Tonsillitis Infection, Should You Operate?

Tonsillitis infection or commonly known as tonsillitis is a condition when the tonsils become infected or inflamed. This event is generally experienced by children aged 3-7 years. Even so, tonsillitis can also occur in adults. Tonsils or are lymph nodes in the throat that function as the body's defense to prevent infection, especially in children. However, as you get older and your immune system becomes stronger, the function of the tonsils begins to be replaced and their size will slowly decrease.

Causes of Tonsillitis Infection

1. Viruses and bacteria
Several viruses cause tonsils such as Influenza, Adenovirus, Epstein-Barr Virus and bacteria such as Streptococcus Pyogenes.
2. Environment
Dust or mites that stick to the inhaled mattress can trigger allergies that enter through the nose and cause sore throat.
3. Food
Foods that contain a lot of MSG, oily foods and spicy foods if consumed too often can also cause throat infections due to increased stomach acid and stomach acid rising up into the throat.

Tonsillitis Symptoms

Some things to watch out for as symptoms of tonsillitis are as follows:

1. Sore throat
2. Swelling and redness of the tonsils
3. Pain when swallowing
4. Fever
5. Headache
6. The voice becomes hoarse
7. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
8. Tonsillitis often shows symptoms such as decreased appetite and frequent drowsiness in pediatric patients.

How to treat tonsillitis is generally enough to use drugs. Usually the doctor will prescribe antibiotics if the tonsil infection is caused by bacteria. When taking antibiotics, make sure to finish them even if the condition has improved or fully recovered. As a way to relieve tonsillitis, the doctor will advise the patient to rest and do home care, such as:

• Increase consumption of water.
• Eat soft foods.
• Use a humidifier.
• Avoid cigarette smoke, dust and air pollution.

In some conditions, infection of the tonsils cannot be underestimated and it is necessary to remove the tonsils by surgery or it is called a tonsillectomy. So, under what conditions does tonsillectomy or tonsillectomy be required?

1. The child's respiratory tract is obstructed

Large tonsils can cause children to experience breathing problems during sleep which is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) which makes them snore during sleep at night. This condition is accompanied by breathing that stops during sleep and then wakes up frequently. OSAS makes children lack oxygen supply so that they become weak and sleepy at school. If left unchecked, it can interfere with the achievement and development of children.

2. Difficulty swallowing food

Swelling of the tonsils can also block the passage of food into the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow. As a result, decreased appetite and reduced nutrient intake.

3. Recurrent tonsillitis

If tonsillitis recurs with adequate/maximum treatment or is accompanied by febrile seizures.

Hermina friends who experience the above symptoms can consult with an THT specialist at Hermina Pandanaran Hospital.