Tonsillitis is inflammation of
the tonsils, typically of rapid onset.[1] It is a type of pharyngitis.[7] Symptoms
may include sore throat, fever, enlargement of the tonsils, trouble
swallowing, and large lymph nodesaround the neck.[1] Complications
include peritonsillar abscess.[2]
Tonsillitis
is most commonly caused by a viral infection, with about 5% to 40% of cases
caused by a bacterial infection.[4][5] When caused by the bacterium group
A streptococcus, it is referred to as strep throat.[8] Rarely
bacteria such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Corynebacterium
diphtheriae, or Haemophilus influenzae may be the cause.[4] Typically
the infection is spread between people through the air.[5] A
scoring system, such as the Centor score, may help separate possible
causes.[4] Confirmation
may be by a throat swab or rapid strep test.[4]
Treatment
efforts involve improving symptoms and decreasing complications.[4] Paracetamol (acetaminophen)
and ibuprofen may be used to help with pain.[4] If
strep throat is present the antibiotic penicillinby mouth is generally
recommended.[4] In
those who are allergic to penicillin, cephalosporins or macrolides may
be used.[4] In
children with frequent episodes of tonsillitis, tonsillectomy modestly
decreases the risk of future episodes.[9]
About
7.5% of people have a sore throat in any three-month period and 2% of people
visit a doctor for tonsillitis each year.[6] It is most common in school aged children and typically
occurs in the fall and winter months.[4][5] The majority of people recover with
or without medication.[4]In 40% of people, symptoms resolve within three days, and in 80%
symptoms resolve within one week, regardless of if streptococcus is present.[3] Antibiotics
decrease symptom duration by approximately 16 hours.[3]