Tonsilitis

Tonsilitis

1. EPIDEMIOLOGY

   • viral
   • bacterial- Streptoccocus pyogenes (most common)

2. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

   • bacteria/virus
     • access the body through the mouth/nose
       • infiltrate the tonsils ( first line of defense against infection)
         • production of WBC to fight infection (act as scavenger)
           • inflammatory cytokines (phospholipase A2)

3. TREATMENT

   • severe cases - antibiotics /tonsillectomy
   • conservative management (mild cases ) - increase water intake, increase rest,
     • gargle with warm water/salt
     • humidifier to moisten the air
       • pain medication - acetaminophen/ibuprofen

4. RISK FACTORS

   • poor environment
   • age-common in children
   • low socioeconomic factor
   • overcrowding

5. DIAGNOSIS

   • throat culture
   • physical examination

6. CLINICAL PRESENTATION

   • sore throat
   • chills
   • difficulty swallowing
   • fever
   • earaches
   • headaches
   • jaw/neck tenderness
   • tonsils appear red/swollen
   • enlarged tonsils
   • tonsils have white or yellow spots