Tonsillitis
The fact is that tonsillitis affects more than just children — and surgery is not (!) always the best course of treatment - Dr. Axe
image by: Dr.Das's Diabetic Clinic
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4 Ways to Get Rid of Tonsillitis
The tonsils are considered “guardians” since they’re a part of the immune system, specifically the lymphatic system, and are made up of tissue that acts as a natural germ filter. The tonsils are one of our first lines of defense, since they normally trap germs (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.) that make their way into the mouth or nose and threaten the immune system.
They’re responsible for tackling threatening pathogens soon after they enter the body, stopping them from potentially traveling further into the body and causing infections. The production of germ-fighting antibodies is one of the most important roles for the tonsils, since these white blood cells attack bacteria that are…
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Tonsils, adenoids and throat infections — do doctors still recommend surgery?
"In the pre-1980s they were taken out all the time for very weak indications, like bed-wetting," he said. "Then in the '80s and '90s there was an overly conservative approach and many patients got long or multiple courses of antibiotics. "But we probably do way more of it now than we did in the '80s and '90s because of that concept that chronic antibiotic use is not a solution."
Understanding recurrent tonsillitis
Strep throat can be treated effectively with antibiotics, but some children get the disease repeatedly (recurrent tonsillitis). Children who develop recurrent tonsillitis may need to have their tonsils surgically removed. It hasn’t been clear why some children are more likely than others to get recurrent tonsillitis.
‘A Wicked Operation’? Tonsillectomy in Twentieth-Century Britain
Histories of twentieth-century surgery have focused on surgical ‘firsts’ – dramatic tales of revolutionary procedures. The history of tonsillectomy is less glamorous, but more widespread, representing the experience and understanding of medicine for hundreds of children, parents and surgeons daily. At the start of the twentieth century, tonsillectomy was routine – performed on at least 80 000 schoolchildren each year in Britain. However, by the 1980s, public and professional discourse condemned the operation as a ‘dangerous fad’.
The sinister conspiracy of silence that masks the awful truth about the horrors of tonsillitis
Turns out I had tonsillitis. Now, if you're anything like I was a fortnight ago, the mention of tonsillitis right there won't do anything for you. I mean, what is it anyway? A kiddywink illness? Bit of a sore throat? Pah. That's how people who've never had tonsillitis tend to think about it. I certainly did. Whereas now, I can confidently report that it's worse - far worse - than international terrorism and child abuse combined.
Tonsillitis and sore throat in childhood
Surgery of the tonsils is still one of the most frequent procedures during childhood. Diagnosis of acute tonsillitis is clinical, but sometimes it is hard to distinguish viral from bacterial infections.
Adult tonsillitis: Nothing to kid about
Infections can cause painful flare-ups that surgery can eliminate. But the procedure is a lot tougher on grown-ups than children, doctors warn.
How to Survive Tonsillitis
Although tonsillitis is most common in children, it can develop in anyone.
My child has tonsillitis. Will he need to have his tonsils removed?
In years past, it was very common for children to have their tonsils and the adenoid taken out. Today, doctors know much more about tonsils and the adenoid and are more careful about recommending removal.
Peritonsillar Abscess
Peritonsillar abscess remains the most common deep infection of the head and neck. The condition occurs primarily in young adults, most often during November to December and April to May, coinciding with the highest incidence of streptococcal pharyngitis and exudative tonsillitis.
The Conundrum of Swollen Tonsils and Adenoids
Though tonsils were removed frequently in earlier times the present scenario has changed because doctors believe that the positive role of tonsils in helping the owner for a lifetime cannot be ruled out (even though there is no proven evidence as of now). We also know that speech is the miracle brought about by the various oro-pharyngeal tissues modulating the laryngeal jet of air and therefore contributory role of these tissues to good voice cannot be ignored.
Tonsillitis and its Complications
Peritonsillar cellulitis and abscess are the most common deep infections of the head and neck in children. Inadequate treatment of these infections may have devastating consequences.
4 Ways to Get Rid of Tonsillitis
When most people think of tonsillitis, they envision a child with swollen glands and the necessity to get his or her tonsils removed. From there, it’s all visions of ice cream and jello and a reason to miss school while eating dessert for a meal. The fact is that tonsillitis affects more than just children — and surgery is not (!) always the best course of treatment.
Peritonsillar abscess - Spinal Needle Aspiration
A worrisome concern with using a 3.5 inch spinal needle for PTA drainage is advancing the needle too deeply and inadvertently puncturing the carotid artery. A trick to help prevent this is to use a protective guide. Trim the needle’s plastic sheath so that when replaced, only 1.5 cm of the needle tip is exposed. When using the needle to aspirate the abscess, the sheath prevents the needle from over-advancing beyond 1.5 cm.
Peritonsillar abscess drainage - Needle Aspiration
This update reviews these tricks as well as some additional techniques for optimal success in draining a PTA, while avoiding the ultimate feared complication of puncturing the carotid artery.
Tonsillitis Understood
This site was created by Itzhak Brook MD. It explains the diagnosis, etiology, medical and surgical (tonsillectomy) treatment and complications of tonsillitis ( tonsillar abscess, Lemierre's syndrome).
ENTHealth
Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, but the type of tonsillitis determines what symptoms may occur.
Don't Forget The Bubbles
Tonsillitis/pharygnitis can be either bacterial or viral and it can be difficult to distinguish between the two. Pus on the tonsils does not mean it’s bacterial!
FP Notebook
Professional reference.
KidsHealth
Treatment for tonsillitis depends on whether it is caused by a virus or by a bacteria like group A streptococcus bacteria. Doctors usually can't tell the difference just by looking at the tonsils, but can detect strep bacteria with a rapid strep test or a throat culture.
MayoClinic
Because appropriate treatment for tonsillitis depends on the cause, it's important to get a prompt and accurate diagnosis. Surgery to remove tonsils, once a common procedure to treat tonsillitis, is usually performed only when tonsillitis occurs frequently, doesn't respond to other treatments or causes serious complications.
MedicineNet
The tonsils and adenoids are thought to assist the body in its defense against incoming bacteria and viruses by helping the body form antibodies. However, this function may only be important during the first year of life. There is no evidence to support a significant role of the tonsils and adenoids in immunity. Medical studies have shown that children who have their tonsils and adenoids removed suffer no loss in their future immunity to disease or ability to ward off infections.
MedlinePlus
Swollen tonsils that are not painful or do not cause other problems do not need to be treated. Your health care provider may not give you antibiotics. You may be asked to come back for a checkup later. If tests show you do have strep, your doctor will give you antibiotics. It is important to finish all of your antibiotics as directed by your doctor, even if you feel better. If you do not take them all, the infection can return.
NHS
Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by a viral infection, such as the viruses that cause the common cold or flu virus (influenza). Some cases can also be caused by a bacterial infection, typically a strain of bacteria called group A streptococcus bacteria.
Patient
Tonsillitis is inflammation due to infection of the tonsils. Pharyngitis is inflammation of the oropharynx but not the tonsils. The tonsils tend to atrophy in early adulthood. In laryngitis there are few visible signs of infection but with soreness lower down the throat often associated with a hoarse voice.
ScienceDaily
Your source for the latest research news.
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