WHAT IS TONSILLITIS? 

Tonsillitis is the inflammation or swelling of one or both of the tonsils, which are two oval-shaped tissue masses at the back of the throat. Bacteria and viruses can cause tonsil infection.

If a bacterial infection is suspected in tonsil infection, the presence of streptococcus bacteria is checked. Bacteria of the streptococcus genus, known as beta microbes, can settle in the tonsils and cause recurrent tonsil infections. This can be determined by rapid tests using swabs taken from the tonsils and throat culture. Along with these tests, the criteria checked in the patient's blood values may also lead in favor of bacterial infection. CRPThe   value is important in diagnosis because it shows the infection value in the blood. Increase in leukocyte and neutrophil values and decrease in lymphocyte values are among the values checked because they are seen in bacterial infections. In tonsil infections caused by bacteria, the patient's treatment protocol is prepared in line with these results. Antibiotic treatment is started for tonsillitis caused by bacterial infections. 

In viral infections, rapid tests performed with throat swabs and throat culture tests with more detailed examinations may be negative. In viral infections, it can also increase blood levels of CRP and Leukocyte, but neutrophils lymphocytes begin to decrease and lymphocytes begin to increase. These criteria indicate that the infection is viral and treatment is arranged accordingly.  There is also a special test called monospot that checks for the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus.  Viruses such as adenovirus and CMV can also cause tonsil infection. Treatment for viral infections is organized as pain-relieving and antipyretic drugs, vitamins and sprays, called supportive treatment.

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WHAT IS SUBACUTE TONSILLITIS?

Tonsillitis that persists between 1 and 3 months is called subacute tonsillitis. This condition is usually caused by viral infections. Here too, treatment continues as in viral infections.

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WHAT IS CHRONIC TONSILLITIS?

If tonsillitis occurs 7 times a year, 5 times a year for 2 years, or 3 times a year for 3 years, it means that it has become chronic. In the treatment of acute attacks of chronic tonsillitis, treatment is applied as in acute tonsillitis. Medicines may vary depending on whether it is bacterial or viral in origin.

Chronic tonsillitis of bacterial origin occurs as a result of beta streptococcus bacteria settling in the tonsils. Bacteria can become active when the patient's immune system is weakened due to various reasons such as insomnia, stress, fatigue, or when the patient is exposed to cold and the oral flora begins to deteriorate. Thus, it manifests itself as the exacerbation phase of chronic tonsillitis. According to the examination findings and test results, if it is a bacterial infection, the symptoms are relieved with antibiotic treatment in addition to treatments that support the patient's general condition.

Tonsil infections are more common in children. Children not fully complying with hygiene rules and frequently putting their hands in their mouths generally causes upper respiratory tract infections to be more common in children than in adults. Acute tonsillitis and chronic tonsillitis are more common in children. The incidence of these diseases may decrease as people reach the age of 12-13.

At the same time, an adult who has never had a tonsil infection in childhood may begin to experience frequent tonsillitis attacks after a certain age. This is associated with bacteria settling in the tonsils and weakening of the immune system.

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WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TONSILLITIS?

Symptoms of tonsillitis, which is swollen tonsils or white spots in the throat, include:

• Severe sore throat, dryness and itching

• Redness in the tonsils and swelling

• High fever

• Difficulty swallowing and swallowing

• Headache

• Earache

• bad breath

• stiff neck

• Weakness, fatigue

• General body, muscle and joint pains

• Bad breath and halitosis

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HOW IS TONSILLITIS DIAGNOSED?

The patient's history and physical examination findings are usually sufficient to diagnose tonsillitis when looking at the patient. Whether the infection is viral or bacterial can be determined after the swab samples taken and the tests performed. These tests are rapid streptococcal antigen test and detailed throat culture tests. X-ray examination and blood tests are also among the tests performed for diagnosis. Once it is determined whether the infection is caused by bacteria or viruses, treatment is given accordingly.

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HOW IS TONSILLITIS TREATMENT?

The recovery phase of acute tonsil infections lasts around 1 week. Fever and pain may continue for 3-4 days after the start of drug treatment.

In bacterial infection treatments, antibiotics, painkillers and antipyretics, lozenges to soothe the throat, and vitamin C supplements to strengthen immunity are given.

Although the medications given to adults and children in viral infections vary, painkillers and antipyretic drugs, vitamins and minerals that support the immune system, and lozenges are used to relieve pain in the throat. In more severe cases, serum can be given.

If an adult or child has had tonsil infection 7 times in 1 year or 5 times every year for 3 years, it may be decided to perform tonsil surgery.

Acute attacks of chronic tonsillitis can be corrected with drug treatments, but having them too frequently may lead to the deterioration of other mechanisms in the body.

Chronic tonsillitis, especially caused by streptococcal bacteria, can cause another chronic disease called acute rheumatic fever.  Acute rheumatic fever is a disease that damages the heart and heart valves and can cause kidney failure. In order to prevent all these diseases, tonsil surgery must be performed to improve the patient's general quality of life.

In addition, tonsils can be removed in cases of fever of unknown cause, which is generally seen in children and where the fever frequently increases. The cause of high fever is thought to be tonsils. There is no problem with the tonsils, but values such as CRP are high in various tests performed on the child.

Sometimes the tonsils grow excessively due to tonsil infection. The patient does not have difficulty swallowing or fever, but it may block the patient's airway. This condition is called kissing tonsil. Kissing tonsils trigger adult and pediatric apnea. The patient cannot get quality sleep and their snoring increases. In such cases, it may be necessary to remove the tonsils.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TONSILLITIS 

Is tonsillitis contagious?

Tonsillitis is an infectious disease. Bacteria and viruses that cause tonsillitis can be transmitted to a healthy person through airborne droplets or by contact with a sick person.

How many days do tonsillitis symptoms last?

Tonsillitis symptoms usually last 3-4 days, but can last up to 10 days.

Why do tonsils become inflamed?

Tonsils become inflamed as a result of viruses and bacteria settling in the tonsils and causing infection.

Does the tonsil swell on one side?

In some tonsil infections caused by adenovirus and Epstein-Barr viruses, the tonsils may swell unilaterally.