Lightning Learning: Tonsillitis
““Tonsillitis is inflammation of the palatine tonsils (including the pharynx and adenoids) as a result of either a bacterial or viral infection.””
STOP!
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the palatine tonsils as a result of either a bacterial or viral infection.
Tonsillitis often occurs with inflammation of other areas of the mouth, including pharynx and adenoids.
Patients can present with:
Odynophagia
Fever
Reduced oral intake
On examination?
Red inflamed tonsils (may have white exudate spots)
Cervical lymphadenopathy
LOOK
Tonsillitis can be caused by bacteria or viruses; we can use the Centor Criteria to distinguish between the two.
Viral?
Adenovirus
Epstein Barr Virus
Bacterial?
Group A streptococcus (e.g. Strep. Pyogenes)
Smoking?
Either personal smoking (or second-hand smoking) can significantly increase the risk of tonsillitis.
LEARN
- Management? Analgesia (oral or topical e.g difflam). Oral antibiotics if bacteria cause suspected (IV if unwell).
- Surgery? Consult the SIGN criteria.
- Teach Me Paediatrics: Tonsillitis
- NICE Guidance: FeverPAIN vs. Centor criteria (recommended by @LeicInsight)
