Tonsillitis
DEFINITION
Tonsillitis is a condition when the tonsils become inflamed
and sore. It can be caused by a virus or bacteria.
and sore. It can be caused by a virus or bacteria.
DESCRIPTION
The Tonsils are a rounded mass of lymphoid tissue found in the
back of the throat. They can be clearly seen when the mouth is open
and the tongue is depressed. They are normally pink in
colour.
back of the throat. They can be clearly seen when the mouth is open
and the tongue is depressed. They are normally pink in
colour.
Tonsils are part of the body’s immune system, helping to protect
against microorganisms. Tonsils store white blood cells which
engulf bacteria and viruses as they enter the nose and mouth.
Inflammation in the tonsils with swelling, redness and pain means
that the immune system is fighting an infection and immune cells
are being stimulated to produce antibodies.
against microorganisms. Tonsils store white blood cells which
engulf bacteria and viruses as they enter the nose and mouth.
Inflammation in the tonsils with swelling, redness and pain means
that the immune system is fighting an infection and immune cells
are being stimulated to produce antibodies.
Tonsillitis commonly occurs in pre-school and school aged children.
Viral and bacterial tonsillitis can occur in people of all ages,
but streptococcal tonsillitis is more common between the ages of 5
– 10 years.
Viral and bacterial tonsillitis can occur in people of all ages,
but streptococcal tonsillitis is more common between the ages of 5
– 10 years.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Tonsils become red and swollen
- May be patches of white discharge on the tonsils
- Sore throat and difficulty swallowing
- Headache
- Fever and chills
- Enlarged sore glands in the head and neck
- Fatigue and lethargy
It is difficult for a doctor to tell if the infection is viral or
bacterial based on the signs and symptoms alone.
bacterial based on the signs and symptoms alone.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Always consult your Doctor for diagnosis and advice. In no way
is this information intended to replace the advice of a medical
practitioner.
is this information intended to replace the advice of a medical
practitioner.
It is important to make sure that the patient is drinking
enough fluids to prevent dehydration. Paracetamol can help relieve
pain and fever. Remember aspirin should not be given to children 16
years and under.
enough fluids to prevent dehydration. Paracetamol can help relieve
pain and fever. Remember aspirin should not be given to children 16
years and under.
Antibiotics will only be prescribed if the Doctor suspects
that the cause of the Tonsillitis is bacterial. To be sure, a swab
is taken of the throat and sent for testing to identify the
microorganisms responsible.
that the cause of the Tonsillitis is bacterial. To be sure, a swab
is taken of the throat and sent for testing to identify the
microorganisms responsible.
If the patient is drooling and having difficulty breathing, or
is unable to eat or drink, seek medical attention
immediately.
is unable to eat or drink, seek medical attention
immediately.
Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age
unless specified by a Doctor.
unless specified by a Doctor.
DIET HINTS
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Soups and broths
are soothing and warm on a sore throat. - Help prevent recurrent tonsillitis by eating a healthy diet.
Eat a wide variety of nutritious foods, including wholegrains,
fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meats, low fat dairy products,
beans and pulses such as lentils and chickpeas. - Keep sweets to a minimum, including soft drinks and other
beverages high in added sugar.
VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
Nutritional supplements may only be of benefit if dietary
intake is inadequate.
intake is inadequate.
- Supplementation with vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E may
help improve immune function in the elderly. - Herbs traditionally used to relieve the symptoms of a sore
throat include liquorice root, sage, propolis, echinacea, capsicum,
golden seal and marshmallow root.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
- Follow the Diet Hints.
- Get plenty of rest. Sleep can help the body fight
infection. - Aim to exercise regularly. Regular exercise can help boost
immunity. - Your Pharmacist may suggest an antiseptic gargle.
- If dietary intake is inadequate nutritional supplements may be
of benefit.