Tonsillitis is a common and frequently encountered condition in life, especially among young children. If not promptly treated, tonsillitis can lead to various uncomfortable and potentially dangerous complications. Additionally, disease prevention is a crucial aspect emphasized by the medical professionals at TCI Thu Cuc Healthcare System.
1. Tonsils and Tonsillitis
1.1 Anatomy and Role of Tonsils
Tonsils are soft tissues located at the back of the throat, consisting of lymphoid tissues similar to lymph nodes, serving as a junction between the respiratory and digestive tracts. Tonsils play a crucial role in preventing infections and protecting the internal organs. Their unique location makes them susceptible to bacterial, viral, fungal attacks, leading to inflammation and infection.
The tonsillar organization includes:
– Pharyngeal tonsils
– Tubal tonsils
– Palatine tonsils
– Lingual tonsils
These components form a ring within the throat known as the Waldeyer’s ring.
Waldeyer’s ring
1.2 Tonsillitis
Given their protective function and susceptibility to external agents, tonsils are prone to inflammation and the formation of tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is an inflammatory condition of the tonsils resulting from a large accumulation of viruses, bacteria, leading to overwhelming infections.
Tonsil inflammation is considered a common pathology across all age groups, although it predominantly affects children and tends to decrease in incidence with advancing age.
Early diagnosis of tonsil inflammation can be achieved through observation and physical examination. The priority in treating the disease involves internal medicine methods. With timely detection and appropriate treatment, symptoms of the disease can completely disappear within 7 to 10 days. However, delayed treatment or misdiagnosis may lead to widespread infection and severe complications affecting respiratory health and overall well-being.
2. Understanding Tonsillitis
2.1 Classification of Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is categorized based on its etiology and severity into two main types:
– Acute: Caused by bacterial or viral infections leading to tonsillar swelling and exudates, commonly observed in the palatine tonsils.
– Chronic: Resulting from recurrent or persistent infections, with varying degrees of inflammation and bodily responses. Chronic tonsillitis may manifest as hypertrophy (enlargement) or atrophy (shrinkage) of the tonsils.
2.2 Causes of Tonsillitis
Tonsil inflammation can be triggered by various pathogens, including viruses (influenza, pertussis, measles) and bacteria (streptococcus, staphylococcus, Haemophilus influenzae). Certain virulent bacterial strains pose significant risks if left untreated.
Several conducive factors increase the susceptibility to tonsillitis, such as sudden weather changes, pollution, poor oral hygiene, consumption of extreme temperatures or heavily seasoned foods, inadequate cold prevention measures, compromised immunity, allergies, and concurrent infections in the oral cavity.
Several conducive factors increase the susceptibility to tonsil inflammation
2.3 Recognizable Symptoms
2.3.1 Acute Tonsillitis
Symptoms include:
– Chills, fever
– Fatigue
– Headache
– Loss of appetite
– Dry, sore throat, painful swallowing/coughing
– Enlarged, red tonsils with white/grey coatings or visible pus pockets
– Blood tests typically reveal elevated leukocyte counts above 10G/L, primarily neutrophils.
– Urine output may be reduced with albumin present.
2.3.2 Chronic Tonsillitis
Symptoms include:
– Systemic symptoms are unclear and may be similar or less symptomatic than the acute form.
– Occasional evening fevers, chills
– Difficulty swallowing, sensation of throat obstruction, pain radiating to the ears
– Halitosis
– Cough, hoarseness
– Snoring (common in children)
Physical examination may reveal numerous crevices harboring debris and often whitish discharge on the tonsillar surface. In advanced cases, the tonsils may appear significantly enlarged and red, with foul-smelling pus upon pressure. Chronic tonsillitis can be further classified based on the tonsil’s size, shape, and consistency.
Various diagnostic tests, such as the Viggo-Schmidt test or Le Mee test, along with ASLO levels in the blood, aid in confirming chronic tonsillitis.
3. Treatment
TCI Thu Cuc Healthcare System physicians caution that many patients arrive at hospitals with severe tonsillitis, often untreated or inadequately treated, potentially worsening the condition. In such cases, treatment becomes more challenging and may necessitate surgical intervention to eliminate the infection and prevent complications.
Physicians emphasize the necessity of cautious examination for proper treatment. Therefore, individuals suspecting tonsillitis symptoms should promptly seek evaluation at reputable otolaryngology facilities for appropriate and timely management.
For acute tonsillitis, physicians typically advocate internal medicine treatments, including medications, oral hygiene practices, immune support, dietary adjustments, adequate rest, and suitable activities.
Tonsillectomy for chronic tonsillitis has become commonplace, although stringent indications from physicians are necessary. Tonsil removal is considered when tonsillitis recurs over five times annually, severe complications arise, risk of systemic complications increases, or significant respiratory, swallowing difficulties persist.
Additionally, physicians may opt to suspend surgical interventions based on the patient’s condition.
Tonsil removal is performed at TCI
Conclusion
Untreated or improperly managed tonsillitis can adversely impact health and quality of life due to associated symptoms. Moreover, the disease may lead to severe complications, including chronic pharyngitis, chronic adenoiditis, cervical lymphadenopathy, sinusitis, otitis media, and, in rare cases, complications affecting the kidneys or joints.
Therefore, proactive prevention efforts, such as throat protection, immune enhancement, management of related diseases, are crucial. Specifically, individuals should be vigilant in recognizing tonsillitis signs, seeking timely assessment at reputable otolaryngology centers for proper and comprehensive treatment aligned with the underlying cause and pathology.
