Tonsillitis: Causes, Symptoms, Types & Tests

Tonsillitis is a frequent condition where often the tonsils swell and become inflamed. Tonsils are two small masses of tissue in the rear of the throat that make up parts of the immune system. Tonsillitis may happen in children, teens, and adults and can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Most cases are viral, but some are bacterial (Group A Streptococcus).

The tonsils may be swollen, and it may cause a sore throat, trouble swallowing, fever, and, in some cases, white spots on your tonsils. Viral and bacterial infections can cause some similar symptoms, making it sometimes necessary to be tested for the cause. When evaluated by a health care provider, Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy provides suitable diagnostic testing to assist in evaluating an infection.

What Is Tonsillitis?

Inflammation or infection of the tonsils is known as tonsillitis. It can occur as a result of the infection of the tonsils and throat with viruses and microorganisms. Most commonly caused by viral infection. It can be accompanied by common cold and flu symptoms. Other airway infections by bacteria, including Group A Streptococcus, are also possible and frequently need antibiotics if they are diagnosed. Many people may have the condition just one time and recover in a couple of days; however, some individuals may find it occurs several times each year.

What Are the Causes of Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis causes can vary depending on the infection or condition affecting the throat.

Viral Infections

Tonsillitis is most usually caused by viruses. Inflamed tonsils can also be caused by viruses responsible for common colds and other respiratory infections. Note a cough, runny nose, or a hoarse voice, which could indicate a viral infection, not Group A strep.

Bacterial Infections

Tonsillitis may also be caused by bacteria. A bacterial infection of the throat (pharyngitis) is caused by Group A Streptococcus and can result in sudden-onset sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing, enlarged tonsils, white patches or streaks on the tonsils. There is a risk of transmission of Group A Streptococcus in cases of close contact with an infected individual, particularly in school-age children and in close environments.

What Are the Symptoms of Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis symptoms can differ depending on the cause and severity of the infection. Common symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Red and swollen tonsils
• Pain or difficulty while swallowing
• Fever
• Swollen or tender glands in the neck
• White patches or pus on the tonsils
• Bad breath
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Earache
• Cough in some cases

In children, some bacterial throat infections can also cause stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. White spots on the tonsils aren't always a sign of bacterial infection. Symptoms and disease duration (and, as appropriate, testing) help determine the cause.

Types of Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis can be described based on how long it lasts and how frequently it occurs.

Acute Tonsillitis

Acute tonsillitis develops quickly and frequently in a brief period of time. Is often associated with viruses or bacteria causing trouble with feeding and fever, a sore throat and enlarged tonsils.

Recurrent Tonsillitis

Recurrent tonsillitis is when you've had tonsillitis more than once. In cases of unusually frequent recurrence or severe cases, further medical evaluation may be indicated to determine the cause and treatment of this condition.

Chronic Tonsillitis

If you are having tonsillitis regularly and the episodes of tonsillitis are prolonged, then it is called chronic tonsillitis. Chronic tonsillitis may cause ongoing sore throat, ear pain, nasal congestion, persistently swollen tonsils, bad breath, or a hoarse voice. Depending on the severity and nature of the tonsillitis, a healthcare professional may recommend observation, supportive treatment, testing, or even therapy or further investigation.

How Is Tonsillitis Diagnosed?

Typically, tonsillitis is diagnosed by taking a history and examining the throat. Your health care provider can check for enlarged lymph nodes, tonsil size, white spots, and redness. If a bacterial infection is suspected, a throat/swab may be suggested. The person's sample may be tested to check if Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is in their sample.

What Tests Are Used for Tonsillitis?

The appropriate tonsillitis tests depend on the symptoms and suspected cause.

Rapid Strep Test

The rapid strep test is performed using a throat swab to see if the person has a Group A Streptococcus infection in his/her throat. May be an effective way to get results quickly and may play a role in deciding if antibiotics are needed.

Throat Culture

A throat culture involves growing bacteria from the patient's throat as well as putting them in a medium where they can grow in the laboratory. Can detect the presence of Group A Streptococcus and can detect infections not detected by a rapid test. With a negative rapid strep test, the throat culture may be ordered for children and teens who are suspected of having Group A strep. There may be variations in suggestions for adults.

Blood Tests

If symptoms are severe, lasting, or if it is suspected to be another infection, such as glandular fever, a blood test may be ordered. Not everyone with tonsillitis has to have a blood test.

When Should You See a Doctor?

A medical assessment might be necessary if the symptoms are severe, persistent, recurrent, or if symptoms worsen. Seek emergency care if there is difficulty breathing, low oxygen saturation, inability to swallow fluids, excessive drooling, severe throat swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, or rapidly worsening symptoms. These may represent complications that are severe and require treatment.

Can Tonsillitis Cause Complications?

In most cases, tonsillitis does not cause serious complications and gets better. When bacterial throat infections aren't treated properly, however, they may develop complications. A potential complication is a build-up of pus in the space around the tonsils – a peritonsillar abscess. Another possible problem that may occur with group A strep infection is rheumatic fever or post-streptococcal kidney inflammation.

How Can Tonsillitis Be Prevented?

Good hygiene helps to decrease the chance of spreading infection, as many of the causes of tonsillitis are infectious. Hand washing, do not share cups and utensils with an infected person, cover your nose and mouth with a cloth while sneezing or coughing, and do not come in close contact with members of the household suffering from active respiratory infections.

Conclusion

In Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, diagnostic tests may be used to help in the diagnosis of infection, when advised by a healthcare professional. If the symptoms indicate that further investigation should be undertaken, bacterial testing may be performed, which can identify Group A Streptococcus. The right kind of test depends on the symptom, medical history, age, and clinical assessment. Do not interpret a test result without taking into consideration the patient's symptoms and examination results.