Tonsils, glue ear and the adenoids Flashcards
What is the main function of the tonsils?
Trap bacteria and viruses on inhalation
Expose to the immune system
Antibodies produced by the immune cells in the tissue
Prime immune system and help to prevent subsequent infections
What is waldeyer’s ring and what is included in it?
Ring of lymphoid aggregation in the subepithelial layer of oropharynx and nasopharynx
Comprised of palatine tonsils, adenoids and lingual tonsil
Where can the palatine tonsils be found anatomically?
Fossa by the palatoglossus and palatopharyngeus arches
Lies superficial to the superior constrictor muscle
Where can the adenoids be found anatomically?
Midline of the posterior wall of the nasopharynx immediately inferior to the rostrum of the sphenoid and extending laterally to the lateral wall of nasopharynx
What type of epithelium covers the tonsils?
Stratified squamous epithelium invaginating the tonsils creating crypts
Parenchyma contains numerous lymphoid follicles dispersed beneath the epithelium of the crypts
What type of epithelium covers the adenoids?
Ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium
What are common disease of the tonsils and adenoids?
Acute tonsillitis Recurrent adenoiditis. tonsillitis Obstructive hyperplasia Malignancy Otitis media with effusion
What can cause acute tonsillitis?
Viral: EBV, rhinovirus, influenza, parainfluenza, enterovirus, adenovirus
Small percentage bacterial
Why is streptococcus pyogenes an important pathogen to identify in tonsilitis?
Due to risk of rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis and quinsy
What are the most common bacteria to cause tonsillitis?
Streptococcus pyogenes
Haemophilus influenzae
Staph aureus
Strep pneumoniae
What is the differential with acute tonsilitis?
URTI viral infection Infectious mononucleosis Peritonsillar abscess Candida infection Malignancy: lymphoma, leukaemia, carcinoma Diphtheria Scarlet fever
How will a viral tonsillitis present?
Malaise Sore throat Temperature Able to undertake near normal activity Possible lymphadenopathy Lasts 3-4 days
How will a bacterial tonsillitis present?
Systemic upset Fever Odynophagia Halitosis Unable to work Lymphadenopathy Lasts around 1 week
What is the centor criteria?
History of fever Tonsillar exudates Tender anterior cervical adenopathy Absence of cough 1 point added if under 15 I point subtracted if over 44
How is tonsillitis treated?
Eat and drink
Rest
OTC analgesic - esp NSAIDs
Antibiotics: penicillin 500mg qid 10 days