Tonsillitis

Question 1

what is tonsillitis

Answer 1

inflammation due to infection of the tonsils

Question 2

what causes tonsillitis

Answer 2

viral (common cold/ influenza)

can be bacterial (group A streptococci)

Question 3

risk factors for tonsillitis

Answer 3

immunosuppresion, family Hx of tonsillitis or atopy

Question 4

presenting symptoms of tonsillitis

Answer 4

pain in throat,

painful swallowing

pain radiating to ears

headache

loss of voice/ changes in voice

Question 5

signs of tonsillitis on physical examination

Answer 5

Red throat

Swollen tonsils, which may have white flecks of pus

High temperature (sometimes)

Swollen lymph nodes

Intense erythema of tonsils and pharynx

Yellow exudate

Tender, enlarged anterior cervical glands

NO COUGH

Question 6

investigations for tonsillitis

Answer 6

Throat swabs and rapid antigen tests can be performed (but are NOT recommended)

Swabs may not be able to distinguish between infection and colonisation

Question 7

management of tonsillitis

Answer 7

Paracetamol and ibuprofen

Antibiotics if features of:
Marked systemic upset
Three or more Centor criteria present
Immunodeficiency
History of rheumatic fever

Question 8

complications

Answer 8

recurrent tonsillitis

abscess