Tonsillitis

Introduction: Why you should care about tonsillitis?

Have you ever had a sore throat that made swallowing feel like torture? Or seen a child crying because their throat hurt so badly? That might have been tonsillitis!

Tonsillitis is a common health problem in Africa, especially among children. Studies show that throat infections, including tonsillitis, make up 20-30% of hospital visits for children in some African countries. Poor sanitation, overcrowding, and limited access to healthcare make this condition even more widespread. But don’t worry understanding the disease can help you prevent and manage it effectively.

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is when the tonsils, two soft lumps at the back of your throat get infected by viruses or bacteria. These tonsils help fight infections, but sometimes they get infected themselves, causing pain and swelling.

Tonsillitis can affect anyone, but it is most common in children between 3 and 15 years old. If left untreated, it can cause serious complications.

How common is tonsillitis in Africa?

  • In many African countries, 1 in 5 children will suffer from tonsillitis at least once a year.
  • Overcrowded schools and homes increase the risk of spreading infections.
  • Many people ignore sore throats until they become severe, making the condition worse.
  • Limited access to antibiotics can lead to untreated bacterial infections, which may cause dangerous complications.

What causes tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis happens when germs enter the body through the mouth or nose. The main causes are:

  • Viruses: The same viruses that cause the common cold or flu.
  • Bacteria: The most common is Streptococcus (which causes strep throat).
  • Poor hygiene: Not washing hands or sharing eating utensils with an infected person.
  • Air pollution and smoke: Can irritate the throat and make it easier for infections to develop.

Symptoms of tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis can cause:

  • Severe sore throat
  • Painful swallowing (even drinking water can hurt!)
  • Fever and chills
  • Swollen, red tonsils (sometimes with white spots)
  • Bad breath
  • Swollen neck and jaw
  • Headache and ear pain
  • Tiredness and loss of appetite

For young children, look out for:

  • Refusing to eat or drink
  • Excessive drooling
  • Constant crying due to throat pain How can you prevent tonsillitis?
  • Wash hands regularly to prevent the spread of germs.
  • Avoid sharing utensils, toothbrushes, or drinks.
  • Keep children away from people with a sore throat or flu.
  • Avoid smoky and polluted areas.
  • Eat healthy foods to boost immunity.

How is tonsillitis diagnosed?

A doctor will:

  • Check the throat for redness and swelling.
  • Take a throat swab (a soft stick rubbed at the back of the throat) to test for bacteria.
  • Sometimes, a blood test is done to check for viral infections.

Treatment: What can you do?

If the tonsillitis is mild and caused by a virus, it usually goes away on its own. However, if it’s caused by bacteria, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics.

Home remedies to reduce pain:

  • Drink warm water with honey and lemon
  • Gargle with warm salt water
  • Get plenty of rest
  • Eat soft foods like porridge and soup
  • Suck on ice cubes or cold drinks to soothe the throat
  • Avoid spicy and oily foods

When is surgery needed? (tonsillectomy)

If you or your child keeps getting tonsillitis many times a year, the doctor may recommend surgery to remove the tonsils. This is called a tonsillectomy. This is only done if tonsillitis is causing serious problems, such as:

  • Difficulty breathing at night (sleep apnea)
  • Frequent throat infections (5-7 times a year)
  • Swelling that blocks swallowing Is tonsillitis contagious?

Yes! The viruses and bacteria that cause tonsillitis spread easily through:

  • Coughing and sneezing
  • Sharing food, drinks, and utensils
  • Touching contaminated surfaces like doorknobs

What happens if you ignore tonsillitis?

Ignoring tonsillitis, especially if it’s bacterial, can lead to:

Rheumatic fever (which can damage the heart)

Kidney disease

Severe throat infections that may require surgery

Breathing problems while sleeping