Tonsilitis Flashcards
1
Q
What is Tonsillitis?
A
- Inflammation of the tonsils
- Typical cause is a viral cause - These do not require/ respond to antibiotics
2
Q
What is the most common cause of Bacterial Tonsillitis?
A
- Group A streptococcus
3
Q
What are the other causes of bacterial tonsillitis?
A
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Haemophilus Influenzae
- Moraxella catarrhalis
- Staphylococcus aureus
4
Q
What is the presentation of Tonsillitis?
A
- Sore throat
- Fever above 38 degrees
- Pain on Swallowing
5
Q
What will you see on examination of the throat?
A
- Red, inflamed and enlarged tonsils with or without exudates
- Anterior Cervical lymphadenopathy = swollen, tender lymph nodes
- Tonsillar lymph nodes
6
Q
What is the Centor Critieria?
A
- This is a score that can estimate the probability that tonsillitis is due to bacterial infection and will benefit from antibiotics
- A score of 3 or more gives a 40-60% probability of bacterial tonsillitis
7
Q
What is included in the Centor Criteria?
A
- Fever - over 38
- Tonsillar exudates
- Absence of cough
- Tender anterior cervical lymph nodes
8
Q
What is the management of Tonsillitis?
A
- Bacterial causes: Penicillin V (phenoxymethylpenicillin) for a 10 day course
- Viral: analgesia (paracetamol and ibuprofen)
9
Q
What are the complications of Tonsillitis?
A
- Peri-tonsillar Abscess
- Otitis Media
- Scarlet Fever
- Rheumatic Fever
- Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis
- Post-streptococcal reactive arthritis
