Acute tonsillitis

Question 1

Acute tonsillitis Causes:

Answer 1

Most are viral

Streptococcus pyogenes = 50%

Question 2

Acute tonsillitis: Presentation

Answer 2

Pharyngitis 
Fever
Malaise
Lymphadenopathy 
Tonsils are Oedematous with yellow/white pustules

Question 3

Acute tonsillitis Treatment

Answer 3

• Viral tonsilitis: mostly viral so give paracetamol, Difflam (anti-inflam), or Gargle if severe
• Bacterial Tonsilitis: Give antibiotics if unwell or Centor Criterisa if posistive - Penicillin type antibiotics - phenomethylpenicillin for 7-10 days - if allergic give erythhromycin.

Question 4

Acute tonsillitis - dy/dx

Answer 4

EBV - infectious mononucleosis may mimic the condition.
Leukaemia
Agranulocytosis
Scarlet Fever

Question 5

Acute tonsillitis Complications

Answer 5

Retropharyngeal abscess
Peritonsillar abscess - quinsy
Parapharyngeal & Hypopharyngral abscess
Lemierre’s Syndrome.