Tonsil infection

Description

Tonsil infection or tonsilitis infection can be caused by bacteria like streptococcus or virus likeEpstein - Barr virus which causes infectious mononucleosis. The tonsils are located on the back part of the throat. It can be difficult to make a difference between bacterial and viral cause without performing a rapid test on streptococcus or throat swab. Rarely, some cases of tonsil infection can transform into the abscess (peritonsillar abscess) which requires drainage of infectious fluid.

Symptoms

Pain in the throat, difficult swallowing, fever, chills, headache, earache, change of voice, loss of voice, unpleasant odor.

Overview

Anamnesis is being taken and physical examination is being done. Rapid strep test and/or throat swab can help determine difference between bacterial and viral causes of the inflammation. Blood test can also be done to identify mononucleosis.

Tests

Rapid strep test, throat swab culture.

Specialists

ETN, General Practice, Internal Medicine

Therapy

Therapy depends on the cause of angina but can include: antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (brufen/ibuprofen, naproxen), painkillers like paracetamol and steroids. Some cases of tonsil inflammation are not bacterial and antibiotics will not help. Surgical removal of tonsils can be recommended in recurrent infections.