Tonsillitis

Definition
Tonsillitis is
inflammation of the
tonsils

Epidemiology
Tonsillitis most often
occurs in children.
Tonsillitis caused
byStreptococcusspeci
es typically occurs in
children aged 5-15
years, while viral
tonsillitis is more
common in younger
children.

Reference:
Udayan K Shah. Tonsillitis and Peritonsillar Abscess. Medscape. Updated 9 th
July 2015. Accsesed 8th November 2015.

Etiology
A beta-hemolytic streptococcus
(GABHS)
Herpes Simplex virus
Epstein Barr Virus
Cytomegalovirus
Other herpes viruses
Adenovirus
Measles virus

Reference:
Udayan K Shah. Tonsillitis and Peritonsillar Abscess. Medscape. Updated 9 th
July 2015. Accsesed 8th November 2015.

Pathophysiology

Reference:
Udayan K Shah. Tonsillitis and Peritonsillar Abscess. Medscape. Updated 9 th
July 2015. Accsesed 8th November 2015.

Signs and Symptoms

Fever
Sore throat
Dysphagia
Odynophagia
Tender cervical lymph nodes
Airway obstruction.
Lethargy

Reference:
Udayan K Shah. Tonsillitis and Peritonsillar Abscess. Medscape. Updated 9 th
July 2015. Accsesed 8th November 2015.

Treatment
Bed rest
Maintain adequate oral caloric and fluid
intake
Analgetic
Antibiotic
Tonsiilectomy

Treatment
Tonsillectomy is indicated for:
More than six episodes of streptococcal pharyngitis
(confirmed by positive culture) in 1 year
Five episodes of streptococcal pharyngitis in 2
consecutive years
Three or more infections of the tonsils and/or
adenoids per year for 3 years in a row despite
adequate medical therapy
Chronic or recurrent tonsillitis associated with the
streptococcal carrier state that has not responded
to beta-lactamaseresistant antibiotics

Prevention
Avoid close contact with others
who are sick.
Often remind your child about the
importance of proper hand-washing
Teach children to cover their
mouths when coughing or
sneezing, preferably using a tissue.
Do not smoke around your child
Reference:
Udayan K Shah. Tonsillitis and Peritonsillar Abscess. Medscape. Updated 9 th
July 2015. Accsesed 8th November 2015.

Complication

Difficulty breathing
Obstructive sleep apnea
Tonsillar cellulitis
Peritonsillar abscess
Strep infection
Rheumatic fever
Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis

Reference:
Udayan K Shah. Tonsillitis and Peritonsillar Abscess. Medscape. Updated 9 th
July 2015. Accsesed 8th November 2015.

Prognosis
Because of improvements in medical
and surgical treatments, complications
associated with tonsillitis, including
death, are rare.

Reference:
Udayan K Shah. Tonsillitis and Peritonsillar Abscess. Medscape. Updated 9 th
July 2015. Accsesed 8th November 2015.