Tonsillitis

Question 1

Define

Answer 1

DEFINITION: inflammation due to infection of the tonsils.

Question 2

CAuses

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

Epidemiology

Answer 3

VERY COMMON

Usually in children and young adults

Question 4

symptoms

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

Signs

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

Investigations

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