THE TONSILS
The tonsils are composed of lymph tissue, located either side of the palate at the back of the mouth and at the opening of the throat. This tissue is also found at the back of the tongue and stretches down into the beginning of the oesophagus, the G.I. tract.
Because the tonsils are composed of this specific tissue, the function of the organs is to fight infection, especially localised infection. This is because the lymph tissue necessarily (by virtue of its name!) contains lymphocytes, the cells specifically designed to fight infection. However, it is thought that tonsils had a more active role in fighting infections in societies less developed than ours today. This is because there is clearly no adverse effect in patients who have tonsils removed. They do not seem to be more prone to infection than those who still have tonsils intact. It is thought, therefore, that while the tonsils contain lymphocytes, the infection that these cells are programmed to respond to are those which are obsolete these days, such as worms and parasites.
TONSILLITIS: CAUSES
Like any tissue in the human body, tonsils are prone to inflammation if they are exposed to irritating factors such as bacteria or virus. Follicular tonsillitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane that covers the lining of the follicles and the tonsils. It most commonly occurs between the ages of 10-25 years. Most of the time, tonsillitis is caused by a virus. The bacterial infection in tonsils is that which causes strep throat. It is a condition which seems to occur primarily in Spring, possibly because of rapid changes in temperature and the oscillation between dry and wet weather.
SYMPTOMS
Typically, flu-like symptoms may occur including muscular aches and pains, chills and fever and an attendant sore throat. It is possible that head, neck, ear and face pain may also occur.
A visual examination of the tonsils will show inflammation of the tonsils, evident from a deep redness. There will also be a yellowish or white matter on them, similar in appearance to mouth ulcers. If the tonsils are badly infected, the patient will be unable to swallow saliva and will have a coated tongue. In children, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain might be present.
CONTAINMENT
Follicular tonsillitis can be highly infective and the usual precautions need to be implemented. The patient needs to use cutlery and utensils that are not used by other people. Handwashing and good oral hygiene are also essential. The patient is best avoided when suffering the fever and chills associated with the conditon.
TREATMENT
The risks involved with Follicular Tonsillitis are dehydration and extension of the infection to nearby organs. The uvula may become inflamed and swollen and result in difficulty breathing. It is important to treat the infection as well as preventing the complications that may occur. If the patient is unable to tolerate oral fluids, admission to hospital for I.V. fluids may be necessary.
Penicillin is the antibiotic of choice for the treatment of Follicular Tonsillitis. However, prescription depends on the specific patient, his/her specific infection and takes into account allergies and past medical history.
Gargling with warm salt water or antibacterial mouthwash with a local anaesthetic ingredient will help to ease the pain and resuce inflammation and infection.
Analgesia is usually also prescribed to enable the patient to swallow and reduce discomfort.
