Tonsillitis: What Kind of Illness Is It?

Tonsillitis (known in Russian as “angina”) is an acute inflammation of the palatine tonsils and the mucous membrane of the throat. The illness is highly contagious and spreads through droplets. Group A beta-haemolytic streptococci, specifically the species Streptococcus pyogenes, are responsible for the bacterial form of tonsillitis. These bacteria also cause scarlet fever and roseola. Very rarely, other bacteria or fungi can cause the illness. In adults the infectious agent is a virus in as many as 90% of cases (including rhinovirus, coronavirus, adenovirus and parainfluenza virus), whereas streptococcal tonsillitis mainly affects children (especially those aged 3–14). A weakened immune system favours the development of tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis is an acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis combined. Almost 90% of people have had, or will have, this common upper respiratory illness at some point in their lives.

Effective treatment of tonsillitis is available at the best clinics in Switzerland. It is a serious inflammatory process that requires prompt treatment and competent medical management.

01 Symptoms of Tonsillitis

Streptococcal tonsillitis begins quite suddenly and is characterised by:

• a sore throat and a temperature of up to 39 degrees Celsius, accompanied by chills and general weakness; children may experience nausea and vomiting;
• a red throat, with swollen, red palatine tonsils covered in pus plugs;
• enlarged and painful lymph nodes under the jaw and in the neck.

In young children under three, streptococcal tonsillitis is relatively rare, and the illness often differs from its typical symptoms. In the first stage, rhinitis is particularly severe, followed by a moderate fever, irritability, reluctance to eat and swollen lymph nodes.

In most patients streptococcal tonsillitis is short-lived: on average the symptoms disappear after 3–5 days, and antibiotics shorten the duration of the illness. For this reason, taking antibiotics reduces the risk of possible complications.

02 Symptoms of Viral Pharyngitis

The symptoms of acute viral pharyngitis are usually milder than those of streptococcal tonsillitis. They include:

• sore throat, headache, muscle and joint pain,
• a low-grade fever (temperature no higher than 38 degrees Celsius) or a normal body temperature,
• a red throat,
• cough and runny nose.

Bacterial infections usually develop faster and more intensely, and their symptoms are much more severe than in other cases. The incubation period (the time from infection to the first symptoms) of a viral infection is longer, and during this time the patient may already infect other members of the household, usually 1–2 days before the first symptoms appear.

03 Types of Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is classified according to how the tonsils are affected.

• Catarrhal tonsillitis: the tonsils are affected only superficially, with redness and swelling, accompanied by a low-grade fever. One of the mildest forms, it lasts no more than three days.

• Lacunar tonsillitis: pus is present in the crypts of the tonsils and across their entire surface. The coating is easily removed with a spatula and leaves no trace.

• Follicular tonsillitis: the tonsils are swollen, with pus-filled formations. The follicles of the tonsils are mainly affected.

• Necrotic tonsillitis: general intoxication of the body, vomiting, high fever. A greenish-yellow coating on loose tonsils, with ulcers forming where the coating was.

Effective treatment requires the type of tonsillitis to be identified correctly. Only a specialist can make the diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Take good care of your health: treat tonsillitis promptly, while it is still easy to manage.

Treatment in Switzerland allows a rapid diagnosis and timely, fast treatment of tonsillitis.

04 Treatment of Tonsillitis

Streptococcal tonsillitis is treated with antibiotic therapy. Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria are highly sensitive to penicillin. Other antibiotics are used if the patient is hypersensitive to penicillin.

In the case of a viral infection, treatment is symptomatic. Medicines with pain-relieving and fever-reducing effects, such as ibuprofen, are recommended. In addition to oral treatment, fever can also be relieved with cold compresses. For a sore throat, local pain-relieving and disinfecting products in the form of sprays, lozenges and gargles are recommended. You can also try natural remedies for a sore throat, such as milk with honey, infusions of marshmallow root, chamomile and sage, or a warm salt-water gargle.

Rest and diet play an important part in the patient’s recovery. Food should be semi-liquid and gentle, avoiding hot and spicy dishes. Remember to rehydrate, preferably with still water and herbal infusions.