Tonsillitis Symptoms and Causes. Treatments. Surgery.
What causes tonsillitis?
Tonils are your first line of defence against infection. Tonsils are essential for producing white blood cells that fight infections. The tonsils kill viruses and bacteria that enter your body via the nose and mouth. The tonsils are at risk of infection from pathogens even though they help to keep them away. (4)
Viral infections, like the common cold, can cause tonsillitis. Bacterial infections such as strep are also possible.
Viral Tonsillitis:
A virus, such as the;
Adenoviruses
Adenoviruses cause epidemic respiratory diseases in both children and adults. These illnesses are characterized by a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, and nasal congestion. There are several viruses that can cause a common cold. These viruses are very common and are among the most diverse types. These viruses are among the most difficult to eradicate, although they respond quickly to medications.
Adenoviruses can cause many diseases. Some of them are serious. These include the common cold and flu. Adenoviruses are some of the most common viruses, with over 100 different serotypes known to date.
Adenoviruses are capable of causing tonsillitis, pharyngitis or sore throat (also known as croup), and other infections among susceptible individuals. Adenoviruses are usually only responsible for mild tonsillitis.
Influenza virus
It is thought that the influenza virus causes tonsillitis most commonly in adults. Influenza is contagious and spreads quickly from one person to another through coughing or sniffling. The flu and tonsillitis can be contracted by inhaling small virus particles.
Adults with this condition can have a fever, a sore neck, or difficulty swallowing for a few days. The condition can make them feel tired or cause muscle pains. You may become dehydrated or have a high fever in some cases. This can lead to an inflammation of your tonsils and throat.
Epstein-Barr virus
Epstein-Barr is a herpesvirus and the main cause of infectious monnucleosis. This virus is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis. It can also cause tonsillitis and croup.
This highly contagious disease can be transmitted by saliva or blood. Epstein-Barr infection can lead to serious complications for those with compromised immune systems. The body’s immunity usually prevents EBV from causing any other problems. EBV may reactivate in later life and cause tumors known as lymphoproliferative disorders.
Parainfluenza viruses
Parainfluenza virus is a respiratory pathogen that primarily affects children. In the U.S., this virus affects upwards of 20,000,000 people annually. Approximately 1% of these patients are hospitalized. Parainfluenza virus outbreaks are known to occur in daycares and pre-schools due to their high contagiousness.
Parainfluenza virus is a large group of viruses which cause tonsillitis and pharyngoconjunctival (PCF) fever. The virus spreads through close contact such as kissing someone, or sharing food or drinks with an infected individual. After 1-2 weeks, the virus can cause a fever and sore throat. It can cause pneumonia and meningitis, but only in rare cases.
Enteroviruses
Enteroviruses cause viral tonsillitis most commonly. These viruses can be spread by direct contact with an infected person or through inhaling droplets of virus.
The picornaviruses family includes the enteroviruses, which are widespread viruses. Enteroviruses are responsible for a variety of diseases including the common cold and croup. They also cause influenza, mumps, and hand, foot, mouth disease.
Herpes Simplex Virus
Herpes simplex (HSV) is a less common cause of acute tonsillitis. It usually takes 2-6 days for symptoms to appear. HSV is an herpesvirus, which can cause a variety of illnesses.
Bacterial causes
Streptococcus Pyogenes is the most common cause of tonsillitis. Tonsillitis may be caused by other bacteria, such as:
Staphylococcus aureus
Staphylococcus Aureus is responsible for the majority of food poisoning, skin infections and bacterial tonsillitis. This staph bacterium can cause ear infections and severe throat pains after eating. This bacteria can be spread by coughing, sneezing, touching surfaces contaminated with the bacteria, and sharing food and utensils with someone who has it.
The most common symptoms are a high fever, sore mouth, and pus-like substance (white) on the tonsils. Most commonly, it is treated with antibiotics like methicillin amoxicillin levofloxacin. However, due to increased incidence of antibiotic resistance, some countries are also reporting methicillin-resistant staph tonsillitis.
Mycoplasma pneumonia
Mycoplasma pneumonitis, also known as MP, is an infectious respiratory disease caused by Mycoplasma pharyngitise. Children and adults can suffer from mild to severe symptoms. Each year, more than 1 million people become ill with MP. About 50 percent of these cases are diagnosed in children younger than 18 years old. The virus can be spread by airborne droplets that are released when someone coughs, sneezes, or sneezes.
Mycoplasma is a bacterial infection which causes respiratory diseases such as tonsillitis and pneumonia. The bacteria that causes the illness invades the epithelial (nose and throat) cells of the body. They are the smallest form of life known. Only an electron microscope can see them. Mycoplasma is usually spread by infected individuals coughing and sneezing near them.
Chlamydia pneumonia
Chlamydia is a common respiratory infection caused by bacteria. This is an airborne infection that can spread to anyone who breathes in droplets of infected bacteria from an infected individual’s coughs, sneezes or breaths.
Chlamydia is a respiratory tract infection, including tonsillitis. It’s caused by Chlamydia. It can cause an acute inflammation in the upper respiratory system and be fatal. This bacteria is the most common cause of chronic tonsillitis and sinusitis.
