Tonsillitis

Question 1

Define Tonsilitis?

Answer 1

Inflammation due to infection of the tonsils

Question 2

What is the aetiology of Tonsillitis?

Answer 2

Usually viral (e.g. common cold or influenza)
Can be bacterial (caused by Group A streptococci)

Question 3

What are the risk factors for Tonsillitis?

Answer 3

Immune deficiency

Family history of tonsillitis or atopy

Question 4

What is the epidemiology of Tonsillitis?

Answer 4

Very COMMON

Usually in children and young adults

Question 5

What are the presenting symptoms of Tonsillitis?

Answer 5

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 6

What are the signs of Tonsillitis?

Answer 6

Red throat
Swollen tonsils, which may have white flecks of pus
High temperature (sometimes)
Swollen lymph nodes

Question 7

What are some classic Streptococcal Tonsillitis features?

Answer 7

Acute Onset
Headache
Abdominal Pain
Dysphagia

Question 8

What might you see on examination for Tonsillitis?

Answer 8

Intense Erythema of tonsils and pharynx
Yellow exudate
Tender, enlarged anterior cervical glands

Question 9

What investigations might you do for Tonsillitis?

Answer 9

Throat swabs and rapid antigen tests can be performed (but are NOT recommended)
Swabs may not be able to distinguish between infection and colonisation