Tonsil Inflammation

What is Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the two small lymph tissues in the back of the throat, known as tonsils. Tonsils play an important role in the functioning of the immune system. They are the first line of defense against harmful bacteria or viruses that enter through the throat.

Tonsillitis typically indicates that the tonsils are infected and inflamed. Common symptoms include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, fatigue, or swelling of the tonsils. It can be caused by viruses or bacteria and may require removal of the tonsils if it recurs frequently.

Tonsillitis in Children

Tonsillitis is very common in children and can negatively affect their development in some cases.

Tonsillitis in children, especially between the ages of 5-15, often occurs due to exposure to various viruses and bacteria from close contact and crowded environments such as schools.

Causes of Tonsillitis

There are many different causes of tonsillitis, including:

• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Allergic problems
• Weakened immune system
• Sinusitis
• Smoking
• Fungi
• Ear infections
• Respiratory blockages leading to mouth breathing
• Use of immunosuppressive drugs
• Stress
• Unhealthy diet
• Fatigue
• Genetic predisposition

Symptoms of Tonsillitis

• Sore throat is the most common symptom of tonsillitis, accompanied by burning and stinging sensations in the throat.
• Bad breath, often due to bacteria settling on the tonsils caused by viruses and bacteria, leads to foul-smelling breath.
• Cough
• Redness and swelling of the tonsils
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Fever
• Weakness
• Snoring
• Headache
• Chills and shivering
• Ear pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nasal congestion or discharge
• Feeling of pressure in the ears

Treatment Methods for Tonsillitis

• The aim in treating tonsillitis is to eliminate the infection. Antibiotics suitable for the individual are used to clear the infection.
• Gargles are prescribed to reduce throat pain and burning.
• A diet rich in fluids and nutrients is recommended to strengthen the immune system.
• Appropriate medications are used for pain and fever.
• Rest is one of the most important aspects of treatment. Resting the body helps overcome the infection more quickly.
• In cases of recurrent tonsillitis, surgical removal of the tonsils may be considered.
• Steroids in the form of throat sprays are used to reduce swelling of the tonsils.
• Warm drinks and lozenges are recommended to keep the throat moist.

Tonsillectomy

People who suffer from recurrent tonsillitis often experience a significant decrease in quality of life. Therefore, as a last resort, removal of the tonsils may be necessary. Especially in children, if tonsillitis occurs frequently within a year, surgery is recommended.

Methods of Tonsillectomy

There are many different techniques for tonsillectomy. General anesthesia is used during the surgery.

• In the vaporization technique, all or part of the tonsils are vaporized using plasma technology.
• In the cold knife method, the tonsils are removed with the help of a scalpel, and stitches are applied to the incision area.
• In the harmonic scalpel method, the tonsils are removed using ultrasonic vibrations. The harmonic scalpel cuts and seals the wound using ultrasonic energy.
• In the electrocautery method, heat energy is used to remove the tonsils and seal the wound.
• In the laser method, laser technology is used to remove the tonsils.

Benefits of Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy eliminates recurring tonsillitis in patients. In some patients, problems such as snoring or breathing difficulties due to large tonsils are also treated. Particularly in children, recurring viral infections do not recur after surgery.

Complications of Tonsillectomy

• Swelling in the tongue and palate area may occur after surgery, which can cause difficulty in breathing.
• After tonsillectomy, the body may become more susceptible to infections. It is important for the patient to protect themselves post-surgery.
• Pain in the throat area can occur after surgery, usually subsiding within a few days.
• Bleeding in the area where the tonsils were removed may be seen after surgery.

Life After Tonsillectomy

• There are important considerations to facilitate a speedy recovery after tonsillectomy. Rest is very important; the patient needs to rest for 4-5 days post-surgery.
• Pain relievers should be used to reduce throat pain commonly experienced after surgery.
• Careful attention should be paid to the patient's diet. Ice cream is usually given first in the hospital after tonsillectomy to reduce swelling in the throat area.
• After surgery, cold and liquid-based foods should continue to be consumed.
• The patient should drink plenty of water post-surgery.

Tonsillitis Recovery Process

The recovery process from tonsillitis varies from person to person, with the most important factors being rest and appropriate treatment. Disease regression is achieved through treatment tailored to the patient's needs. Symptoms generally subside within 4-5 days.

The use of antibiotics, adequate fluid intake, warm beverages, nutritionally rich foods, gargling, throat sprays, pain relievers, and fever reducers all help expedite recovery. For those with recurrent tonsillitis, tonsil removal may be recommended.

What Helps Tonsillitis?

• Medications: Antibiotics or pain and fever reducers prescribed by a doctor can help reduce tonsillitis.
• Fluid Intake: Drinking plenty of water and consuming warm herbal teas can soothe the throat.
• Rest: Resting is crucial for fighting the infection. Sufficient sleep and relaxation are necessary for rapid recovery.
• Nutrition: Consuming foods high in vitamins and minerals facilitates healing.
• Avoiding smoking and alcohol is important as they can exacerbate tonsillitis.

Cleaning Tonsillitis

To clear tonsillitis, prescribed antibiotics should be taken regularly. Additionally, gargling with warm salt water, drinking plenty of fluids, and using lozenges can soften the throat and accelerate the cleaning of inflammation. Taking supplementary vitamins, not smoking, and resting also aid in recovery.

Types of Tonsillitis

There are various types of tonsillitis based on the healing and recurrence conditions. Identifying the types of tonsillitis is important for the treatment process.

Acute Tonsillitis

Also known as acute tonsillitis, this condition occurs when certain pathogens enter the body and multiply, causing inflammation of the tonsils. This results in enlarged tonsils, redness, and pus accumulation. Acute tonsillitis is more common in children and usually resolves on its own within 3-4 days, though it can sometimes extend up to two weeks.

Symptoms of Acute Tonsillitis

• Swollen tonsils
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Redness in the tonsils
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain during swallowing
• Bad breath
• Abdominal pain
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
• Neck pain
• Stiff neck
• Hoarse voice
• Voice sounding strained

In young children who cannot communicate their symptoms, signs may include:

• Unusual fussiness
• Refusing to eat
• Drooling due to difficulty swallowing

Subacute Tonsillitis

Subacute tonsillitis, usually a result of viral infections, can last between one and three months. The treatment applied is similar to that for viral infections.

Chronic Tonsillitis

Chronic tonsillitis, often caused by viruses like acute tonsillitis, is diagnosed when symptoms persist for more than two weeks. It is particularly prevalent among children, the elderly, and adults exposed to radiation, often caused by pathogens resistant to antibiotics.

If not treated, chronic tonsillitis can lead to complications such as middle ear infections, peritonsillar abscess, and sleep apnea. Although rare, it can also lead to rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, or a kidney infection known as glomerulonephritis.

Symptoms of Chronic Tonsillitis

• Sore throat
• Enlarged tonsils
• Bad breath due to food particles and debris accumulating in tonsil crypts
• Enlargement and tenderness of lymph nodes in the neck

Symptoms continue for more than two weeks. Additionally, the infection may affect similar tissues in the upper throat and back of the nose, or the lingual tonsils located at the back of the tongue.

Recurrent Tonsillitis

Recurrent tonsillitis, unlike chronic tonsillitis, refers to multiple instances of tonsillitis within a year. It is defined as more than seven episodes in one year, more than five in two years, or more than three in three years.

Initially, recurrent tonsillitis may respond to antibiotic treatment, but over time, responses can diminish. In children, the most common cause is beta-hemolytic bacteria, also known as strep throat. In adults, other bacteria are more likely to cause recurrent tonsillitis.

Symptoms of Recurrent Tonsillitis

• Inflammation and swelling of the tonsils
• Sore throat
• Throat sensitivity
• Yellow or white spots on the tonsils
• Painful blisters in the throat
• Ulcers in the throat
• Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck
• Hoarseness
• Loss of voice
• Headache

Is Tonsillitis Contagious?

Tonsillitis is a contagious disease. The viruses or bacteria causing the inflammation can be transmitted to a healthy person through respiratory droplets or physical contact, commonly among school-aged children in crowded environments like schools.