Tonsillitis and Tonsillectomy

Because the tonsils are designed to protect the pharynx from infection, they frequently become inflamed and infected, a condition called acute tonsillitis (ton ́si-lı¯ ́tis). The palatine tonsils are most commonly affected. The tonsils redden and enlarge—in severe cases, to the point that they partially obstruct the pharynx and may cause respiratory distress.

Tonsils may be infected by viruses (such as adenoviruses) or bacteria (most commonly Streptococcus). Streptococcal tonsillitis often results in very red tonsils that have whitish specks (called whitish exudate). The symptoms of tonsillitis include fever, chills, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. Bacterial tonsillitis (e.g., “strep throat”) is successfully treated with antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin. If tonsillitis is caused by a virus, measures to relieve the inflammation (such as pain medication and/or gargling) are advised, since standard antibiotics are not effective against viruses.

Persistent or recurrent infections can lead to permanent enlargement of the tonsils and a condition known as chronic tonsillitis.

If medical treatment does not help the chronic tonsillitis, surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be indicated. Typically, medical guidelines suggest performing a tonsillectomy only if the person has had six to seven tonsillar infections in 1 year, or two to three infections per year for several years running. Research indicates that tonsillectomy does not significantly affect the body’s response to new infections.

source : Human anatomy