Bacterial tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, which are structures located in the throat, caused by bacteria usually of the genus Streptococcus . This inflammation usually causes fever, sore throat and difficulty swallowing, which leads to loss of appetite.
The diagnosis of bacterial tonsillitis is made by the physician based on the symptoms that the person presents and may need to perform a microbiological examination to identify the bacterial species responsible for tonsillitis and thus be possible to indicate the best antibiotic.
Main symptoms of bacterial tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is a contagious disease, which can be transmitted through oral secretions and droplets produced by coughing, for example, so it is important to cover your hands when you cough, wash your hands well, and often use alcohol gel and avoid sharing towels and cutlery . The main symptoms of bacterial tonsillitis are:
- High fever;
- Sore throat;
- Chills;
- White spots on the throat (pus);
- Difficulty and pain to swallow;
- Sore throat;
- Loss of appetite;
- Headache;
- Swelling of the tonsils.
Bacterial tonsillitis can occur at any age, but is more common in children. It is also easier for people with compromised immune systems to have an opportunistic infection.
The diagnosis is usually made by the otorhinolaryngologist through the palpation and analysis of the tonsils and the person's symptoms.
How is the treatment done?
For the treatment of bacterial tonsillitis it is recommended to take the antibiotics prescribed by the otorhinolaryngologist. The antibiotic usually recommended by the doctor are the penicillin derivatives, such as Amoxicillin, which should be taken for 10 days or according to medical advice. People with a penicillin allergy usually use Azithromycin for about 5 days.
In more chronic cases, when bacterial tonsillitis persists for more than three months or is recurrent, removal of the tonsils may be indicated. See how tonsillitis surgery is done.
It is important to treat tonsillitis as directed by your doctor to avoid complications such as abscesses and rheumatic fever, for example. Learn what it is, how to identify and treat rheumatic fever.
Homemade Option
In addition to the doctor's recommended antibiotic treatment, gargle with warm water and salt daily to relieve the symptoms of sore throat. Learn about home remedies for tonsillitis.
