Tonsillitis Flashcards
Definiiton
Inflammation due to infection of the tonsils.
Aetiology/Risk factors
· Usually VIRAL (e.g. common cold or influenza)
· Can be bacterial (caused by group A streptococci)
· Risk Factors
o Immune deficiency
o Family history of tonsillitis or atopy
Epidemiology
· VERY COMMON
· Usually in children and young adults
Presenting symptoms
· 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
Signs on physical examination
· Red throat
· Swollen tonsils, which may have white flecks of pus
· High temperature (sometimes)
· Swollen lymph nodes
· Classic streptococcal tonsilitis features: o Acute onset o Headache o Abdominal pain o Dysphagia
· Examination:
o Intense erythema of tonsils and pharynx
o Yellow exudate
o Tender, enlarged anterior cervical glands
Investigations
· Throat swabs and rapid antigen tests can be performed (but are NOT recommended)
· Swabs may not be able to distinguish between infection and colonisation