Tonsillitis is the soreness of the tonsils which are two oval pads of tissues found at the rear of the throat with one tonsil on both sides. Symptoms of tonsillitis typically include engorged tonsils, difficulty in swallowing, sore throat and tender lymph nodes found on the neck. The infection of tonsils can be caused by a virus, but a bacterial infection can also cause the condition. You can help ease the symptoms experienced by the individual by enrolling in a class on first aid today in your area.
Symptoms of tonsillitis
- Presence of white or yellow coating or patches can be found on the tonsils
- Red and swollen tonsils
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Sore throat
- Fever
- A rough, muffled or throaty voice and bad breath
- Stomach upset and headache among younger children
- Enlarged, tender glands or lymph nodes found in the neck and stiff neck
A sore throat that does not heal within 24 hours, extreme weakness, difficulty in breathing, pain or difficulty in swallowing as well as drooling would require medical attention.
Causes of tonsillitis
Bacteria that causes the condition includes Streptococcus pyogenes or group A streptococcus which also causes strep throat. The tonsils are the defense of the immune system against bacteria and viruses that enters the mouth but the strength of the tonsils tends to diminish after puberty and allows the development of tonsillitis during adulthood.
Complications that can be caused by frequent or chronic tonsillitis include disrupted breathing while at sleep or obstructive sleep apnea, difficulty in breathing, infections that causes the collection of pus found behind a tonsil or tonsillar abscess and tonsillar cellulitis. If tonsillitis is caused by group A streptococcus and left untreated, there is a high risk of developing a rare disorder such as rheumatic fever and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis which is an inflammatory disorder of the kidneys.
Treatment and home remedies
- Encourage the individual to rest as well as allow enough time for the throat to relax.
- Drink plenty of fluids in order to keep the throat moist and prevent dehydration
- Take warm liquids such as broth, caffeine-free tea or warm water with honey or and take cold treats such as ice pops to soothe the throat.
- Prepare a salt water gargle by mixing 1 teaspoon of table salt to 8 ounces of warm water and then gargle the solution and spit it out. This mixture will help calm a sore throat.
- Use a cool-air humidifier in order to eliminate dry air that will irritate sore throat or sit for several minutes in a steamy bathroom.
- Children above 4 years old can suck on lozenges for relief of sore throat
- Avoid irritants such as cigarette smoke and some cleaning products that can cause irritation of the throat.
- Provide ibuprofen or acetaminophen in order to minimize throat pain and fever.