According to statistics, up to 10% of the world population suffers from swollen tonsils (called Tonsillitis), in which the rate of Vietnamese people suffering is 8-10% in adults and 21% in children. Tonsillitis caused by strep throat can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsils are the two lymph nodes located on each side of the back of your throat. They function as a defense mechanism. They help prevent your body from infection. When the tonsils become infected, the condition is called tonsillitis.

Reported from City International Hospital, Dr. Le Quoc Tu, Department of Otolaryngology expressed: "When the number of bacteria and viruses exceed the permissible level of penetration into the body will make it impossible to resist. At this time, the tonsils become infected, the condition is called Tonsillitis. Tonsillitis inflammation will lead to the immune system. At the same time, the inflammatory drive located in the tonsils will become the site of the throat inflammation. Tonsillitis is more common in children than in adults. "

Types and causes

“There are 2 types of Tonsillitis: Acute Tonsillitis and Chronic Tonsillitis:
- Acute Tonsillitis occurs when tonsils are infected with virus or bacteria (Streptococcus). It affects the palate of the sick person, in particular red swollen Tonsillitis, which cause painful discomfort. - Chronic Tonsillitis: Occurs when recurring tonsillitis infections cause chronic sore throat, painful swallowing, and tender cervical lymph nodes. Airway obstruction due to swollen tonsils may cause chronic inflammation, leading to a considerable and permanent increase in the size of the tonsils.” explained Dr. Le Quoc Tu

There are many factors that infect tonsils. The first one is the environmental factor. Environment plays an important role for tonsillitis, in which air pollution as one of the major reasons for the occurrence of tonsillitis because “it has bacteria, dust or toxic chemicals which will cause the body to infect bacteria and viruses, combined with weather factors such as changing seasons or cold weather can trigger bacterial infection in the nose and throat. In some patients, especially in young children, neck lump along with the lymphatic vessels surrounding the adjacent organs (pharynx, nose, ears, etc.) which lead to tonsillitis. In addition, improper oral hygiene habits will also allow the bacteria in the oral cavity to lead to inflammation of  tonsils.

Typical symptoms of Tonsillitis:

According to Dr.Tu, "The typical symptoms of the disease are Red, swollen tonsils covered completely or in patches by pus. A very dry, itchy and sore throat, difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing, and hoarseness. Patients often experience headache, fatigue with a slight fever, poor digestion, insomnia, snoring, hoarseness and much phlegm in the morning. Tonsillitis can lead to serious complications if left untreated such as Rhinitis, Sinusitis, Otitis Media, and Bronchitis. Severe illness can cause Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Nephritis, Pericarditis, and Nasopharynx Cancer ... direct threat to the patient's quality of life."

Here are the ways to prevent Tonsillitis:
- Good oral hygiene can minimize the presence of bacteria in your mouth
- Get enough nutrients and vitamin C into your daily diet
- Quit smoking and consumption of alcohol

Treatment: Dr. Le Quoc Tu also pointed out: “It may not be necessary to remove the tonsils if you have tonsillitis. The tonsils are part of the body's defense system; mildly inflamed tonsils can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. However, when diagnosed as severe inflammation (4 or more episodes of tonsillitis in 1 year), Tonsillitis then becomes a disease causing serious complications, treatments severe cases of tonsillitis may include antibiotics or a Tonsillectomy (a surgery to remove the tonsils). However, make sure to have Tonsillectomy after a careful examination of the diagnostic accuracy from your doctor.

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