Tonsillitis can be caused by a virus or bacterial infection, with strep throat being a common cause. Antibiotics are needed for strep throat, which can lead to severe complications. Chronic tonsillitis may require tonsil removal. Recent studies suggest that tonsillectomies can cause behavioral changes in children, and chronic tonsillitis may be linked to exposure to HPV.
Tonsillitis refers to inflammation of the tonsils. It is usually caused by a virus or bacterial infection. When viral infection is the cause, tonsillitis usually resolves without any treatment but rest, fluids, and pain medication as needed.
The variety caused by a bacterial infection is most frequently the result of strep bacteria. Tonsillitis caused by strep throat, or sore throat, is usually accompanied by a fever. The tonsils appear swollen and may be covered with a white infectious substance or have white patches. Sometimes a sore throat can cause severe headaches, and the glands under the jaw can be swollen or painful.
Streptococcus must be treated with antibiotics. Persistent strep throat can progress to very severe scarlet fever or rheumatic fever, which can damage the heart. Strep is often diagnosed within minutes at a doctor’s office through a rapid strep test. Those experiencing the above symptoms, especially extreme sore throat accompanied by fever, shouldn’t hesitate to see a doctor, as symptoms can be resolved quickly with antibiotics.
Some viruses can cause inflamed tonsils, and most are relatively minor and clear up without treatment. However, tonsillitis accompanied by stomach pain, low-grade fever, and a feeling of extreme exhaustion can indicate mononucleosis (mono). Although the main treatment for mono is rest, some serious complications can result from the disease. Those who suspect mono should see a doctor to rule out complications such as an enlarged liver or spleen.
Occasionally the condition is chronic and does not resolve on its own. Swallowing can become difficult with swollen tonsils. Sleep breathing is also affected, causing snoring, premature awakenings, and occasionally sleep apnea, the cessation of breathing for a short period of time.
Chronic tonsillitis can sometimes be the result of allergies. In other cases, the tonsils simply don’t recover well from viral or bacterial infections, and sore throats can occur frequently. Frequent sore throats, defined as more than five per year, should be investigated for the chronic version. When breathing, swallowing, or sleeping is hampered by swollen or inflamed tonsils, doctors may suggest removing the tonsils.
Some recent studies have indicated that tonsillectomies, once much more common than now, can cause behavioral changes in children. One clinical study performed tonsillectomies on children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and chronic sore throat. This study found that tonsillectomies often resolved ADHD symptoms. The possible cause of this onset of symptoms suggests that lack of sleep due to swollen tonsils may affect behavior and mimic ADHD symptoms.
Another recent study suggests that chronic tonsillitis may be the result of exposure to forms of the human papillomavirus (HPV) virus. About 30% of cases in a study conducted in Lithuania in 2004 were also found to have HPV.
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