Tonsils (palatine tonsils) are a pair of soft tissue masses, similar to lymph nodes, located at the rear of the throat. They play a significant role in maintaining our immunity. When the tonsils get inflamed, the condition is characterized as tonsillitis. Viruses are the most prevalent cause of tonsillitis; however, bacterial infections can also cause it. Some of the viruses causing this condition include adenovirus and epstein-barr virus, whereas bacteria include streptococcus pyogenes as well as different strep strains and germs.
Tonsillitis is most common in children between the ages of preschool and mid-adolescence who show the following symptoms:
• Swollen and red tonsillitis
• Spots or a white or yellow covering on the tonsils
• Inflammation of the throat
• Irritation while swallowing
• High temperature
• Lymph nodes (swollen, painful glands) in the neck
• Scratchy and husky sound
• Breathing problems
• Pain in stomach
• Headache
• Neck ache or stiffness
On the other hand, infants and toddlers with inflamed tonsils present the following symptoms:
• Drooling as a result of difficult swallowing
• Refusal to take food
When a patient with the aforementioned symptoms visits the doctor, the doctor carefully evaluates symptoms and performs a physical examination, which includes:
• Examining throat, as well as ears and nose to investigate for the presence of any infection by using a lit tool
• Checking for a rash called scarlatina, which is linked to strep throat
• Checking for swollen glands
• Using a stethoscope to check breathing rate
• Examining the spleen for enlargement
After evaluation, the doctor can recommend the following tests for a precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment:
• Throat swab
• Complete blood count (CBC)
Several remedies are used to cure tonsillitis which can include: oral medication and if the symptoms persist, surgery is indicated.
If a bacterial infection causes tonsillitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for a specific period. If the course of antibiotics is left incomplete, it increases the likelihood of getting rheumatoid fever and kidney inflammation.
If antibiotics fail to improve the condition, it calls for a surgical intervention. The procedure used to remove tonsils is called tonsillectomy. A tonsillectomy also becomes necessary if tonsillitis leads to other disorders, such as:
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• Breathing problems
• Swallowing problems, particularly with meats and other thick foods
• An abscess that is resistant to antibiotic treatment
Our state-of-the-art ENT facility at American Hospital provides experienced ear, nose and throat specialists who have worked at various reputable institutions around the world. Our dedicated team of ENT Specialists follow a multi-disciplinary approach to diagnose and develop a personalized treatment plan in coordination with experts from other departments to make sure that the patient receives the most appropriate and satisfied care experience.
If you want to evaluate your symptoms for Tonsils and seek medical treatment or second opinion from the experienced ENT Consultant, book an appointment with your preferred Physician at American Hospital Dubai by using a secure online form or calling us at: +971 43775500.
