Summer BanksTonsillitis
September 23rd 2006 23:35
Tonsillitis :
Tonsillitis is an inflammation or infection of the tonsils. It occurs most commonly in children from 5 to 15 years old and only rarely in those under the age of 2 years.
The tonsils are two small, almond-shaped lumps of specialized lymph node tissue located in the throat at the back of the mouth. They are barely visible in infants, increase in size during the preschool and early school years, and shrink by adulthood.
The function of the tonsils has not been pinpointed, but scientists believe that they perform at least two vital jobs. The tonsils release antibodies into the throat to prevent infection from spreading into the lungs (a useful service to children, who are highly susceptible to ear, nose, and throat infections).
The tonsils also attract bacterial infection, thereby stimulating the production of antibodies, which accumulate in the body and are then available to prevent future, and potentially more serious, infections. (Antibodies normally do not develop unless infection is present.) If the tonsils do perform these two functions, then each attack of tonsillitis may help immunize a child against disease; once resistance has been developed, the function of the tonsils is complete.
There are two types of tonsillitis: acute tonsillitis, in which the infection flares up and then disappears in a short time, and chronic tonsillitis, in which the tonsils seem to be permanently inflamed and have abscesses (pus-filled cavities) on them.
Causes :
Tonsillitis is caused by many different infectious agents, both viral and bacterial. Streptococcus bacteria are the most common bacterial cause. Acute tonsillitis is usually a "strep" infection, commonly called strep throat. Chronic tonsillitis, however, is more of a mystery; it is not yet known why chronic tonsillitis occurs.
Symptoms :
The symptoms of acute tonsillitis are a sore throat, fever (up to about 101 degrees Farenheit), chills, headache, and muscle aches. These symptoms worsen for one to three days and then subside. Nausea, vomiting, stomachache, and swelling of lymph nodes in the neck may also occur.
The symptoms of chronic tonsillitis include a persistent or recurrent sore throat, difficulty in swallowing or breathing, and foul breath.
Diagnosis :
Tonsillitis is diagnosed by examination of the tonsils for redness, swelling, and the presence of infectious material. The doctor will take a sample of this material with a cotton swab in order to identify the infectious organism.
Treatment :
Bed rest or reduced activity and the use of antibiotics, often penicillin, are recommended to treat tonsillitis if the inflammation is due to bacteria. Gargling with warm salt water can help relieve sore throat.
Surgical removal of the tonsils (called a tonsillectomy) is performed only if the tonsils are abscessed (filled with pus) or so enlarged that they are blocking the air passages.
Tonsillectomies were commonplace at one time but are seldom performed today because research has found that even when tonsils are enlarged, they almost always shrink over time. Furthermore, removing the tonsils does not necessarily prevent recurrent sore throats and colds, as was once believed.
Complications :
Complications resulting from tonsillitis seldom occur today because of effective, fast-acting antibiotics. Complications such as rheumatic fever and infections of the sinuses, ears, and kidneys are rare.
Prevention :
Since it is not yet known why some people suffer from chronic tonsillitis, preventive measures have not been established. Because episodes of acute tonsillitis may be useful in developing the body's immunities, prevention of tonsillitis may not be appropriate.
Tonsillitis is an inflammation or infection of the tonsils. It occurs most commonly in children from 5 to 15 years old and only rarely in those under the age of 2 years.
The tonsils are two small, almond-shaped lumps of specialized lymph node tissue located in the throat at the back of the mouth. They are barely visible in infants, increase in size during the preschool and early school years, and shrink by adulthood.
The function of the tonsils has not been pinpointed, but scientists believe that they perform at least two vital jobs. The tonsils release antibodies into the throat to prevent infection from spreading into the lungs (a useful service to children, who are highly susceptible to ear, nose, and throat infections).
The tonsils also attract bacterial infection, thereby stimulating the production of antibodies, which accumulate in the body and are then available to prevent future, and potentially more serious, infections. (Antibodies normally do not develop unless infection is present.) If the tonsils do perform these two functions, then each attack of tonsillitis may help immunize a child against disease; once resistance has been developed, the function of the tonsils is complete.
There are two types of tonsillitis: acute tonsillitis, in which the infection flares up and then disappears in a short time, and chronic tonsillitis, in which the tonsils seem to be permanently inflamed and have abscesses (pus-filled cavities) on them.
Causes :
Tonsillitis is caused by many different infectious agents, both viral and bacterial. Streptococcus bacteria are the most common bacterial cause. Acute tonsillitis is usually a "strep" infection, commonly called strep throat. Chronic tonsillitis, however, is more of a mystery; it is not yet known why chronic tonsillitis occurs.
Symptoms :
The symptoms of acute tonsillitis are a sore throat, fever (up to about 101 degrees Farenheit), chills, headache, and muscle aches. These symptoms worsen for one to three days and then subside. Nausea, vomiting, stomachache, and swelling of lymph nodes in the neck may also occur.
The symptoms of chronic tonsillitis include a persistent or recurrent sore throat, difficulty in swallowing or breathing, and foul breath.
Diagnosis :
Tonsillitis is diagnosed by examination of the tonsils for redness, swelling, and the presence of infectious material. The doctor will take a sample of this material with a cotton swab in order to identify the infectious organism.
Treatment :
Bed rest or reduced activity and the use of antibiotics, often penicillin, are recommended to treat tonsillitis if the inflammation is due to bacteria. Gargling with warm salt water can help relieve sore throat.
Surgical removal of the tonsils (called a tonsillectomy) is performed only if the tonsils are abscessed (filled with pus) or so enlarged that they are blocking the air passages.
Tonsillectomies were commonplace at one time but are seldom performed today because research has found that even when tonsils are enlarged, they almost always shrink over time. Furthermore, removing the tonsils does not necessarily prevent recurrent sore throats and colds, as was once believed.
Complications :
Complications resulting from tonsillitis seldom occur today because of effective, fast-acting antibiotics. Complications such as rheumatic fever and infections of the sinuses, ears, and kidneys are rare.
Prevention :
Since it is not yet known why some people suffer from chronic tonsillitis, preventive measures have not been established. Because episodes of acute tonsillitis may be useful in developing the body's immunities, prevention of tonsillitis may not be appropriate.
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