When your tonsils become infected, a common tonsil-related illness. Fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and sore throat are common symptoms. Recovery typically takes one week, and treatment is contingent on whether the illness is bacterial or viral.
Tonsils are placed in the back of a human’s throat, one on each side. They look like two little lumps. If you open your mouth and stick out your tongue, you can see your tonsils in a mirror. As a component of your immune system, your tonsils aid in capturing pathogens that cause illness. Your tonsils swell and ache when you have an infection, which can make swallowing difficult. Most people choose to refer to this condition as a painful throat.
Teenagers and children are especially affected by it though people of all ages can get affected. It hardly ever happens to kids younger than three. Most people suffer from tonsillitis (ทอนซิล อักเสบ, this is the term in Thai) at some point of time in their lives.
Tonsillitis symptoms
Symptoms of tonsillitis typically appear suddenly. They could consist of:
- itchy or sore throat
- discomfort or trouble swallowing
- swelling, red throat
- your tonsils have white patches
- your tonsils may have a white, yellow, or gray coating
- Fever above 100.4 degrees Celsius.
- Lymph nodes that are swollen.
- Vomiting or stomachache.
Causes
It is most often caused by viral infections. Sometimes bacteria contribute towards a tonsil infection. The symptoms are typically less severe than those caused by bacteria. Strep throat is a condition which is caused by Group a Streptococcus. You can get strep even if you do not have tonsils.
How is it transmitted?
It is caused by being exposed to extremely contagious viruses. They are transmitted by:
- Sharing cutlery, food, or beverages, or kissing.
- Being near to a sick person.
- When you touch your mouth or nose without washing your hand after coming into contact with a contaminated surface.
- Breathing in microscopic particles that are released into the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes.
Testing and diagnosis
In order to identify the infection, your doctor will:
- Check for swelling and redness in your throat.
- They might inquire about additional symptoms such as a fever, cough, runny nose, rash, or stomachache. These are asked to rule out other options.
- Check for additional indications of infection in your nose and ears.
- Check for swelling and tenderness in the lymph nodes by feeling the sides of your neck.
What is the treatment?
The reason determines the course of treatment. The treatments are different in both cases though the symptoms are almost similar. Treatment options could consist of:
Antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infection. Even if you feel better after a few days, it is crucial to take the entire course of antibiotics as directed by your healthcare professional. The illness may worsen or spread to another area of your body if you stop taking them too soon.
For your sore throat, your doctor might also suggest over-the-counter (OTC) medications and surgery for tonsils, or tonsillectomy. Your doctor may suggest a tonsillectomy if you have recurrent or chronic tonsillitis. Your tonsils will be removed during surgery in this treatment.
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