Dr. Sandeep Sindhu

Tonsillitis is a disorder of the tonsils present on the back of the throat. 

It is mere * myth * that the tonsils acts as a defensive mechanism in the body as they prevent the body from infections. Tonsillitis can occur at any age. It is widely prevalent among school going kids as they get exposed to the different environment for the first time.

With age advances frequency of attacks reduces because the body gains immunity after each episode.

Tonsillitis may be classified into two types: 

1. Chronic tonsillitis: when frequency and duration of acute attacks increases. This type of tonsillitis tends to last for an extended duration with symptoms of throat pain fever occasionally ear ache off and on also known as acute on chronic illness. 
2. Acute tonsillitis: This is a form of acute infection which usually doesn't recur but may set once or so. 

A virus or bacteria that causes common cold may result in tonsillitis. The most common cause of this disorder is the strep bacteria. School going children are especially vulnerable to this disorder because they are most prone to various infections.

Common symptoms: 

The various symptoms of tonsillitis are 

• Swallowing difficulties 
• Sore throat 
• Bad breath 
• Fever and chills 
• A headache, ear ache, and stomach ache 
• May experience stiffness in the neck and the jaw 
• Swollen tonsils with possible redness 
• Change in voice when tonsil such enlarged - hot potato voice.
• Symptoms of cold

Treatment: The treatment for tonsillitis is usually antibiotics in acute cases and in some resistant chronic cases, operation tonsillectomy is indicated . Surgery is only done in cases where tonsillitis is chronic in nature and recurrence is more than 3 times per year or a child fails to thrive . 

This operation is very simple now a days with new technologies.

Most dreaded complications of tonsillitis is the same bacteria attacks heart kidney and small joints. Patient may get rheumatic fever , joint pain and nephritis. Therefore it should not be neglected. 

It is important that you drink fluids and restrict smoking and alcohol to prevent tonsillitis. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an Ent Specialist.