Getting to know the tonsils and the types of diseases that can attack them

Tonsils or tonsils are lymph nodes located on either side of the back of the throat. Tonsils are part of the immune system that functions to fight germs and viruses that cause disease. However, tonsils can also become infected, causing pain and swelling.

Germs and viruses can enter the body through various parts of the body, including the mouth and throat. To ward off and fight these infections, the body forms a defense system. One form of the body's defense against infections in the oral cavity and throat is the tonsils

Getting to know the tonsils and the types of diseases that can attack them

The tonsils are responsible for filtering and eradicating germs and viruses by producing white blood cells. You can see the tonsils by opening your mouth wide with a mirror.

The tonsils are located behind the palate, which are oval and pink in color. However, if they become inflamed or infected, the tonsils can appear red and swollen

Various Tonsil Diseases and their Symptoms and Causes

The following are conditions that can affect the tonsils:

1. Tonsillitis or tonsillitis

The most common tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, also known as tonsillitis. This disease is most often experienced by children and can be acute or chronic. However, adults can also experience tonsillitis.

Inflammation of the tonsils is usually caused by a viral infection, such as the flu, but sometimes a bacterial infection can also be the cause. When infected and inflamed, the tonsils and throat will look red and swollen Inflammation of the tonsils can also cause pain, especially when swallowing. In more severe cases, tonsillitis can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing and swollen lymph nodes in the neck or under the ears.

Bacterial infections of the tonsils that are not treated properly are also at risk of causing more severe complications, such as peritonsillar abscess.

2. Tonsil stones or tonsils

Tonsil stones or tonsilloliths are characterized by the presence of small white or yellowish lumps or patches located on the surface of the tonsils. Tonsil stones are formed from flakes of bacteria and hardened dirt. This condition is quite often experienced by people who have chronic or recurring tonsillitis

In addition to the presence of white or yellowish spots or lumps on the tonsils, tonsil stones also usually cause the following symptoms:

  • Bad breath
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Ear pain
  • Swollen tonsils

3. Kissing disease

Kissing disease or mononucleosis can cause swollen tonsils and lymph nodes in the neck and armpits. This condition can be caused by infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

This disease is called the kissing disease because it is often spread through saliva during kissing. In addition, you can also be exposed to the EBV virus by sharing glasses or eating utensils with people with mononucleosis.

4. Tonsil hypertrophy

Tonsil hypertrophy is a condition when the tonsils become enlarged and swollen. This condition is more common in children. If not treated properly, enlarged tonsils over time can increase the risk of sleep apnea and airway obstruction.

Until now, the cause of tonsil hypertrophy is still unknown. However, this disease is thought to be more at risk in people who have a history of viral infections, such as adenovirus, influenza, and herpes simplex virus.

In addition, tonsil hypertrophy can also be caused by fungal infections and prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and air pollution.

5. Tonsil cancer

Tonsil cancer is generally associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, and smoking habits.

This cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow to form tumors or lesions in the tonsils. Anyone can get tonsil cancer, including people who have had tonsil surgery.

The following are some of the symptoms of tonsil cancer that are important to know:

  • Lump on neck
  • Sore throat that won't go away
  • Blood in saliva
  • Pain in mouth
  • One tonsil is bigger than the other
  • Earache
  • Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or chewing

How to Treat Tonsil Disease

Treatment of tonsillitis can vary, depending on the cause. If it is caused by a bacterial infection, tonsillitis can be treated with antibiotics according to a doctor's prescription. Meanwhile, viral infections of the tonsils usually go away on their own

However, to speed up the recovery of a viral infection in the tonsils, you can do self-care at home, such as:

  • Enough rest.
  • Eat healthy food.
  • Sufficient body fluids.
  • Drink warm liquids, such as tea or broth.
  • Gargle with warm salt water.
  • Take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to treat a fever or sore throat.
  • Take lozenges.

Meanwhile for cases of enlarged tonsils caused by tonsil hypertrophy, tonsil cancer, or tonsillitis that often recurs and is difficult to heal, surgery is usually required.

Mild symptoms of tonsillitis usually get better in about 3-4 days. However, if the symptoms last longer or you have frequent tonsil infections, you should see a doctor for proper treatment.

Label : Health cat_Health

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