TONSILLITIS

About Tonsils and Tonsillitis :

The tonsils are fleshy clusters of tissue that lie in bands on both sides of the back of the throat, above and behind the tongue. The tonsils major function is to catch incoming germs before the germs cause infections in the throat, mouth, or sinuses. Tonsils contain infection-fighting cells and antibodies that stop the spread of the germs further into the body. So what is Tonsillitis?.Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils caused by an infection of virus or bacteria. This is a contagious disease that usually spreads from person to person by contact with the throat or nasal fluids of someone who is already infected. In tonsillitis, the tonsils are enlarged, red, and often coated (either partly or entirely) by a substance that is yellow, gray, or white. Tonsillitis usually occurs as part of a pharyngitis. Sometimes tonsillitis reoccurs, and may cause difficulty breathing. If this occurs, your doctor may recommend taking them out ( tonsillectomy ). usually spreads from person to person by contact with the throat or nasal fluids of someone who is already infected.

What are the symptoms of Tonsillitis?

Each person with tonsillitis may not experience all of the symptoms. Some of the major symptoms of tonsillitis are:

• A very sore throat
• Fever
• Redder than normal tonsils
• Chills
• A yellow or white coating on the tonsils
• A funny-sounding voice
• Swollen glands in the neck
• Bad breath

How is Tonsillitis diagnosed?

Tonsillitis can be diagnosed by performing a rapid strep test, also called a throat culture. To perform the throat culture, the doctor will use a long cotton swab to swipe off some of the stuff on the surface of the back of your throat. The doctor will then test the "stuff" on the cotton swab. This test will determine whether you have tonsillitis and whether it is caused by a bacteria or a virus.

How Is Tonsillitis Treated?

Treatment for tonsillitis depends on whether it was caused by a virus or bacteria. If the tonsillitis was caused by strep bacteria (streptococci), the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. If the tonsillitis was caused by a virus, your body will fight off the infection on its own. However, medication can be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms.

Prevention

•   Avoid close contact with others who are sick. If possible, keep yourself away from people who are known to have tonsillitis or sore throat.
•  Remember the importance of proper hand-washing, especially when around people who appear sick and don not share toothbrushes with others.
• Wash and disinfect surfaces of things.
• Cover your mouths when coughing or sneezing, preferably using a tissue so that germs do not get on their hands.
• Carry disposable wipes and a hand sanitizer to clean hands and to wipe off shopping carts or other shared items in public places.
• Do not smoke..