Tonsillitis, meaning infection of the tonsils, is caused by infection with bacteria and viruses. Tonsils are located on either side of the throat, vary in size from person to person, and are part of the body's immune system. There are three types of tonsillitis: acute, subacute, and chronic acute.

WHAT IS ACUTE TONSILITIS?

Tonsillitis can be described as a painful infection of the tonsils. Tonsil infections are caused by bacteria and viruses.

If a bacterial infection is suspected during the tonsil infection examination, the presence of streptococcal bacteria should be determined. Our specialist physicians in the ENT clinics at Private Ankara Magnet Hospital will review the patient's history. Based on the history, the necessary tests are performed at Private Ankara Magnet Hospital. Streptococcal bacteria, known as beta bacteria, colonize the tonsils and cause recurring tonsil infections. Rapid tests and throat cultures using tonsil swabs can be used to determine the presence of beta bacteria. The presence of bacterial infection is determined by examining the patient's blood counts along with the swab tests. The CRP level in a blood test is important for diagnosis because it indicates the level of infection in the blood. Similarly, elevated white blood cell and neutrophil counts and decreased lymphocyte counts are indicators of bacterial infection. For tonsil infections caused by bacteria and viruses, the patient's treatment plan is developed based on the results of these tests. In tonsillitis, antibiotic treatment is started according to the treatment plan for bacterial infections.

In viral infections, rapid throat swab tests and throat culture tests may yield negative results. In viral infections,  CRP and WBC counts may also be elevated, while neutrophil counts may decrease and lymphocyte counts increase. These variable values ​​indicate a viral infection, and treatment plans are tailored accordingly. Furthermore, viruses such as adenovirus and CMV have been identified as causing tonsillitis. Treatment for viral infections typically consists of supportive care, including painkillers and antipyretics, vitamins, and sprays, to alleviate symptoms.

WHAT IS SUBACUTE TONSILITIS?

Tonsillitis (tonsillitis infection) that lasts between one and three months is called subacute tonsillitis. Subacute tonsillitis is usually caused by viral infections. Treatment is similar to that for viral infections.

WHAT IS CHRONIC TONSILITIS?

If a person experiences tonsillitis (tonsillitis) more than a few times a year, frequently, and it has become chronic, it is called chronic tonsillitis. The tonsils become unable to fulfill their protective function, posing a health hazard. As with acute attacks of chronic tonsillitis, medications are used depending on whether the cause is bacterial or viral.

Chronic bacterial tonsillitis occurs when beta-streptococcus bacteria colonize the tonsils. The disease occurs when the immune system is weakened due to various factors, such as lack of sleep, stress, and fatigue, or when the patient is exposed to cold and the oral flora begins to deteriorate. If the infection is bacterial, based on examination findings and tests, antibiotic treatment can be used to alleviate the symptoms and complaints, in addition to treatments that will improve the patient's general condition.

Tonsillitis is more common in children. This is due to their poor hygiene and frequent mouth contact. The incidence of acute and chronic tonsillitis decreases after the age of 12 or 13. This is also related to the colonization of the tonsils by bacteria and a weakened immune system.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TONSILLITIS?

• Severe sore throat,
• Dryness and itching,
• Loss of taste in the mouth,
• Redness and swelling of the tonsils,
• High fever,
• Anorexia,
• Difficulty swallowing and swallowing may be observed. This difficulty in swallowing prevents adequate nutrition and fluid intake. This inadequate fluid intake can lead to dehydration and a high fever.
• Headache
• Weakness, fatigue, body malaise
• General body, muscle and joint pains
• Bad breath and halitosis

HOW IS TONSILLITIS DIAGNOSED?

The findings of a physical examination performed by a specialist physician and the patient's history are generally sufficient to diagnose tonsillitis. Following the examination, swab samples and other tests are taken to determine whether the infection is viral or bacterial. These tests include a rapid streptococcal antigen test and a throat culture. Once the bacterial or viral nature of the infection is determined, treatment is tailored accordingly. At Private Ankara Magnet Hospital, our hospital is fully equipped to perform the necessary tests requested by our specialist physicians after the examination.

HOW IS TONSILLITIS TREATMENT?

The recovery phase for acute tonsillitis lasts approximately one week to 10 days. Fever and pain may reoccur for 3-4 days after starting medication.

Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, painkillers, and fever reducers. In addition to these, throat lozenges and vitamin C supplements to strengthen the immune system are recommended.

For viral infections, medications prescribed for adults and children vary. These include painkillers and fever reducers, vitamins and minerals that support the immune system, and lozenges to relieve sore throats and other symptoms. In more severe cases, IV fluids may be administered. Private Ankara Magnet Hospital's Emergency Department is available 27/7.

If an adult or child has tonsillitis 7 times in a year or 5 times regularly every year for 3 years, a tonsillectomy is recommended.

Acute attacks of chronic tonsillitis can be treated with drug treatments, but experiencing acute attacks too frequently can cause other mechanisms in the body to deteriorate.

Chronic tonsillitis, particularly caused by streptococcal bacteria, or beta-bacteria, can lead to another chronic condition called acute rheumatic fever. Acute rheumatic fever, however, is a disease that damages the heart and heart valves and can lead to kidney failure. To prevent all of these conditions, tonsillectomy is necessary.

Tonsil removal may be necessary due to fever of unknown cause, which is common in children and often involves persistently elevated fever. In this case, the high fever is thought to be caused by tonsillitis. While there may be no evidence in the tonsils themselves to support this, elevated levels of certain values, such as CRP , in various tests performed on the child suggest a tonsillitis-related cause.

Tonsil enlargement can sometimes occur due to a tonsillitis. This enlargement doesn't cause difficulty swallowing or fever, but it can block the patient's airway. This is called a kissing tonsil. A kissing tonsil can trigger apnea in adults and children, leading to poor quality sleep, increased sickness, and increased snoring. In such cases, tonsils should be removed.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Tonsillitis Contagious?

Tonsillitis is a contagious disease. The bacteria and viruses that cause tonsillitis can be transmitted through airborne droplets. Exposure to the saliva of an infected person during a sneeze or contact with an infected person can easily spread the disease to a healthy person.

How Many Days Do Tonsillitis Symptoms Last?

Symptoms of tonsillitis usually last 3-4 days, but this period can go up to 10 days.

Why Do Tonsils Get Inflamed?

Tonsils become inflamed due to some viruses and bacteria settling in the tonsils and causing infection.

Do Tonsils Swell on One Side?

Unilateral tonsil swelling occurs due to certain tonsil infections caused by the adenovirus and Epstein-Barr viruses. Also known as kissing disease, adenovirus and Epstein-Barr infections cause swelling of a single tonsil.

What is Good for Swollen Tonsils?

• Gargling with salt water prepared at home can help relieve throat pain and soreness caused by tonsillitis.
• Pastilles
• Warm herbal teas prepared with honey
• Iced finger ice creams or ice cubes
• Humidifiers relieve pain and soreness by preventing dryness in the respiratory tract.

How Long Does Tonsillitis Treatment Take?

To prevent complications from bacterial tonsillitis, it's important to continue antibiotic therapy for the duration prescribed by your doctor (usually 10 days). With the prescribed treatment, symptoms typically subside within 3-4 days.

Which Antibiotics Are Used for Sore Throat?

The most commonly used treatment for tonsillitis is antibiotics, penicillin or penicillin-derived drugs.

How to Cure Throat Infection?

• Keeping the throat moist.
• It is important to consume plenty of water.
• During illness, care should be taken not to talk excessively or strain the throat. Failure to do so will cause further irritation.
• We should not drink alcohol and smoke.
• Beverages containing caffeine should be avoided.
• Soups and meals containing meat and chicken broth can be beneficial and should be consumed.
• You can drink a mixture of warm water and honey. Herbal teas may also be beneficial.
• Gargling with salt water softens the throat.
• You can soothe your throat by using lozenges.

What Medicine Is Good for a Child's Sore Throat?

To relieve a sore throat in children, mixing 1 teaspoon of honey and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice in a glass of warm water can provide some relief. Gargling with salt water also helps soothe the throat.

What is the Best Medicine for Throat Inflammation?

Adequate fluid intake: Drinking plenty of fluids keeps the throat moist, preventing it from drying out and thus preventing pain and dryness in the throat. Chicken broth soup and herbal teas like linden, rosehip, echinacea, and mint and lemon can soothe your throat.

How to Identify Throat Infection?

However, the general symptoms seen in patients are as follows:

• Pain, tenderness and swelling in the throat
• Hoarseness and changes in voice
• Fever (High Fever)
• Headache
• Cough
• Difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite
• Runny nose and nasal congestion
• Postnasal drip
• earache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Joint and muscle pains in various parts of the body
• Skin rash
• Fatigue, weakness
• Redness and burning sensation in the eyes 

What is Good for Throat Irritation?

Natural home remedies for burning throat, irritation and cough are as follows:

• Gargle with salt water.
• Avoid very hot and cold drinks and make sure they are lukewarm to prevent throat irritation.
• It is necessary to stay away from excessively hot and spicy foods to prevent irritation.
• Drinking herbal teas such as mint, chamomile, ginger, and linden relieves sore throat and swallowing.

How Long Does Throat Irritation Last?

A sore throat  and irritation caused by a viral infection  usually lasts 5-7 days and may not require medical treatment. However, sore throats  caused by colds and flu   can only be alleviated by drinking plenty of fluids and resting.

What Causes Pain and Burning in the Throat?

Pain and burning in the throat are symptoms that develop due to illness. Therefore, identifying the virus or bacteria that are causing the sore throat and pain, or the underlying disease, is crucial for a specialist to manage the treatment process. Some of the illnesses that cause sore throat and burning include pharyngitis, tonsillitis, GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), and allergic rhinitis.