Bacterial tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, which are structures located in the throat, caused by bacteria generally of the genus Streptococcus. This inflammation typically causes fever, sore throat and difficulty swallowing, which leads to loss of appetite.
The diagnosis of bacterial tonsillitis is made by the doctor based on symptoms and observation of the throat, but a microbiological test may also be ordered to identify the species of bacteria that is causing the tonsillitis.
After identifying the microorganism responsible for the inflammation of the tonsils, the otorhinolaryngologist can recommend the best treatment, which normally involves the use of antibiotics. In cases where tonsillitis is common, surgery to remove the tonsils may be recommended.
Symptoms of bacterial tonsillitis
The main symptoms that may arise with bacterial tonsillitis are:
- Intense sore throat;
- Difficulty swallowing;
- High fever;
- Chills;
- White dots in the throat (pus);
- Loss of appetite;
- Headache;
- Swelling of the tonsils.
Bacterial tonsillitis can happen at any age, but is more common in children. Furthermore, it is easier to happen in people who have a compromised immune system, as it is an opportunistic infection. Know how to identify all the symptoms of tonsillitis.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of bacterial tonsillitis is made by the otorhinolaryngologist through the evaluation of symptoms and observation of the throat in the office, and generally no additional tests are necessary.
Make an appointment with an otolaryngologist in the nearest region:
However, there are also cases in which the doctor may order a microbiological examination to identify which bacteria is causing the infection in the tonsils, better adapting the treatment.
Cause of bacterial tonsillitis
Bacterial tonsillitis is caused, in most cases, by bacteria of the genus Streptococcus, which are naturally present in the mouth without causing any symptoms. However, due to situations that reduce the action of the immune system, it is possible for them to proliferate and cause inflammation of the tonsils.
Furthermore, this infection can also be transmitted when breathing in droplets, from coughing or sneezing, infected with bacteria that end up lodging in the tonsils, developing and causing the infection.
However, you can also get tonsillitis when you touch a contaminated object, such as a door handle, for example, and then touch your nose or mouth, without washing your hands first. This is why tonsillitis is more common in children, as they are more likely to put dirty hands in their mouths, for example.
How the treatment is carried out
The treatment of bacterial tonsillitis is almost always done with the use of a broad-spectrum antibiotic, such as amoxicillin, which eliminates excess bacteria. This antibiotic can be indicated by the doctor only with the evaluation and observation of signs and symptoms and, normally, there is an improvement in the condition within 3 to 5 days after starting treatment.
However, if the symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, the doctor may order a microbiological examination to understand the type of bacteria that is in the tonsils, making treatment appropriate using the most specific antibiotic indicated for the type of bacteria identified.
In more chronic cases, when bacterial tonsillitis persists for more than three months or is recurrent, removal of the tonsils may be indicated.
Home treatment options
Home treatment options should always be used as a supplement to the treatment recommended by your doctor and never as a replacement. Likewise, you should also inform your doctor about the use of any home remedies, as they may end up interfering with the antibiotic’s functioning.
However, one treatment that can almost always be used to help alleviate symptoms during antibiotic treatment is gargling with warm salt water 2 to 3 times a day. See other home remedies recommended for tonsillitis.
Possible complications
It is important to treat tonsillitis as instructed by your doctor to avoid complications, such as peritonsillar abscess or rheumatic fever, for example. Find out what it is, how to identify and treat rheumatic fever.
Bibliography
- LONGO, Dan L. et al. Harrison Internal Medicine. 18.ed. São Paulo: AMGH Editora, 2013. 262-267.
- NHS. Tonsillitis. Available at: <https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tonsillitis/>. Accessed on February 10, 2020
- TANAKA, Yoshie I.; IWAMOTO, Airton H.; PERSON, Osmar C.. Lethal acute tonsilitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. The World of Health São Paulo. Vol.33 n.1. 114-117, 2009
