievirus

• Herpes Simplex Virus

• Rhinovirus

• Parainfluenza virus

• Varicella Zoster virus 

Risk Factors for Developing Tonsillitis

Some people are more susceptible to getting tonsillitis than others, and these are:

1. Age-Related Susceptibility

Tonsillitis is common in children between the ages of 3 and 15 because their immune systems are still developing and cannot easily fight off infections. Teenagers are moderately susceptible to tonsillitis caused by Group A Streptococcus. With age, the susceptibility to tonsillitis decreases further as the immune system strengthens and prevents infections.

2. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

Sometimes, environmental and lifestyle factors can also lead to tonsillitis, such as:

• Exposure to allergens

• Continuous use of tobacco

• Dry weather conditions

• Unpredictable changes in the weather conditions

• Too much air pollution

Diagnosis of Tonsillitis

The diagnosis of tonsillitis has two phases –

Phase 1: Physical Examination and Symptoms

Doctors listen to patients' symptoms and examine their tonsil glands to determine tenderness and inflammation. They may use a probe with a camera to examine the internal structure of the inflamed tonsil glands and detect redness and white patches. 

Phase 2: Laboratory Tests and Throat Cultures 

Some of the most common laboratory tests used for the prognosis of tonsillitis are:

1. Throat culture for Streptococcus pyogenes

2. Rapid antigen detection test

3. Polymerase chain reaction test

4. Complete blood count

5. Monospot test for Epstein-Barr virus

6. Viral culture and throat swabs

Depending on the lab test results and physical examination, the doctor will provide information on the current situation of the tonsillitis and start treatment accordingly.

Treatment Options for Tonsillitis

For bacterial, viral, and environmental infections that cause tonsillitis, the doctor prescribes antibiotics to improve the body’s immune response and ability to fight pathogens. Sometimes, anti-inflammatory steroids are also given to reduce the inflammation of the tonsil glands and alleviate the pain and discomfort. 

On the other hand, some of the best home remedies for the treatment of tonsillitis and improvement of the overall health are:

• Gargling with warm water and salt mixed together for 30 seconds every day

• Using lemon and honey together to improve the body’s immune response

• Drinking herbal teas with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory substances, like chamomile and peppermint tea

• Drinking warm broths and soups to keep the body hydrated and reduce the discomfort caused by tonsillitis

Prevention of Tonsillitis

Following certain healthy practices at home and when outside can prevent tonsillitis:

1. Washing hands before and after eating or after touching any infected surface

2. Minimising touching of face and eyes 

3. Using hand sanitisers in places where washing hands isn’t possible

4. Covering your mouth and nose during sneezing and coughing

5. Avoiding close contact with infected people

6. Eating a balanced diet to improve the body’s immune power

Simultaneously, vaccinations can help reduce the risks of tonsillitis by improving your body’s immune system, like:

• Influenza shots

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine

• Pneumococcal vaccine

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis vaccine

• Human Papillomavirus vaccine

Complications of Untreated Tonsillitis

If left untreated, tonsillitis, like any other disease, will become chronic. It will persist for a longer period and often recur from time to time. Also, tonsil stones can form if the acute condition if not treated from the beginning. 

Additionally, some of the major health impacts caused by untreated tonsillitis are:

• Abscess formation

• Sinusitis 

• Persistent inflammation

• Tonsil stones

• Rheumatic fever

• Post-streptococcal Glomerulonephritis 

• Scarlet fever 

• Sleep apnoea

Conclusion

Tonsillitis is a common yet potentially serious condition that affects people of all ages, particularly children and teenagers. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and risk factors is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. And, if left untreated, tonsillitis can lead to chronic inflammation and severe health complications. Therefore, by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking necessary precautions, individuals can protect themselves from recurrent infections and ensure overall well-being.

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