This week's Check-up looks at Tonsillitis
As a child I was always getting tonsillitis but grew out of it by the time I was about seven. Now in my early 20s I've got it back again. What exactly causes tonsillitis?
The tonsils are situated at the back of the throat on each side of the uvula (the structure that hangs vertically at the back of your throat). They play an important role in the body's fight against infection.
Bacteria or viruses can break through the tonsils' defences and cause them to become enlarged, swollen, red and painful. Sometimes you may notice small pockets of yellow pus on the surface of the tonsil.
Normally an illness associated with pre-school or early school aged children, for most people tonsillitis usually settles down with proper treatment during acute infection.
As the child grows older the episodes become less frequent and eventually cease. Sometimes an illness in adulthood can trigger a recurrence of the problem. I wonder have you been ill lately?
Well, I've just recovered from a bout of glandular fever. Could this have anything to do with it?
Yes, tonsillitis can occur in young adults who have suffered from illnesses such as glandular fever. As you may be aware, glandular fever is caused by a virus and as such there is no specific treatment except rest and time.
However, if your tonsillitis is caused by a bacteria, then it should respond to antibiotic treatment.
But if your doctor thinks the problem is being caused by a virus, then all you can do is use painkillers to control soreness and discomfort.
In addition to a painful throat, you may also experience a range of other symptoms with tonsillitis including fever, swollen glands on either side of the neck, and low energy.
Eating may be difficult due to pain and you would be well advised to sip fluids, taking care to avoid anything too hot. If you are a smoker, you should refrain from doing so until the problem settles.
Could the problem not be solved by getting my tonsils removed?
Doctors are reluctant to remove the tonsils as they play a part in the immune system. In childhood the medical profession prefers to treat the acute episodes and wait for the child to grow out of the condition. However, for a minority of children who continue to have recurrent tonsil infections and who also experience additional problems such as infection of the adenoids and deafness, then tonsillectomy would be recommended.
In your case as the tonsillitis seems to have been activated by the glandular fever, it may well settle again. If it does not, then you may be a candidate for tonsillectomy but be aware that it can be a more difficult operation to recover from the older you are.
See your GP who will examine you and prescribe an antibiotic if he feels the cause is bacterial. If the problem recurs, then a referral to a consultant ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon may be necessary.