Tonsillitis is an infection of thepharynx and palatine tonsils. The role of the tonsils on our system is very important, since they create antibodies to fight against infections that enter our body through the nose and mouth. But sometimes these tonsils are affected by an infection. The consequences of this inflammation are numerous and the painful symptoms.
Suggested article: " Snoring - Definition, Causes, Devices and Treatments"
The role of the doctor will be essential in the face of tonsillitis because a good diagnosis will depend on a rapid recovery. Therapeutic options are multiple, however in the vast majority of cases, the doctor will tend to prescribe antibiotics. More serious complications may occur if tonsillitis is not treated promptly and properly supported.
Tonsillitis: Causes and definition
The first question to ask is what is tonsillitis and why does it often develop in the same people?
The throat is made up of two areas, the larynx and the pharynx. Tonsils are located on both sides of the throat and consist of a lymph node tissue. These tonsils are there to trap bacteria entering our body.. Nevertheless, it happens that these tonsils also become infected.
This pathology is very common and mainly affects children and adults under the age of 40 years. Why does it particularly affect children? Because children's tonsils are larger. And this, in order to constitute more antibodies. It is important to note that we are talking about angina, tonsillitis and pharyngitis. Although these terms are often used as synonyms, a nuance still exists. Indeed, tonsillitis will mainly affect the tonsils while a pharyngitis will spread throughout the mucous membrane. In France there are at 9 million cases of angina per year, more than half affect young children.
Faced with this impressive number, a question emerges, what are the causes of tonsillitis? In more than 50% cases, tonsillitis is viral and therefore caused by a virus. In other situations it will be bacterial and will result from group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. ="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tonsillitis can also be the consequence of mononucleosis. Monucleosis is caused by a virus and is mainly manifested by great fatigue throughout the body as well as than by sore throats.
Tonsillitis: Symptoms and Complications
Before wondering about the many symptoms of tonsillitis, it is important to understand that certain risk factors greatly contribute to the occurrence of the pathology. Thus, a person regularly consuming tobacco or simply being exposed to cigarette smoke on a daily basis will be more prone to tonsillitis. In addition, it is clear that frequenting places considered "at risk" such as schools or hospitals favors the appearance of tonsillitis. Finally, having weak immune defences is a risk factor.
It is now a question of apprehending the symptoms in order to know when to consult a doctor. As we have seen, tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, it will manifest itself mainly by intense sore throats and difficulty swallowing.A high fever as well as lymph nodes located behind the jaw will be noted.
Another symptom that is not painful but just as annoying is snoring. Tonsillitis can cause ronchopathy. In order to relieve this snoring various remedies and medical solutions exist. It is possible to use the Back2Sleep intranasal orthosis. This orthosis, which comes in several sizes, adapts perfectly to the patient's morphology and allows him to effectively fight against snoring.
With regard to complications, in certain cases which remain isolated, tonsillitis can cause abscesses located between the tonsils and the back of the throat. Finally, bacterial tonsillitis can cause acute rheumatic fever.
Tonsillitis: Treatments
It is important to fully understand the fact that viral tonsillitis will not be cured in the same way as viral tonsillitis. As it is a viral tonsillitis, its duration is quite short since it usually only lasts a week. It is difficult to differentiate viral tonsillitis from bacterial tonsillitis by looking only at symptoms. The doctor will first notice reddened and inflamed tonsils. A sample will be taken from the throat by the doctor in order to diagnose the infectious agent and determine whether or not it is infectious tonsillitis.
Similarly, as mentioned, mononucleosis can cause tonsillitis. Also in some cases, the doctor may have recourse to a test blood in order to diagnose this pathology.
Faced with viral tonsillitis, antibiotics will not help. Indeed, the doctor will favor first-line paracetamol in order to lower the fever and get plenty of rest. Non-inflammatory anti-inflammatory drugs may also be prescribed. steroids such as ibuprofen.
Conversely, in the case of bacterial tonsillitis, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. In order for the treatment to be effective, the patient will be told the importance of taking the treatment until the end even if the symptoms would disappear before.
You may also like
View all
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.