Tonsillitis Treatment in Dubai
What is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue lumps in the back of your throat.
Your tonsils function as filters, keeping bacteria that could otherwise make their way into your airways and cause illness. Antibodies are also produced by them to help fight infection. However, bacteria or viruses can sometimes overpower them and recurrent tonsillar infection can lead to swollen and hypertrophied tonsils.
Tonsillitis is a frequent ailment, particularly in youngsters. In some patients it might happen on a recurrent basis which will need surgical removal of tonsils.
Causes of Tonsillitis:
Tonsillitis is primarily caused by infections, which can be bacterial or viral in nature. Streptococcus (strep) bacteria, specifically Streptococcus pyogenes, is a common bacterial culprit that can lead to tonsillitis. This same bacterium can also cause strep throat, which is a related condition.
Viral infections, such as those caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, adenovirus, or the common cold viruses, can also result in tonsillitis.
Symptoms:
Tonsillitis is most frequent in children between the ages of preschool and mid-adolescence. Tonsillitis is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Tonsils that are red and swollen
- Tonsils with a white or yellow coating or spots
- Throat pain
- Swallowing is difficult or unpleasant.
- Fever
- Lymph nodes (enlarged, painful glands) in the neck
- A voice that is scratchy, muffled, or throaty
- Breath problems
Tonsillitis symptoms in young children who are unable to express themselves include:
- Drooling as a result of unpleasant or difficult swallowing
- Refusal to consume food
- Unusual prudence
First Signs of Tonsillitis:
- The first sign is often a sore throat, which can develop suddenly.
- Keep an eye on your tonsils for redness and swelling.
Bacterial Tonsillitis (Strep Throat):
- Bacteria, such as Group A Streptococcus, can lead to tonsillitis, often called strep throat.
- Bacterial tonsillitis usually results in more severe symptoms.
Risk Factors:
- Children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 15 are at a higher risk of developing tonsillitis.
- Frequent exposure to germs, especially in crowded environments like schools, increases the risk.
Complications of Tonsillitis:
Tonsillitis can lead to complications, including
- Obstructive sleep apnea.
- Peritonsillar abscess.
- Tonsil stones.
- Tonsillar cellulitis.
Untreated bacterial tonsillitis can increase the risk of
- Poststreptococcal reactive arthritis.
- Rheumatic fever.
- Scarlet fever.
- Kidney inflammation.
When is Tonsillitis an Emergency?
If you experience the following conditions, contact a healthcare provider or visit an urgent care facility.:
- A sore throat that persists for more than four days.
- A fever exceeding 101°F (38.33°C).
- Difficulty breathing.
Diagnosis and Tonsillitis Treatment in Dubai:
A physical examination will be taken by an ENT doctor to examine your tonsils to check whether they’re red, swollen, or infected. They’ll also see if you have a temperature. They may check for indications of infection in your ears and nose, as well as feel for swelling and discomfort on the sides of your neck.
Additional tests like throat swabs and blood tests ( CBC, Monospot test) might be done in case of acute tonsillitis to look for actual causative organisms.
Note: Our tonsils doctor in Dubai considers diagnosis an important part of designing tonsillitis treatment in Dubai.
Tonsillitis Treatment in Dubai
Treatment of Acute Bacterial Tonsillitis:
When tonsillitis is caused by bacteria, it is typically treated with a course of oral antibiotics. These antibiotics are prescribed for a duration of 7-10 days to effectively eliminate the bacterial infection and relieve symptoms.
Recurrent Chronic Tonsillitis:
In cases where individuals experience frequent and severe bouts of tonsillitis and medical treatment does not provide lasting relief, tonsillectomy surgery may be recommended. Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils. It is considered when chronic tonsillitis significantly impacts a person’s quality of life or when complications arise.
Additional Common Questions:
1.Will Tonsillitis Resolve on Its Own?
Typically, viral tonsillitis usually clears up within a week. However, bacterial tonsillitis takes about 10 days to run its course, but antibiotics may be necessary to prevent complications.
2. What Does Tonsillitis Look Like?
Tonsillitis often results in visibly red and inflamed tonsils. Some cases may exhibit a whitish coating on the throat or white spots on the tonsils.
Seeking Tonsillitis treatment in Dubai?
Book an appointment with Dr Mustafa Kapadia.
