Tonsillitis
What is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis, an inflammation of the tonsils, causes sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fatigue, and fever. If inflammation recurs several times in short intervals, it can be very stressful and sometimes lead to complications.
At a Glance
- Tonsillitis starts suddenly.
- It usually resolves within one or two weeks.
- However, sometimes tonsillitis recurs several times a year.
- Frequent illnesses can be very disturbing, but complications are rare.
- If symptoms are very severe, the tonsils may be surgically removed.
- Note: The information in this article cannot replace a doctor’s examination and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment.
What is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is often caused by throat infections due to cold viruses that can spread to the tonsils. Bacterial inflammation of the palatine tonsils is less common. However, determining which pathogen caused the inflammation is not easy. Tonsillitis is much more common in children and adolescents than in adults.
A sudden onset is typical for tonsillitis. It usually heals within one to two weeks. However, tonsillitis can recur several times within a year. Frequent illnesses can be burdensome, but complications are rare.
It is important to distinguish between tonsillitis and chronic tonsil enlargement: these are different conditions. Tonsil enlargement (tonsil hyperplasia) can affect both the palatine and pharyngeal tonsils.
Symptoms of Tonsillitis
The following symptoms indicate acute tonsillitis:
- Sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swollen and reddened tonsils with a yellowish coating
- Fever above 38°C
- Headache
- Weakness and fatigue
- Bad breath
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen and painful neck lymph nodes
Causes of Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is usually transmitted through droplet infection. Small droplets form when speaking or sneezing. These reach other people’s mucous membranes through the air they breathe and multiply there.
The triggers for bacterial tonsillitis are usually certain streptococci. However, not all people with these bacteria develop tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis can also occur as part of other illnesses, such as a bacterial scarlet fever infection or a viral disease like Epstein-Barr virus (causing mononucleosis).
Course of Tonsillitis
Acute tonsillitis usually resolves within one to two weeks. Initially, the sore throat persists while the fever typically subsides. The longest-lasting symptom is usually the swelling of the tonsils.
Diagnosis of Tonsillitis
In cases of sore throat, a medical examination aims to answer the following questions:
- Does tonsillitis cause the complaints?
- How inflamed are the tonsils?
- Is it bacterial tonsillitis?
- Are antibiotics necessary, or will the inflammation quickly subside on its own?
- Is there an increased risk of complications?
To clarify these questions, the doctor examines the throat and asks about the symptoms. Swollen and coated tonsils along with fever but no cough indicate bacterial tonsillitis.
A rapid test can also be performed. Health insurances cover this for children up to 16 years old. A smear is taken from the tonsils and examined for streptococci. The result can be obtained within a few minutes, but it is not always accurate.
Blood is rarely drawn, for example, if other diseases need to be ruled out.
Treatment of Tonsillitis
The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and prevent complications. The following medications are used for acute tonsillitis:
- Pain relievers and fever reducers like ibuprofen or paracetamol.
- Antibiotics if the inflammation is caused by bacteria.
