Tonsillitis

Question 1

Define tonsillitis

Answer 1

Inflammation due to infection of the tonsils.

Question 2

Explain the aetiology/risk factors of tonsillitis

Answer 2

Usually VIRAL (e.g. common cold or influenza)

Can be bacterial (caused by group A streptococci)

Risk Factors
Immune deficiency
Family history of tonsillitis or atopy

Question 3

Summarise the epidemiology of tonsillitis

Answer 3

VERY COMMON

Usually in children and young adult

Question 4

Recognise the presenting symptoms of tonsillitis

Answer 4

Pain in the throat
Painful swallowing
Pain may be referred to ears
Abdominal pain (in small children)
Headache
Loss of voice or changes in voice

Question 5

Recognise the 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

Classic streptococcal tonsilitis
features:
Acute onset
Headache
Abdominal pain
Dysphagia

Examination:
Intense erythema of tonsils and pharynx
Yellow exudate
Tender, enlarged anterior cervical glands

Question 6

Identify appropriate 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