Tonsillitis: What complications can it cause?

Tonsils are lymph nodes of tissue at the back of the throat. Each side of your throat has one tonsil. They contain white blood cells that help in eradicating germs. Due to their location, they also filter germs from entering the body from the nose and mouth.

Tonsillitis and its symptoms

Tonsillitis is swelling in the tonsils because of a viral or bacterial infection. Swollen tonsils can be painful and are very common in children. Tonsillitis can affect people from all age groups and can happen often. The duration of the disease tells us whether the disease is acute, or chronic.

A sore and scratchy throat is a major symptom of tonsillitis. Other symptoms of tonsillitis include fever, red tonsils, blisters in the throat, loss of appetite, stiff neck, voice change, swollen glands, ear pain, and trouble swallowing. In some cases, it can also result in breathing issues. Symptoms may vary from person to person, and children may experience additional symptoms like stomach issues, vomiting, and drooling.

Tonsillitis is easily manageable at home and is not life-threatening. If it doesn’t resolve with time, consult an ENT specialist in Lahore for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Health Problems that may occur due to Tonsillitis

Almost all diseases can lead to health complications if left untreated. The complications that can occur due to tonsillitis are:

1.      Ear Infection

Tonsils are behind your tongue, and when they become infected, they can result in a middle ear infection known as otitis media. It occurs when the infection from your tonsils travels to the ear from the Eustachian tube – the connecting tube between your pharynx and ear. It causes fluid build-up in the ear leading to an ear infection. If you’re experiencing ear pain during tonsillitis, consult an ENT specialist in Islamabad for treatment.

2.      Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition in which an individual stops breathing for short intervals while asleep. Excessive inflammation of the tonsils can disrupt your breathing during sleep and cause obstructive sleep apnea. It is a severe disease that can lead to heart disease or stroke.

3.      Rheumatic Fever

Tonsillitis can occur due to various infections, one of them being strep throat infection. Strep throat infection is a bacterial infection of the throat. If the infection remains untreated, the infection can spread to your bloodstream and cause rheumatic fever in rare cases. It is dangerous as it can damage your heart permanently.

1.      Tonsillar cellulitis

If recurrent or consistent tonsillitis does not get better, it can lead to tonsillar cellulitis. Tonsillar cellulitis is when the tissue around your tonsils swells up. It causes pain in the throat, fever, and redness.

2.      Peritonsillar Abscess

When acute tonsillitis does not get the required medical treatment, it can lead to a peritonsillar abscess. It occurs when pus accumulates in or near the tissues that cover tonsils. Its symptoms are similar to tonsillitis symptoms, but it can also result in a lockjaw. It usually occurs on one side, and your doctor may need to drain the pus to treat it.

Preventing Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is nothing very concerning unless it keeps happening from time to time. It can cause serious complications. To keep yourself away from tonsillitis, you should:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face
• Refrain from sharing food, drink, or utensils, especially with someone who is sick
• Change your toothbrush
• Stay away or wear a mask around someone who is suffering from tonsillitis

Conclusion

Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils at the back of your throat. Though it is not a very severe disease, it can cause certain complications. Talk to your doctor if your tonsils are acting up and get proper treatment to keep the illness from progressing further.