Tonsillitis and Adenoiditis
overview
Tonsils are lymphatic tissue on both sides of the throat and the adenoids are lymphatic tissue in the very back of the nose. They trap bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth, nose, or throat. By doing so, signals are sent throughout our bodies to produce antibodies that destroy germs and fight infection. However, the tonsils and adenoids can also get infected themselves, leading to a variety of bothersome symptoms.
Tonsillitis and Adenoiditis
overview
Tonsils are lymphatic tissue on both sides of the throat and the adenoids are lymphatic tissue in the very back of the nose. They trap bacteria and viruses that enter the body through the mouth, nose, or throat. By doing so, signals are sent throughout our bodies to produce antibodies that destroy germs and fight infection. However, the tonsils and adenoids can also get infected themselves, leading to a variety of bothersome symptoms.
Symptoms
Tonsillitis can be very painful and bothersome to a patient. An episode of tonsillitis is defined by the following symptoms:
Sore throat and one or more of the symptoms below:
- Temperature >101 F
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
- White or yellow spots on the tonsil
- Positive strep test
Some severe cases of tonsillitis can progress to an abscess that forms around the tonsil. This does not occur with most episodes of tonsillitis, but if it does the following symptoms may be present:
- Difficulty opening mouth
- Muffled or hoarse voice
- Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
- Drooling
Episodes of adenoiditis can often occur in conjunction with an episode of tonsillitis; however, they can also occur in isolation, which is more common in children. Symptoms of adenoiditis are as follows:
- Colored drainage from the nose lasting 7-10 days
- Stuffy nose
- Fever >101 F
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
- Ear pain or infection
Causes
Tonsillitis and adenoiditis can be caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses. It is estimated that a virus causes roughly 70% of infections. The most common bacteria associated with tonsillitis and adenoiditis is group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, routinely referred to as “strep”.
Symptoms
Tonsillitis can be very painful and bothersome to a patient. An episode of tonsillitis is defined by the following symptoms:
Sore throat and one or more of the symptoms below:
- Temperature >101 F
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
- White or yellow spots on the tonsil
- Positive strep test
Some severe cases of tonsillitis can progress to an abscess that forms around the tonsil. This does not occur with most episodes of tonsillitis, but if it does the following symptoms may be present:
- Difficulty opening mouth
- Muffled or hoarse voice
- Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
- Drooling
Episodes of adenoiditis can often occur in conjunction with an episode of tonsillitis; however, they can also occur in isolation, which is more common in children. Symptoms of adenoiditis are as follows:
- Colored drainage from the nose lasting 7-10 days
- Stuffy nose
- Fever >101 F
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
- Ear pain or infection
Causes
Tonsillitis and adenoiditis can be caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses. It is estimated that a virus causes roughly 70% of infections. The most common bacteria associated with tonsillitis and adenoiditis is group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, routinely referred to as “strep”.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by a combination of symptoms and physical exam findings. In addition, there are two tests that may be performed by taking a swab of the back of the throat. A rapid strep test can be used to quickly determine whether or not an infection is related to strep bacteria. If that is negative, a throat culture can be taken in order to determine the type of bacteria causing the infection. The rapid strep test provides results in minutes, while the throat culture provides results in 2-3 days.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by a combination of symptoms and physical exam findings. In addition, there are two tests that may be performed by taking a swab of the back of the throat. A rapid strep test can be used to quickly determine whether or not an infection is related to strep bacteria. If that is negative, a throat culture can be taken in order to determine the type of bacteria causing the infection. The rapid strep test provides results in minutes, while the throat culture provides results in 2-3 days.
Available Treatments
Tonsillitis and adenoiditis are treated in the following manner:
- Antibiotics
- Hydration
- Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or Tylenol
- Rest
- Saltwater gargles
Surgical removal of the tonsils and adenoids are indicated in the following:
- 7 episodes of tonsillitis in one year
- 5 episodes of tonsillitis for two years in a row
- 3 episodes of tonsillitis for three or more years in a row
- Multiple antibiotic intolerance or allergies
- History of abscess associated with tonsillitis
- Severe infection causing extreme dehydration requiring IV fluids
- Severe infections that may aggravate comorbid conditions such as seizures
- PFAPA syndrome (Periodic Fevers, Aphthous stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Adenitis)
- Infections are causing excessive school absences
- Streptococcal carrier leading to infection of others
Surgical removal of the adenoids without tonsillectomy is indicated in the following:
- Four or more episodes of adenoiditis in a year
- Recurrent ear infections meeting criteria for ear tube insertion, associated with symptoms of nasal obstruction
Available Treatments
Tonsillitis and adenoiditis are treated in the following manner:
- Antibiotics
- Hydration
- Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or Tylenol
- Rest
- Saltwater gargles
Surgical removal of the tonsils and adenoids are indicated in the following:
- 7 episodes of tonsillitis in one year
- 5 episodes of tonsillitis for two years in a row
- 3 episodes of tonsillitis for three or more years in a row
- Multiple antibiotic intolerance or allergies
- History of abscess associated with tonsillitis
- Severe infection causing extreme dehydration requiring IV fluids
- Severe infections that may aggravate comorbid conditions such as seizures
- PFAPA syndrome (Periodic Fevers, Aphthous stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Adenitis)
- Infections are causing excessive school absences
- Streptococcal carrier leading to infection of others
Surgical removal of the adenoids without tonsillectomy is indicated in the following:
- Four or more episodes of adenoiditis in a year
- Recurrent ear infections meeting criteria for ear tube insertion, associated with symptoms of nasal obstruction
Services We Provide
- Treatment of acute and chronic tonsillitis and adenoiditis
- Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
- Management of peritonsillar abscesses
- Throat culture when indicated
Services We Provide
- Treatment of acute and chronic tonsillitis and adenoiditis
- Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
- Management of peritonsillar abscesses
- Throat culture when indicated