Tonsillitis Flashcards
1
Q
What is tonsillitis?
A
inflammation due to infection of the tonsils.
2
Q
What is the aetiology of tonsillitis?
A
Usually VIRAL (e.g. common cold or influenza) Can be bacterial (group A streptococci)
3
Q
Give 2 Risk Factors of tonsillitis
A
Immune deficiency
FH of tonsillitis or atopy
4
Q
Describe the epidemiology of tonsillitis
A
VERY COMMON
Usually in children + young adults
5
Q
List 6 presenting symptoms of tonsillitis
A
Pain in the throat Painful swallowing Pain may be referred to ears Abdominal pain Headache Loss of voice or changes in voice
6
Q
List 6 signs of tonsillitis on physical examination
A
Red throat Swollen tonsils Tonsillar exudate Fever Acute onset Swollen lymph nodes
7
Q
Give 2 investigations for tonsillitis
A
Throat swabs
Rapid antigen tests for Strep
8
Q
Describe the appearance of tonsils in tonsillitis
A
Intense erythema of tonsils + pharynx
Yellow exudate
Tender, enlarged anterior cervical glands
9
Q
Which scoring systems are used to assess whether tonsillitis is caused by a streptococcal infection?
A
CENTOR
FEVERPAIN
