The sore throat you're experiencing could be a symptom of tonsillitis. Tonsils can become inflamed when the body fights infection, as these organs function to filter out incoming germs.
In this article, you will learn about the types and symptoms of tonsillitis, its causes, and how to treat it properly to prevent the condition from getting worse.
What is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is a condition where the tonsils become inflamed, typically characterized by discomfort or pain when swallowing. While it typically occurs in children aged five to fifteen, it can also affect adults.
Children are more susceptible to tonsillitis because the function of the tonsils at this age is still active as part of the immune system that helps ward off infections.
As a person ages, their immune system matures, and the tonsils tend to shrink in size because they no longer play a dominant role.
Types of Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is divided into three types, depending on the duration and symptoms, as follows:
1. Acute Tonsillitis
Acute tonsillitis is a type of tonsillitis that lasts less than ten days. This condition generally affects children over the age of two.
Symptoms include fever, feeling weak, dehydration, pain when swallowing, and the appearance of white spots on the surface of the tonsils.
2. Chronic Tonsillitis
When tonsillitis does not subside after ten days, this condition can be classified as chronic tonsillitis.
Symptoms that appear can include bad breath, difficulty opening the mouth, the formation of tonsil stones, swollen lymph nodes, pain in the neck or jaw area, and persistent sore throat.
3. Recurrent Tonsillitis
Recurrent tonsillitis occurs when a person experiences tonsillitis repeatedly over a period of time.
Typically, this condition is characterized by tonsillitis five to seven times a year, five times in two consecutive years, or three times in three consecutive years.
Symptoms of Tonsillitis
Some signs that often appear in people with tonsillitis include:
- Sore throat.
- Tonsils and lymph nodes in the neck are swollen.
- Painful sensation when swallowing.
- Fever.
- Dizzy.
- Hoarse voice.
- Decreased appetite.
- Excessive saliva production.
What Causes Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is generally triggered by a viral or bacterial infection. Viruses that cause tonsillitis include:
- Rhinovirus, the cause of the common cold.
- Influenza virus, the cause of flu.
- Enterovirus, the cause of hand, foot, and mouth disease.
- Adenovirus, the cause of diarrhea and respiratory tract infections.
- Rubella virus, the cause of German measles.
Apart from infection, tonsillitis can also be triggered by other factors, namely:
- Bacteria that form Biofilms
- Biofilms, layers of microorganisms that adhere to the folds of the tonsils, often appear due to antibiotic resistance.
- Genetic factors, children with weak immune systems due to hereditary factors are also more susceptible to recurring tonsillitis.
Treatment for Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is usually treated with medication. If the cause is bacterial, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. This medication must be completed even if symptoms improve to prevent a recurrence.
In addition to medical treatment, the following simple steps can help relieve the symptoms of tonsillitis:
- Drink enough water to keep your throat moist.
- Choose soft foods to reduce pain when swallowing.
- Use a humidifier to keep the air moist.
- Stay away from cigarette smoke and pollution which can irritate the throat.
- Consult a doctor to get further therapy
If symptoms do not improve or tonsillitis continues to recur repeatedly, the doctor will recommend surgery as a long-term solution.
So, do you need to consult a doctor?
Maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene can help prevent recurrence of infections. A healthy lifestyle can help protect the body from various diseases, including tonsillitis.
If tonsillitis symptoms persist despite self-care, you should consult a doctor immediately. A medical examination is essential to prevent complications and receive appropriate treatment.
EMC Alam Sutera Hospital is ready to provide the best service with the support of professional doctors and sophisticated medical equipment, so you can get a precise diagnosis and optimal treatment for tonsillitis.
Article written by Dr. Eko Teguh P, Sp.THT-KL (Ear, Nose, Throat Specialist – Head and Neck Surgery, EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).