Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils, in the throat, caused by bacteria or viruses. This disease particularly affects children and adolescents.

There are many causes of sore throat. But in rarer cases, they can be caused by an infection, it is the development of tonsillitis. This infection is often bacterial, but can also be viral in some cases. However, the identification of the germ causing the disease is often difficult to demonstrate.

Tonsillitis is not a contagious disease, but the underlying infection can be. In this sense, patients with tonsillitis are advised to stay at home during the development of symptoms and until their recovery, or to wash their hands regularly in order to avoid transmission of the infection by manu- portage.

Acute tonsillitis

It starts suddenly and usually lasts for two weeks.

Chronic tonsillitis

It extends over the longer term, up to several years. Patients with chronic tonsillitis may show symptoms of the disease in their acute form, but more severely. The chronic form can be very problematic and can lead to more or less important complications depending on the case.

Tonsillitis is the result of a bacterial or viral infection. This infection is usually transmitted through exposure to the expulsion of contaminated droplets (sneezing, transmission by handling, etc.). The transmission of infection is therefore relatively easy from an infected person to a healthy individual.

Bacterial tonsillitis is mainly caused by a specific type of bacteria: streptococcus. However, the presence of this bacterium in the body is not necessarily the cause of the disease.

In some (minority) cases, tonsillitis can also be caused by a viral infection, such as mononucleosis.

Tonsillitis is a throat infection that can affect anyone, regardless of gender and age.

In addition, children and adolescents form a population at greater risk of developing such a disease.

The evolutions and possible complications following tonsillitis are rare. Exceptional cases of tonsillitis can develop abscesses between the tonsils and the back of the throat.

General symptoms of tonsillitis include:

• sore throat
• swallowing difficulties
• hoarseness or even loss of voice
• a feverish state
• cough
• headaches
• ear pain
• chronic fatigue.

The severity of these symptoms can vary from patient to patient, and from form to form.

Other clinical signs can also develop in the context of tonsillitis:

• swelling in the lymph nodes in the throat
• the appearance of purulent pimples in the throat
• breathing difficulties.

The risk factors for tonsillitis include any risk of bacterial or viral infection. The influenza virus also makes it a significant risk factor.

In order to avoid any risk of transmission of the infection (either the bacteria or the virus in question), the avoidance of contact with the infected person is recommended.

Treatment of the disease involves:

• from complete rest until symptoms disappear
• the consumption of hot drinks, to relieve pain in the throat
• the prescription of paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce the signs associated with the disease
• gargling the throat with salt water (to be avoided in children).