Chronic tonsillitis causes constant inflammation and pain in the throat and jaw due to recurring viral or bacterial infections. Surgery is often needed to relieve symptoms and prevent future infections. The condition is common in children and adults, and is diagnosed by a doctor or dentist. A tonsillectomy is a common treatment with a high success rate.
Chronic tonsillitis is a condition in which recurring viral or bacterial infections of the tonsils lead to constant inflammation and pain. When the tonsils are chronically inflamed, they swell and lead to significant and persistent pain in the throat and jaw. The condition is most common in children and adolescents under the age of 15, although adults can also develop lifelong tonsil problems. Surgery is needed in most cases of chronic tonsillitis to relieve symptoms and help prevent future throat infections.
The tonsils are two masses of tissue located on either side of the throat near the jaw. Their exact function is not well understood, but they appear to play a role in preventing throat and respiratory infections. The glands themselves, however, are very susceptible to infection in children and adults. When the tonsils experience multiple infections, small openings called crypts form where bacteria can accumulate. Bacteria that build up over time cause bad breath and set the stage for frequent infections and chronic tonsillitis.
The symptoms associated with chronic tonsillitis are often very annoying. A person is likely to experience difficulty swallowing and frequent sore throats due to inflammation and swelling. The lower jaw feels sore and very tender to the touch, and pain in and below the ears is common. Additionally, some people experience headaches and fevers that last for days at a time. Without treatment, it is possible for the swelling and infection to become severe enough to cause dangerous narrowing of the airways, throat abscesses, and shivering throughout the body.
A doctor or dentist can usually diagnose chronic tonsillitis by reviewing the patient’s medical history and inspecting the tonsils with medical instruments. If you have had multiple throat infections in the recent past, it is likely that your tonsils are significantly damaged and very susceptible to pathogens. Your doctor may use a swab to collect a sample of mucus from a tonsil to confirm the presence of a specific bacteria or virus.
Cases of acute tonsillitis are treated with antibiotics or antiviral drugs, but chronic problems typically don’t respond to medications. Surgery is usually needed to remove the tonsils and repair the surrounding throat tissue. A tonsillectomy is performed by a surgeon called an otolaryngologist, often in an outpatient clinic or private practice. The procedure only takes about an hour and has a high success rate. By following a special diet, taking antibiotics, and attending checkups, patients often experience a complete recovery from their symptoms within two months.
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