Tonsillitis : One of the most common childhood infections

Children are ill equipped for the many dangers around us. They have weaker immune systems, spend a majority of their time in close proximately to other children, and may have poor hygiene. As a result, children could get sick often. One of the most common infections in childhood is tonsillitis. Although an exact prevalence rate of tonsillitis is difficult to determine internationally, it is believed that it is responsible for approximately 1.3 percent of total outpatient/clinic visits. اضافة اعلان

What are tonsils and what do they do?
Tonsils are little fleshy pads that are located in three distinct areas of the airway. The palatine tonsils are found on the left and right side of the back of the throat and can be easily seen when the mouth is wide open. The lingual tonsil is located far back at the base of the tongue and mostly extends down the throat. Lastly, the adenoids (also called pharyngeal tonsils) are located at the top portion of the throat behind the nose and can only be seen through an examination of the inside of the nose.

Tonsils serve an important role in the immune system. Disease-causing organisms, known as pathogens, often enter the body through the airway. The location of tonsils allows them to capture pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Once successfully captured, these pathogens are then destroyed by white blood cells, which tonsils have in excess.

What is tonsillitis?
Medical terminology is made up of Latin and ancient Greek prefixes and suffixes. The suffix -itis refers to inflammation which, in turn, means that tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils; more specifically, inflammation of the palatine tonsils. Such inflammation can be caused by a number of different pathogens, be they viral, bacterial, or even fungal. Viral infections are the most common, but bacterial infections, especially group A streptococcus (GAS), are also prevalent. Tonsillitis is easy to diagnose and typically takes 7–10 days for symptoms to resolve.

The most common symptoms of tonsillitis are red and swollen tonsils, a very sore throat, and white or yellow spots on the tonsils.

Determining the exact cause of the infection is important to administering the proper treatment. For example, treating viral tonsillitis with antibiotics is not only useless, it also exposes the individual to risks from the medication. It is also important to note that although tonsillitis is common among children, adults can get it as well.

Symptoms of tonsillitis
Although tonsillitis has many universal symptoms, depending on the specific type of infection, certain symptoms may vary. The most common symptoms of tonsillitis are red and swollen tonsils, a very sore throat, and white or yellow spots on the tonsils. As the infection takes its course and the inflammation worsens, it can result in difficulty or pain when swallowing, a scratchy voice, and even bad breath. Although the infection is relatively local, your body can still have a systemic response and produce additional symptoms, which may include fever, chills, ear or stomachache, headaches, and neck stiffness.

It can be difficult for infants and young children to articulate what symptoms they are experiencing, but in these cases, a parent may notice increased irritability, poor appetite, or increased salivation/drooling.

One of the most common infections in childhood is tonsillitis. Although an exact prevalence rate of tonsillitis is difficult to determine internationally, it is believed that it is responsible for approximately 1.3 percent of total outpatient/clinic visits.

Since the majority of cases are viral, there is typically no medication needed. The only way to definitively distinguish between viral and bacterial infections is through testing done at a doctor’s office. As a result, you should not self-medicate with antibiotics as it can result in overuse, the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and subject you to unnecessary potential side effects from the medication. However, you should see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms since they overlap with other, more serious, infections:

• A fever over 39.5°C

• Muscle weakness and neck stiffness

• A sore throat that lasts longer than two days

Acute vs. chronic tonsillitis
Acute tonsillitis is extremely common in children; it is widely believed that nearly every child will have it at least once. Since symptoms typically last 7–10 days, acute tonsillitis is generally defined as a single infection lasting for 10 days or less. If symptoms last longer than 10 days, or if tonsillitis occurs multiple times a year, it may be considered chronic or recurrent tonsillitis. Recurrent tonsillitis has similar symptoms to that of acute tonsillitis, but certain symptoms may last longer, such as sore throat, bad breath, and tenderness in the throat. Recurrent tonsillitis comes with a host of complications and consequently may require a different course of treatment.



Complications of chronic tonsillitis
Complications resulting from recurrent tonsillitis depend on the severity and duration, as well as the type of infection. Generally speaking, swelling of the tonsils can cause restriction of airflow. Although while awake breathing is generally unaffected, during sleep breathing can become more difficult and result in obstructive sleep apnea. Additionally, abscesses (a buildup of pus behind the tonsils) and tonsillar cellulitis (the worsening and spreading of the infection to other areas of the body) may require additional or different interventions to treat. Recurrent tonsillitis may result in tonsil stones which is when dead cells, saliva, and food particles harden into small stones. Furthermore, bacterial infections, particularly GAS, can also come with specific complications. Although rare, GAS infections can cause serious and potentially life-threatening complications, which may include rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease, and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

Removing tonsils
Since tonsillitis is one of the most common childhood infections, it only makes sense that tonsillectomies are among the most commonly performed procedures on children. A tonsillectomy is the complete removal of the palatine tonsils. Although this practice has seen a decline in recent decades, it is still performed and is a viable option. In some more severe cases, the inflammation of the tonsils can obstruct regular breathing and can make swallowing difficult on daily basis. Recurrent infections, not only in the tonsils but in other areas such as the middle ear or sinuses, may warrant this procedure.

Since the majority of cases are viral, there is typically no medication needed. The only way to definitively distinguish between viral and bacterial infections is through testing done at a doctor’s office.

Generally speaking, it is a relatively safe procedure. However, since it is a surgical procedure, there are risks involved. Most complications relating to a tonsillectomy are like those of most surgical interventions: risk of bleeding and pulmonary (relating to the lungs) complications. A rare complication relating to tonsillectomies specifically is postoperative tonsillar bed infection. This complication occurs when the infection spreads to the tissue under the tonsils after they have been removed. Additionally, since it is an oral procedure, there may be complications such as tongue numbness and dental trauma.

The healing process varies from patient to patient and also depends on age. Compared to adults, children tend to recover more quickly. Regardless of the patient, the most common experience after a tonsillectomy is pain. Typically, pain is worst 3–4 days after surgery and in the mornings, but may last for up to 2 weeks. Additionally, discoloration of the area where the tonsils were removed may occur. Healing typically occurs 3–4 weeks after the procedure and by that point the discoloration should be gone.


Read more Health
Jordan News