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Tonsils, The Gatekeepers Of Your Respiratory Tract, Take Care Of Them

Tonsillectomy Effective for People With Recurrent Sore Throats

Tonsillitis is a prevalent condition worldwide, particularly affecting children and adolescents. According to the World Health Organization, millions of people are diagnosed with tonsillitis each year, contributing to a great burden on healthcare systems globally. In India, tonsillitis is a common event, with multiple cases reported annually. The majority of tonsillitis is notably higher in certain regions, reflecting various factors such as climate, socio-economic conditions, and access to healthcare.

Tonsillitis is more common in children and teenagers, but adults can get it too. In adults, tonsillitis may last around a week, but sometimes, symptoms persist for longer or can be recurrent. Both viral and bacterial infections can cause tonsillitis, which refers to inflammation of the tonsils. Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat — one tonsil on each side. Signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include swollen tonsils, sore throat, difficulty swallowing and tender lymph nodes on the sides of the neck.

Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya, Medical Director and Chairman, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “We know many individuals love winter. But there are a number of drawbacks. Winter is a wonderful climate but your body reacts when you spend a lot of time outside enjoying the weather. Your nose won’t stop running, you’re coughing, and your throat is sore. Sometimes, this turns into a full-blown cold. It’s possible that these throat issues can be traced back to your tonsils since they’re a major part of your immune system. You might be able to stay a little healthier this winter if you boost your immune system and your tonsils.”

Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya further said “Here, I would like to point out that cold temperature doesn’t make you sick. It’s the viruses and bacteria that make you sick. Cold weather can have an effect on your health by lowering your body’s defenses and occasionally even wreaking a little havoc on your respiratory tract. One of the primary culprits here is the air. Cold temperatures usually mean very dry air. If you normally get a sore throat only when it’s cold, it may be because the dry air is drying out the mucus lining in your throat. The available germ-fighting mucus is decreased by the dry air as well. Your tonsils are a significant part of your immune system. They’re two big bundles of lymph cells in the back of your throat. They can help filter out germs which means you suck fewer germs directly into your lungs, and that’s good for your respiratory system. They even make antibodies. You can view them as the rather virtuous gatekeepers of your respiratory tract.”

Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya, further said “Tonsillitis is the name of this tonsil infection. Tonsillitis in the winter is no fun, but if your tonsillitis doesn’t clear up on its own, long term infections can cause even more problems like the airways that are obstructed by inflamed tonsils which can make it hard to breathe. Besides, the pockets of pus that’s develop behind your tonsils. This will reduce the entire body’s immunity over time. Lymph cells, your tonsils included, are an essential aspect of your immune system. So you might be more susceptible to infections if your tonsils aren’t working at full capacity or have a slower recovery when you do get ill. Tonsillitis will usually present symptoms very similar to a cold or flu. That’s why identifying tonsillitis can be a little tricky. Improper ventilation in the home and workplace and exposure to heavier particulate matter, such as concrete dust and smoke, is leading to extended allergic reactions not just among the children but adults too.”

Dr Ria Vidya, CEO, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “Your sore throat will usually last until you get out of the dry, cold air. Going into warmer, more humid air should make the sore throat clear right up, unless there’s an infection, like tonsillitis. Usually, tonsillitis will subside by itself within a few days. But occasionally, this kind of infection can become chronic, or repeat often. In these situations, a tonsillectomy may be necessary.” 

Different Types of Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis can be classified into different types based on various factors, including the cause of the inflammation, the duration of symptoms, and the specific characteristics of the condition. 

Here are some common types of tonsillitis:

1. Acute Tonsillitis:  Acute tonsillitis is usually caused by viral or bacterial infections and typically lasts for a short duration.
2. Chronic Tonsillitis: Chronic tonsillitis includes continuous or recurrent inflammation of the tonsils. Symptoms may last for an extended period, and individuals with chronic tonsillitis may experience multiple episodes of acute tonsillitis.
3. Viral Tonsillitis: Viral tonsillitis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, adenovirus, or influenza virus. It is characterized by symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and other flu-like symptoms.
4. Bacterial Tonsillitis (Strep Throat):  Bacterial tonsilitis are caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. The symptoms may include severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and the presence of pus on the tonsils.
5. Recurrent Tonsillitis: It involves several episodes of acute tonsillitis within a particular period. Recurrent tonsillitis may require treatment options, including tonsillectomy.
6. Peritonsillar Abscess: It occurs when an infection around the tonsils leads to the formation of an abscess. Peritonsillar abscess is characterized by severe throat pain, difficulty opening the mouth, and swelling on one side of the throat.

Causes

Tonsillitis can occur at any age and is particularly common in childhood. The cause of tonsillitis is usually a viral infection. Bacterial infections such as strep throat can also cause tonsillitis. Adults can get tonsillitis, but it is not very common. Although tonsillitis is not contagious, the viruses and bacteria that cause it are contagious. 

• Young age. Children are most commonly affected by tonsillitis; Tonsillitis is most common in children over the age of two. The one caused by bacteria is most common in children aged between 5 years to 15 years.
• Frequent exposure to germs. School-aged children are in close contact with other students and frequently exposed to viruses or bacteria that can cause tonsillitis.

Symptoms

Tonsillitis most commonly affects children between preschool ages and the mid-teenage years. The main symptoms of tonsillitis are inflamed and swollen tonsils, sometimes severe enough to make it hard to breathe through your mouth. Other symptoms include:

• Throat pain or tenderness
• Fever
• Red swollen tonsils
• A white or yellow coating on your tonsils
• Painful blisters or ulcers on your throat
• Headache 
• Loss of appetite
• Ear pain
• Trouble swallowing
• Swollen glands in your neck or jaw
• Fever and chills
• Bad breath
• A scratchy or muffled voice

Symptoms in Children may also include

• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain 
• Drooling
• Not wanting to eat or swallow

Diagnosis

For tonsillitis diagnosis, your doctor is likely to do the following things:

• Physical examination: If your doctor suspects that you have developed tonsillitis, they will examine your mouth and throat for swelling and redness. They will check your nose and ears for signs of tonsillitis, if any. Your doctor will touch and feel your neck to determine if your lymph nodes are tender or inflamed due to tonsillitis.
• Symptom assessment: They will ask you about the symptoms you have been experiencing, such as cold and cough, fever, rash, runny nose, etc., to assess the severity of your tonsillitis and rule out other conditions.

Tests

• Throat swab: For this tonsillitis test, your doctor will take a sterile swab and rub it on the back of your throat to collect a sample. They will then test the secretion sample in a lab for bacteria to confirm tonsillitis.
• Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC)

Treatment

Treatment for tonsillitis varies based on the cause. 

Medication : For a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Be sure to follow your doctor’s orders and take all the medicine on time. If you don’t, your infection may come back. Antibiotics also help reduce your risk of infecting others. You won’t be contagious after about 24 hours of treatment. However, if tonsillitis is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t help.

Surgery : There have been several recent advances in tonsillectomy procedures aimed at improving patient outcomes and reducing complications.

• Minimal access techniques: Traditional tonsillectomy involves removing the tonsils through the mouth using a scalpel. Recent advances have led to the development of less invasive techniques. This results in less tissue damage, decreased pain, and faster recovery compared to traditional techniques.
• Laser tonsillectomy
• Microdebrider-assisted tonsillectomy

These recent advances in tonsillectomy techniques have led to significant improvements in patient outcomes, including reduced pain, faster recovery, and decreased risk of complications. However, it is important to note that not all advanced techniques are appropriate for every patient, and the choice of technique should be tailored to individual patient needs and the surgeon’s expertise.

The Final Takeaway

Tonsillitis is usually not a severe or long-lasting health condition. Tonsillitis may be a common condition in children, but it can also affect adults. Most cases of tonsillitis caused by a virus heal within a few days of rest and having warm fluids. Antibiotics may take around ten days to work but cure bacterial tonsillitis effectively. Tonsillitis usually gets better with several days of self-care and rest at home. If it is not improving, it is getting worse, or the symptoms are so severe that the individual is not able to eat or drink as necessary, it is a good idea to see a doctor. Pain is common after a tonsillectomy. Just as children should stay home from school for two weeks or so after surgery, adults need to give themselves and their body a chance to rest and recover. Although swallowing might be difficult after the procedure, Horizon Group of Hospitals expert ENT team assures you that you will return to solid foods with proper care soon. 

Horizon Group of Hospitals has the best team of ENT surgeons to take care of you and your children. At Horizon Group of Hospitals, Otolaryngology specialists address issues such as frequently deviated septum in the nostrils, persistent sinus infections or sinus pain, ear infections, tonsillitis and swallowing disorders. Our pre-eminent specialists have advanced training and years of expertise to treat life-threatening diseases. The leading team of doctors consist of certified nose, ear and throat physicians, surgeons, allergists, hearing specialists and plastic surgeons. Horizon Group of Hospitals is committed to deliver the best patient care and is proud to provide the best services for ENT treatment in Thane.