Tonsillitis

Definition

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, which are masses of lymphoid tissue located in the throat.

Types of Tonsillitis

• Acute Tonsillitis: A sudden onset of inflammation, often caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
• Chronic Tonsillitis: A long-standing inflammation, often caused by recurrent infections or an abnormal response to infection.
• Recurrent Tonsillitis: A repeated inflammation, often caused by a persistent infection or an abnormal response to infection.

Aetiology of Acute Tonsillitis

• Viral Infection: Commonly caused by viruses such as adenovirus, influenza, and herpes simplex.
• Bacterial Infection: Commonly caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus).

Aetiology of Chronic Tonsillitis

• Recurrent Infections: Persistent infections caused by viruses or bacteria.
• Abnormal Response to Infection: An abnormal immune response to infection, leading to chronic inflammation.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during puberty, can contribute to chronic tonsillitis.

Clinical Features of Acute Tonsillitis

• Sore Throat: A sudden and severe sore throat.
• Fever: A high temperature, often accompanied by chills.
• Swollen Tonsils: Enlarged and tender tonsils.
• White or Yellow Discharge: A white or yellowish discharge on the tonsils.
• Difficulty Swallowing: Difficulty swallowing due to pain or swelling.

Clinical Features of Chronic Tonsillitis

• Persistent Sore Throat: A persistent and recurring sore throat.
• Frequent Infections: Frequent infections, often caused by viruses or bacteria.
• Swollen Tonsils: Enlarged and tender tonsils.
• Difficulty Swallowing: Difficulty swallowing due to pain or swelling.

Investigations

• Throat Swab: A throat swab to identify the causative agent.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests to rule out other conditions, such as rheumatic fever.
• Imaging Studies: Imaging studies, such as a CT or MRI scan, to evaluate the extent of inflammation.

Complications of Acute Tonsillitis

• Rheumatic Fever: A rare but serious complication of streptococcal infection.
• Kidney Inflammation: Inflammation of the kidneys, known as glomerulonephritis.
• Ear Infections: Infections of the middle ear.
• Sinus Infections: Infections of the sinuses.

Complications of Chronic Tonsillitis

• Recurrent Infections: Persistent infections, often caused by viruses or bacteria.
• Malnutrition: Malnutrition due to difficulty swallowing.
• Sleep Disturbances: Sleep disturbances due to difficulty sleeping.
• Emotional Distress: Emotional distress due to chronic illness.

Management of Acute Tonsillitis

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.
• Pain Relief: Pain relief medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Rest: Rest and hydration to aid in recovery.
• Fluids: Fluids, such as electrolyte solutions, to prevent dehydration.

Management of Chronic Tonsillitis

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections.
• Pain Relief: Pain relief medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• Rest: Rest and hydration to aid in recovery.
• Fluids: Fluids, such as electrolyte solutions, to prevent dehydration.
• Surgery: Tonsillectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils.

Tonsillectomy

• Indications: Recurrent tonsillitis, tonsillar abscess, or sleep apnea.
• Procedure: A surgical procedure to remove the tonsils.
• Step 1 → General anesthesia is administered.
• Step 2 → The tonsils are visualized using a laryngoscope.
• Step 3 → The tonsils are removed using specialized instruments.
• Step 4 → The wound is closed with sutures.

Homoeopathic Treatment of Acute Tonsillitis

• Arsenicum Album: For acute tonsillitis with fever and sore throat.
• Belladonna: For acute tonsillitis with severe sore throat and fever.
• Pulsatilla: For acute tonsillitis with a thick, yellow discharge.

Homoeopathic Treatment of Chronic Tonsillitis

• Arsenicum Album: For chronic tonsillitis with frequent infections.
• Mercurius Solubilis: For chronic tonsillitis with a persistent, foul odor.
• Silica: For chronic tonsillitis with a recurring, thick discharge.