Sore throat? Swollen tonsils? Let's learn everything about tonsillitis!

Do you feel a scratchy, hoarse throat when you wake up in the morning? Do you feel a sore throat when you swallow some food or water? Many of us are familiar with this experience. At a time like this, one of the first words that comes to our mouths is "Oh, my tonsils are sore." What exactly is tonsillitis? Why do we get it? Is it serious? Let's talk about it all simply and clearly today.

First, let's see, what are tonsils?

Simply put, the tonsils are two small lumps of flesh at the back of your throat, on either side. If you stand in front of a mirror, open your mouth wide, and stick your tongue out, you can see them. They're not just two lumps of flesh. The tonsils are part of our body's immune system . They're like two sentries that are there to catch germs that enter our bodies. Their main job is to catch germs that enter our bodies through our mouths and noses and prevent them from entering our bodies.

So, while fighting germs like this, sometimes these two guards get infected, swollen, and red. That's what we call tonsillitis . Medically, it's also called ``Tonsillopharyngitis,'' but we don't really use that word, do we? We simply say "sore throat" or "tonsils are up."

Although this condition can occur at any age, it is most common among school-aged children and young adults. Tonsillitis is very rare in children under the age of 3.

What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis symptoms usually appear suddenly. A sore throat is often the first sign. Then, gradually, other symptoms begin to appear. Let's take a look at the main symptoms.

Why do we get tonsillitis? What are the causes?

There are two main causes of tonsillitis: viral infections and bacterial infections .

1. Viral Tonsillitis

This is the most common type. Think about it, we have viruses that cause illnesses like the common cold and the flu, and those same viruses cause tonsillitis about 70% of the time. Tonsillitis caused by a virus usually has milder symptoms. It can feel like a normal sore throat.

2. Bacterial Tonsillitis

The other cause is bacteria. In particular, a type of bacteria called `(Group A Streptococcus)` is mainly responsible for this. We usually call the throat infection caused by this bacteria strep throat . Even a person who has had their tonsils removed can develop strep throat, but then the infection spreads to other parts of the throat instead of the tonsils.

How is this disease transmitted?

The viruses and bacteria that cause tonsillitis are very contagious, so we need to be a little careful.

• Person-to-person: Through droplets of saliva that are released when someone who is sick talks, sneezes, or coughs.
• Close contact: kissing someone who is sick, eating from the same plate or cup, etc.
• Contaminated surfaces: By touching something like a doorknob or table that is contaminated with germs and then touching your nose or mouth with that same hand.

People like school children, teachers, and people who work in crowded offices are especially at risk of exposure to these germs.

Doctor, how do you accurately diagnose tonsillitis?

If you have a fever with a sore throat, the best thing to do is see a doctor. The doctor will first ask you about your symptoms. Then,

• They will open your mouth and check to see if your tonsils are swollen, red, or have white spots.
• The ears and nose will be examined to see if there are any other infections.
• They feel both sides of the neck to see if the lymph nodes are swollen or painful.

After this test, you need to know for sure whether it is caused by a virus or bacteria. Because there are two ways to treat it. For this, the doctor can take a throat swab . This sample is taken by wiping the back of the throat with a long cotton swab. It is tested to see if the bacteria `(Group A Streptococcus)` is present.

• If the test is positive: It means you have a bacterial infection (Strep throat).
• If the test is negative: It means you have a viral infection.

What are the treatments for tonsillitis?

Treatment depends on the cause we discussed earlier.

If it is a viral infection (Viral Tonsillitis)

Antibiotics are not effective for viral infections. The best treatment for this is rest and fluids . Drinking warm soup, tea, and cilantro can help soothe the throat. The body's own immune system will control the virus and cure the disease in about three to four days.

If it is a bacterial infection (Bacterial Tonsillitis)

For this, you definitely need to take antibiotics . The doctor will prescribe you an antibiotic like `(penicillin)`.

Additional treatments

• Painkillers: You can take a painkiller like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen for a sore throat and fever. However, consult your doctor before taking any medication.
• Surgery (Tonsillectomy): Rarely, some people have persistent tonsillitis. If you get it more than five or six times a year, or if your tonsils are enlarged and making it difficult to breathe, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure to remove both tonsils (tonsillectomy).

Things you can do at home to get relief

In addition to taking the medication prescribed by your doctor, there are a few simple things you can do at home to relieve a sore throat.

• Drink warm liquids: Drinking warm things like ginger tea, cilantro, and chicken soup can help soothe your throat.
• Gargle with salt water: Dissolve about a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with that water several times a day to reduce swelling and pain.
• Things that soothe the throat: Eating cold things like ice cream and yogurt also helps relieve throat pain for some people.
• Get plenty of rest: Resting your body helps you recover quickly.

Can it be dangerous if left untreated? (Complications)

Tonsillitis is usually a simple illness that resolves in a few days. However, if not treated properly, certain complications can occur, especially in cases of bacterial infections.

When should you definitely see a doctor?

A normal sore throat will subside in two to three days. However, if you have the following symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor.

• Sore throat lasting more than four days .
• Having a high fever (over 101°F / 38.3°C).
• If you feel difficulty breathing .
• If there is so much pain that you cannot open your mouth or swallow food .

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