Tonsillitis is an infection of the upper respiratory tract causing inflammation of tonsils. Tonsils are the lymphatic tissues located in the throat. Infection of tonsils includes sore throat and swelling in tissues of throat. Formation of vesicles in lining of throat followed by their rupture leads to ulcer formation.
Viral and bacterial tonsillitis is contagious, while the one caused by any chronic condition is not contagious. Some of the chronic conditions that may cause tonsillitis include hay fever and sinusitis.
Chronic tonsillitis leads to formation of infection cysts and imparts bad breath. Individuals with enlarged and swelled tonsils face breathing problems.
School going children are at risk of developing bacterial and viral tonsillitis due to frequent germ exposure. Persistent chronic tonsillitis can cause obstructive sleep apnea and spread of infection to the tissues surrounding the tonsils.
Signs And Symptoms
- Sore throat
- Presence of blood in cough
- Swollen lymph tissues in neck
- Pain in head
- Snoring due to obstructing breathing
- Lack of sound sleep
- Bad breath
- Difficulty during swallowing
- Ear pain
- Fever
Treatment
Bacterial tonsillitis is often successfully treated with antibiotics. However, chronic and repetitive tonsillitis need surgical removal of tonsils to cure it. Intake of plenty of fluids, salt water gargles and use of air humidifier are some of the practices to be followed to speed up the recovery.
