What Is Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is the infection  in the tonsils caused by  a bacterium streptococcus.
The fleshy cluster of tissues which lie on both sides of the throat is called as tonsils. The tonsils within the human body have a remarkable functionality of battling against the attack of bacteria and viruses that try to invade the system. Tonsils contain infection-fighting antibodies that stop spreading of the germs further into the body. Sometimes in this process of fighting, the tonsils themselves will get infected. This makes them inflamed and swollen. This is how you get Tonsillitis. Children between 5 to 15 years of age are the ones who are easily affected.  
 

Symptoms of Tonsillitis

The main symptom is sore throat. It may develop gradually or suddenly. Some of the other common symptoms of tonsillitis are:
– Fever (about 101 degrees.)
– Chills
– Redder-than-normal tonsils
– Bad breath
– White or yellow coating on the tonsils
– Trouble in speaking
– Swollen glands in the neck
– Loss of appetite
– Vomiting
– Headache
– Yellowish or grayish-white coating of the infected area.
– Difficulty in swallowing
– Stomach ache and other general pain

How is Tonsillitis Treated?

Tonsillitis is usually contagious and spreads from person to person. It spreads when uninfected people com in contact with the throat or nasal fluids of someone who is already infected. Surgery is rarely required. If the strep test is positive then tonsillitis is caused by streptococcus bacteria.

Tonsillitis that is caused by streptococcus bacteria can be treated with penicillin or other suitable antibiotics to prevent the development of rheumatic fever. Make sure that your child is not allergic to penicillin. It is mandatory that it should be given via the mouth for at least 10 days. Taking penicillin for shorter time periods may not completely clear up the infection. The illness can be cured within a week.

If the strep test is negative then traditional lab testing will be needed.  Gargling with salt water will also help to get rid of the infection. Medications such as Tylenol and ibuprofen will help in minimizing fever and pain

If you are attacked once by tonsillitis, it is called as acute tonsillitis. But if you get tonsillitis 2 or more times, you have recurrent tonsillitis .This is a severe form of tonsillitis and your symptoms will be bad enough to stop you from doing your normal activities. You are advised to remove the tonsils when you have serious problems with it.  
 

How to Prevent Tonsillitis

The best method of prevention is to follow personal hygiene. Keep your children away from the infected children.  Remind your child to wash their hand frequently. Avoid people who are coughing and sneezing. Simple cleanliness can really help in effective prevention of tonsillitis with ease.