Tonsillitis

Overview

Tonsillitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and swelling of the tonsils located on both sides at the back of the throat.

Typical symptoms include sore throat, red and swollen tonsils, difficulty swallowing, fever, and swollen cervical lymph nodes; white or yellow exudate may be visible on the tonsils.

How the Disease Works

Tonsillitis is primarily caused by viral infections, but bacterial infections such as streptococcal pharyngitis can also be a cause.

The tonsils, along with the adenoids, are part of the lymphatic system and function to capture microorganisms entering through the mouth and nose.

Presentation Varies by Individual

Tonsillitis is common in children; bacterial infections are relatively more common in school-aged children, while viral infections tend to be more common in younger children.

The broad framework for diagnosis and management

In acute tonsillitis, symptoms usually subside as the infection improves, but if it recurs or persists, chronic tonsil issues or other throat diseases must be evaluated.

Diagnosis is performed by reviewing symptoms and medical history, examining the pharynx and cervical lymph nodes, and, if necessary, performing a rapid strep test and throat culture.

Current status of treatment

Even if a rapid test is negative, it may not completely rule out streptococcal infection, so a throat culture may be added; test results should be interpreted in conjunction with the timing of the test and the progression of symptoms.

Management is tailored to the cause; symptoms can be alleviated with adequate rest, hydration, easily swallowable foods, and avoiding environments that irritate the throat.

There are no standard medications to eliminate the causative virus in viral tonsillitis, and antibiotics may be used for bacterial tonsillitis depending on the clinician's judgment.

How to interpret clinical trials

Although there is registration for an interventional clinical trial evaluating oral devices, the mere fact of registration does not allow determination of efficacy, safety, approval, or status as standard treatment, and no results were presented in that registration.

Key points to verify in clinical consultations

In clinical practice, the time of symptom onset, frequency of recurrence, fever, swallowing and respiratory status, recent infection exposure, need for testing, and expected benefits and risks of antibiotics or surgery should be assessed; if dyspnea, drooling, or severe dysphagia occurs, immediate assistance from the local emergency medical system or medical staff must be sought.