Tonsillitis: A common concern

Tonsillitis is the infection of the tonsils. They are located at the back of the throat, two in number, one on each side. Tonsils function as filters, capturing germs that might otherwise enter your airways and infect you. They also produce antibodies to combat infection. However, bacteria and viruses can occasionally overwhelm them. This can cause them to swell and become irritated.

Bacterial and viral diseases cause tonsillitis. Streptococcus (strep) bacteria, which can also cause strep throat, is a prevalent cause. Adenoviruses, Influenza virus, Epstein-Barr virus, Parainfluenza viruses, Enteroviruses, and Herpes simplex virus are other prevalent causes.

Tonsilitis is more common among children, but teenagers and adults can get it too. It usually happens once in a while but can repeatedly recur in a short time. For example, acute tonsillitis typically lasts 3 to 4 days but can last up to 2 weeks, whereas recurrent tonsillitis occurs several times a year.

Signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include sore throat, red and swollen tonsils, difficulty swallowing, fever, white or yellow patch on the tonsils, headache, earache, bad breath etc.

If left untreated, tonsillitis may lead to a peritonsillar abscess, middle ear infection, tonsillar cellulitis or other serious complications like rheumatic fever, scarlet fever and sinusitis.

A doctor can usually diagnose tonsillitis through its signs and symptoms. One may need to do a swab test and blood test to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment for tonsillitis depends on the cause. Antibiotics will not benefit you if you have a virus, and your body will battle the infection independently.

In the meanwhile, you might try these home remedies:

• To alleviate throat discomfort, drink warm or extremely cold water.

• Consume smooth meals such as flavoured gelatins, ice cream, and applesauce.

• Use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in your room.

• Gargle with warm salt water.

• Use over-the-counter pain medications prescribed by doctors such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Tonsillitis itself is not contagious, but the germs causing it are contagious. Hence, the best way to prevent tonsillitis is to practice good hygiene. Frequent handwashing and avoiding sharing food or utensils can help prevent tonsillitis from spreading. Also, using tissues while coughing and sneezing is important. Finally, avoiding someone with tonsillitis can prevent the spread of tonsillitis.

Sometimes, we are in a fix that whether we should do the tonsillectomy operation or not. People are usually sensitive to any operative procedue and its common side effects. Some people think that the operation is being advised unnecessarily, and they tend to depend on mass opinion.

If tonsillitis happens repeatedly and it becomes life hampering, the operation is imperative. But it should not be very early age, since the glands provide immune support to our body. Conservative treatment should be practised first. If it does not offer significant help, the the operation should be performed.

The writer works as a Research and Policy Assistant in Centre for Research, Innovation and Development Action (CRIDA).

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