The Medical Science Behind Adult Tonsillitis
Tonsils are the lymphoid tissues found at the back of the throat. A virus or bacteria can infect the tonsils, resulting in tonsillitis. Viral tonsillitis resolves on its own, but bacterial tonsillitis requires antibiotics. The normal duration for tonsillitis is a few days to a few weeks.
In the following article, Dr. Sharad, a renowned ENT specialist, explains the causes and management of adult tonsillitis.
Causes of Adult Tonsillitis
There are mainly two causes of adult tonsillitis, which are presented as follows.
- Bacterial Infection
- Viral Infection
Bacterial Infection
Group A Streptococcus, often known as Streptococcus pyogenes, is the most frequent cause of bacterial tonsillitis. Penicillin V can be used to treat this condition successfully.
Streptococcus Pneumoniae is the second most common bacterium that causes tonsillitis.
Other causes include Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Staphylococcus aureus.
Viral Infection
A viral infection typically brings on tonsillitis. Infections brought on by the virus include the flu and the common cold. The EBV virus is responsible for infectious mononucleosis, sometimes referred to as the kissing illness and related to a throat infection.
Management Of Adult Tonsillitis
There are two ways to manage and treat the issue of tonsillitis.
- Medicinal Treatment
- Surgical Treatment
Medicinal Treatment
Doctors mainly prefer to get in touch with tonsillitis pain and the problem with the help of medicines. Antibiotics will be administered to the patient if a bacterial infection is the cause of their tonsillitis. The doctor may recommend erythromycin or amoxicillin if the patient is allergic to penicillin. Penicillin is often employed. The doctor may recommend ibuprofen to treat tonsillitis pain.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatments are said to be the last resort when medications cannot work. Tonsillectomy is performed to remove tonsils when infection or inflammation recurs frequently, and the patient may have difficulty with speech, swallowing, and respiration.
Tonsillitis is rarely severe and does not often need more than over-the-counter pain killers and rest.
Adenoids and tonsils are situated close to one another. The tonsils are removed surgically during a tonsillectomy. The procedure is performed through your mouth. You might be able to return to work or your normal schedule in one to two weeks.
Your mouth and throat may get dry or painful from mouth breathing. You might snore or breathe through your lips at night after surgery. After surgery, this usually gets better in just one to two weeks. While you sleep, keep a humidifier near your bed. You could find it easier to breathe as a result. Patients frequently lose weight after this procedure. That’s because swallowing food can be painful. This is due to the fact that swallowing food first hurts. This is fine as long as you consume lots of fluids. When you are able to eat correctly once more, you will probably put the weight back on.
Down The Lane
Adult tonsillitis can be extremely painful, but the disease can be easily cured with the proper care and medical considerations. The surgery cases are sporadic. Hot water gargling might assist if you’re experiencing severe discomfort. It eases pain and reduces edema. Once per hour, gargle with eight fluid ounces of warm water and one teaspoon of salt.
