Tonsillitis and tonsillectomy

Question 1

complications of tonsillitis

Answer 1

otitis media
quinsy - peritonsillar abscess
rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis very rarely

Question 2

indications for tonsillectomy

Answer 2

sore throats are due to tonsillitis (i.e. not recurrent upper respiratory tract infections)

the person has five or more episodes of sore throat per year

symptoms have been occurring for at least a year

the episodes of sore throat are disabling and prevent normal functioning

Question 3

other indications

Answer 3

recurrent febrile convulsions secondary to episodes of tonsillitis

obstructive sleep apnoea, stridor or dysphagia secondary to enlarged tonsils

peritonsillar abscess (quinsy) if unresponsive to standard treatment

Question 4

complications of tonsillectomy

Answer 4

primary (< 24 hours): haemorrhage in 2-3% (most commonly due to inadequate haemostasis), pain

secondary (24 hours to 10 days): haemorrhage (most commonly due to infection), pain