Tonsillitis

Tonsils are collections of lymphoid tissue facing into the aerodigestive tract, situated at either side at the back of the human throat. These immunocompetent tissues are the immune system`s first line of defense against ingested or inhaled foreign pathogens.

Common signs of acute tonsillitis include high fever (up to 39^o-40^oC) with severe chills, malaise and other symptoms. In the case of acute tonsillitis, the surface of the tonsil may be bright red with visible white areas or streaks of pus.

The cause of tonsillitis can be a viral infection (infectious mononucleosis, Epstein-Barr virus) or a bacterial infection (usually streptococcus).

Alongside the direct administration of treatment, a diagnosis should always take place by the family doctor, because both viral and bacterial tonsillitis may cause serious complications.

Chronic tonsillitis should be definitely treated on time because it can lead to death or cause serious complications if left untreated.

If treatments fail and we have 3-5 episodes in a year and swollen tonsils, then the doctor is likely to recommend a tonsillectomy, i.e. their surgical removal.