Acute Tonsillitis

Introduction

• Caused by infection and inflammation.
• Main cause: Streptococcus bacteria.
• Other causes: Staph and pyogenic bacteria.
• More commonly seen in children.

Main Types

1. Superficial Tonsillitis
   • Infection at the surface level.
   • Typically an infection of the pharynx (throat).
2. Follicular Tonsillitis
   • Pus accumulates in the crypts.
   • Yellow spots are visible.
3. Membranous Tonsillitis
   • Pus forms a membrane.
   • Reddish-colored membrane.
4. Parenchymatous Tonsillitis
   • Disease spreads to lymphoid follicles.
   • The most severe type.

Symptoms and Signs

• Sore throat.
• Fever (38-40 degrees Celsius).
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Ear pain (acute otitis media).
• Fitted breath (bad breath).
• Swollen and hyperemic tonsils.
• Common in older children and teenagers.

Diagnosis

• Based on symptoms and signs.
• No specific test required.

Treatment

1. Rest and Fluid Intake
   • Drink more water.
2. Analgesic Medications
   • Paracetamol and aspirin.
3. Antibacterial Therapy
   • Drug of choice: Amoxicillin + Clavulanic acid.
   • In case of allergies: Erythromycin (macrolide).

Possible Complications

1. Chronic tonsillitis.
2. Abscesses (peritonsillar, parapharyngeal, cervical).
3. Rheumatic fever.
4. Acute glomerulonephritis.
5. Subacute bacterial endocarditis.

Others

• Importance of diagnosis and treatment.
• Taking history and recognizing potential complications.