Tonsillitis | |
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A culture-positive case of streptococcal pharyngitis with typical tonsillar exudate in a 16-year-old | |
Pronunciation | |
Specialty | Infectious disease |
Symptoms | Sore throat, fever, enlargement of the tonsils, trouble swallowing, large lymph nodes around the neck [1] [2] |
Complications | Peritonsillar abscess [1] [3] |
Duration | ~ 1 week [4] |
Causes | Viral infection, bacterial infection [1] [5] [6] |
Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms, throat swab, rapid strep test [1] [5] |
Medication | Paracetamol (acetaminophen), ibuprofen, penicillin [1] [5] |
Frequency | 7.5% (in any given 3 months) [7] |
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils in the upper part of the throat. It can be acute or chronic. [8] [9] [2] Acute tonsillitis typically has a rapid onset. [10] Symptoms may include sore throat, fever, enlargement of the tonsils, trouble swallowing, and enlarged lymph nodes around the neck. [1] [2] Complications include peritonsillar abscess (quinsy). [1] [3]
Tonsillitis is most commonly caused by a viral infection and about 5% to 40% of cases are caused by a bacterial infection. [1] [5] [6] When caused by the bacterium group A streptococcus, it is classed as streptococcal tonsillitis [11] also referred to as strep throat. [12] Rarely bacteria such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae , Corynebacterium diphtheriae , or Haemophilus influenzae may be the cause. [5] Typically the infection is spread between people through the air. [6] A scoring system, such as the Centor score, may help separate possible causes. [1] [5] Confirmation may be by a throat swab or rapid strep test. [1] [5]
Treatment efforts involve improving symptoms and decreasing complications. [5] Paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen may be used to help with pain. [1] [5] If strep throat is present the antibiotic penicillin by mouth is generally recommended. [1] [5] In those who are allergic to penicillin, cephalosporins or macrolides may be used. [1] [5] In children with frequent episodes of tonsillitis, tonsillectomy modestly decreases the risk of future episodes. [13]
About 7.5% of people have a sore throat in any three-month period and 2% of people visit a doctor for tonsillitis each year. [7] It is most common in school-aged children and typically occurs in the colder months of autumn and winter. [5] [6] The majority of people recover with or without medication. [1] [5] In 82% of people, symptoms resolve within one week, regardless if bacteria or viruses were present. [4] Antibiotics probably reduce the number of people experiencing sore throat or headache, but the balance between modest symptom reduction and the potential hazards of antimicrobial resistance must be recognised. [4]
Those with tonsillitis usually experience sore throat, painful swallowing, malaise, and fever. [1] [14] [15] Their tonsils – and often the back of the throat – appear red and swollen, and sometimes give off a white discharge. [1] [15] [16] Some also have tender swelling of the cervical lymph nodes. [1] [15]
Many viral infections that cause tonsillitis will also cause cough, runny nose, hoarse voice, or blistering in the mouth or throat. [17] Infectious mononucleosis can cause the tonsils to swell with red spots or white discharge that may extend to the tongue. [18] This can be accompanied by fever, sore throat, cervical lymph node swelling, and enlargement of the liver and spleen. [18] Bacterial infections that cause tonsillitis can also cause a distinct "scarletiniform" rash, vomiting, and tonsillar spots or discharge. [1] [17]
Tonsilloliths occur in up to 10% of the population frequently due to episodes of tonsillitis.[ clarification needed ] [19]
Viral infections cause 40 to 60% of cases of tonsillitis. [14] Many viruses can cause inflammation of the tonsils (and the rest of throat) including adenovirus, rhinovirus, coronavirus, influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, coxsackievirus, measles virus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and herpes simplex virus. [17] Tonsillitis can also be part of the initial reaction to HIV infection. [17] An estimated 1 to 10% of the cases are caused by Epstein-Barr virus. [15]
Tonsillitis can also stem from infection with bacteria, predominantly Group A β-hemolytic streptococci (GABHS), which causes strep throat. [1] [14] Bacterial infection of the tonsils usually follows the initial viral infection. [15] When tonsillitis recurs after antibiotic treatment for streptococcus bacteria, it is usually due to the same bacteria as the first time, which suggests that the antibiotic treatment was not fully effective. [1] [20] Less common bacterial causes include: Streptococcus pneumoniae , Mycoplasma pneumoniae , Chlamydia pneumoniae , Bordetella pertussis , Fusobacterium sp., Corynebacterium diphtheriae , Treponema pallidum , and Neisseria gonorrhoeae . [21] [22] [23] [24]
Anaerobic bacteria have been implicated in tonsillitis, and a possible role in the acute inflammatory process is supported by several clinical and scientific observations. [25]
Sometimes tonsillitis is caused by an infection of spirochaeta and treponema, which is called Vincent's angina or Plaut-Vincent angina.[ non-primary source needed ] [26]
Within the tonsils, white blood cells of the immune system destroy the viruses or bacteria by producing inflammatory cytokines like phospholipase A2,[ non-primary source needed ] [27] which also lead to fever. [28] [29] The infection may also be present in the throat and surrounding areas, causing inflammation of the pharynx. [1] [30]
There is no firm distinction between a sore throat that is specifically tonsillitis and a sore throat caused by inflammation in both the tonsils and also nearby tissues. [1] [31] An acute sore throat may be diagnosed as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, or tonsillopharyngitis (also called pharyngotonsillitis), depending upon the clinical findings. [1]
In primary care settings, the Centor criteria are used to determine the likelihood of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) infection in an acute tonsillitis and the need of antibiotics for tonsillitis treatment. [1] [15] However, the Centor criteria have their weaknesses in making precise diagnosis for adults. The Centor criteria are also ineffective in diagnosis for tonsillitis in children and in secondary care settings (hospitals). [15] A modified version of the Centor criteria, which modified the original Centor criteria in 1998, is often used to aid in diagnosis. The original Centor criteria had four major criteria but the modified Centor criteria have five. The five major criteria of the modified Centor score are:
The possibility of GABHS infection increases with increasing score. The probability for getting GABHS is 2 to 23% for the score of 1, and 25 to 85% for the score of 4. [15] The diagnosis of GABHS tonsillitis can be confirmed by culture of samples obtained by swabbing the throat and plating them on blood agar medium. This small percentage of false-negative results are part of the characteristics of the tests used but are also possible if the person has received antibiotics prior to testing. Identification requires 24 to 48 hours by culture but rapid screening tests (10–60 minutes), which have a sensitivity of 85–90%, are available. In 40% of the people without any symptoms, the throat culture can be positive. Therefore, throat culture is not routinely used in clinical practice for the detection of GABHS. [15]
Bacterial culture may need to be performed in cases of a negative rapid streptococcal test. [32] An increase in antistreptolysin O (ASO) streptococcal antibody titer following the acute infection can provide retrospective evidence of GABHS infection and is considered definitive proof of GABHS infection, but not necessarily of the tonsils. [33] Epstein Barr virus serology can be tested for those who may have infectious mononucleosis with a typical lymphocyte count in full blood count result. [15] Blood investigations are only required for those with hospital admission requiring intravenous antibiotics. [15]
Nasoendoscopy can be used for those with severe neck pain and inability to swallow any fluids to rule out masked epiglotitis and supraglotitis. Routine nasoendscopy is not recommended for children. [15]
Treatments to reduce the discomfort from tonsillitis include: [1] [22] [23] [24] [30]
There are no antiviral medical treatments for virally caused tonsillitis. [34]
If the tonsillitis is caused by group A streptococcus, then antibiotics are useful, with penicillin or amoxicillin being primary choices. [1] [15] Cephalosporins and macrolides are considered good alternatives to penicillin in the acute care setting. [1] [35] A macrolide, such as azithromycin or erythromycin, is used for people allergic to penicillin. [1] If penicillin therapy fails, bacterial tonsillitis may respond to treatment effective against beta-lactamase producing bacteria such as clindamycin or amoxicillin-clavulanate. [36] Aerobic and anaerobic beta lactamase producing bacteria that reside in the tonsillar tissues can "shield" group A streptococcus from penicillins. [37] There is no significant difference in efficacy of various groups of antibiotics for treating tonsillitis. [15] Intravenous antibiotics can be for those who are hospitalized with inability to swallow and presented with complications.[ citation needed ] Oral antibiotics can be resumed immediately if the person is clinically improved and able to swallow orally. [15] Antibiotic treatment is usually taken for seven to ten days. [1] [5]
Paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to treat throat pain in children and adults. [1] [15] Codeine is avoided in children under 12 years of age to treat throat pain or following tonsilectomy. [38] [39] NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) and opioids (such as codeine and tramadol) are equally effective at relieving pain, however, precautions should be taken with these pain medications. NSAIDs can cause peptic ulcer disease and kidney damage.[ citation needed ] Opioids can cause respiratory depression in those who are vulnerable. [15] Anaesthetic mouthwash can also be used for symptomatic relief. [15]
Corticosteroids reduce tonsillitis pain and improve symptoms in 24 to 48 hours. Oral corticosteroids are recommended unless the person is unable to swallow medications. [15]
When tonsillitis recurs frequently, often arbitrarily defined as at least five episodes of tonsillitis in a year, [40] or when the palatine tonsils become so swollen that swallowing is difficult as well as painful, a tonsillectomy can be performed to surgically remove the tonsils. A randomised controlled trial of tonsillectomy versus medical treatment (antibiotics and pain killers) in adults with frequent tonsillitis found that tonsillectomy was more effective and cost effective. It resulted in fewer days with sore throat. [41] [42]
Children have had only a modest benefit from tonsillectomy for repeated cases of tonsillitis. [43]
Since the advent of penicillin in the 1940s, a major preoccupation in the treatment of streptococcal tonsillitis has been the prevention of rheumatic fever, and its major effects on the nervous system and heart.
Complications may rarely include dehydration and kidney failure due to difficulty swallowing, blocked airways due to inflammation, and pharyngitis due to the spread of infection. [22] [23] [24] [30]
An abscess may develop lateral to the tonsil during an infection, typically several days after the onset of tonsillitis.[ citation needed ] This is termed a peritonsillar abscess (or quinsy).
Rarely, the infection may spread beyond the tonsil resulting in inflammation and infection of the internal jugular vein giving rise to a spreading infectious thrombophlebitis (Lemierre's syndrome).[ citation needed ]
In strep throat, diseases like post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis [ non-primary source needed ] [44] can occur. These complications are extremely rare in developed nations but remain a significant problem in poorer nations. [45] [46]
Tonsillitis occurs throughout the world, without racial or ethnic differences. [47] Most children have tonsillitis at least once during their childhood, [48] although it rarely occurs before the age of two. [47] It most typically occurs between the ages of four and five; bacterial infections most typically occur at a later age. [47]
Tonsillitis is described in the ancient Greek Hippocratic Corpus. [49]
Recurrent tonsillitis can interfere with vocal function and the ability to perform among people who use their voices professionally. [50] [51]
Streptococcus is a genus of gram-positive coccus or spherical bacteria that belongs to the family Streptococcaceae, within the order Lactobacillales, in the phylum Bacillota. Cell division in streptococci occurs along a single axis, thus when growing they tend to form pairs or chains, which may appear bent or twisted. This differs from staphylococci, which divide along multiple axes, thereby generating irregular, grape-like clusters of cells. Most streptococci are oxidase-negative and catalase-negative, and many are facultative anaerobes.
Group A streptococcal infections are a number of infections with Streptococcus pyogenes, a group A streptococcus (GAS). S. pyogenes is a species of beta-hemolytic Gram-positive bacteria that is responsible for a wide range of infections that are mostly common and fairly mild. If the bacteria enter the bloodstream an infection can become severe and life-threatening, and is called an invasive GAS (iGAS).
Streptococcus pyogenes is a species of Gram-positive, aerotolerant bacteria in the genus Streptococcus. These bacteria are extracellular, and made up of non-motile and non-sporing cocci that tend to link in chains. They are clinically important for humans, as they are an infrequent, but usually pathogenic, part of the skin microbiota that can cause Group A streptococcal infection. S. pyogenes is the predominant species harboring the Lancefield group A antigen, and is often called group A Streptococcus (GAS). However, both Streptococcus dysgalactiae and the Streptococcus anginosus group can possess group A antigen as well. Group A streptococci, when grown on blood agar, typically produce small (2–3 mm) zones of beta-hemolysis, a complete destruction of red blood cells. The name group A (beta-hemolytic) Streptococcus is thus also used.
Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, is an infectious disease caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, a Group A streptococcus (GAS). It most commonly affects children between five and 15 years of age. The signs and symptoms include a sore throat, fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic rash. The face is flushed and the rash is red and blanching. It typically feels like sandpaper and the tongue may be red and bumpy. The rash occurs as a result of capillary damage by exotoxins produced by S.pyogenes. On darker-pigmented skin the rash may be hard to discern.
Streptococcal pharyngitis, also known as streptococcal sore throat, is pharyngitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, a gram-positive, group A streptococcus. Common symptoms include fever, sore throat, red tonsils, and enlarged lymph nodes in the front of the neck. A headache and nausea or vomiting may also occur. Some develop a sandpaper-like rash which is known as scarlet fever. Symptoms typically begin one to three days after exposure and last seven to ten days.
Lemierre's syndrome is infectious thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein. It most often develops as a complication of a bacterial sore throat infection in young, otherwise healthy adults. The thrombophlebitis is a serious condition and may lead to further systemic complications such as bacteria in the blood or septic emboli.
Pharyngitis is inflammation of the back of the throat, known as the pharynx. It typically results in a sore throat and fever. Other symptoms may include a runny nose, cough, headache, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes, and a hoarse voice. Symptoms usually last 3–5 days, but can be longer depending on cause. Complications can include sinusitis and acute otitis media. Pharyngitis is a type of upper respiratory tract infection.
Sore throat, also known as throat pain, is pain or irritation of the throat. Usually, causes of sore throat include:
Palatine tonsils, commonly called the tonsils and occasionally called the faucial tonsils, are tonsils located on the left and right sides at the back of the throat, which can often be seen as flesh-colored, pinkish lumps. Tonsils only present as "white lumps" if they are inflamed or infected with symptoms of exudates and severe swelling.
Rheumatic fever (RF) is an inflammatory disease that can involve the heart, joints, skin, and brain. The disease typically develops two to four weeks after a streptococcal throat infection. Signs and symptoms include fever, multiple painful joints, involuntary muscle movements, and occasionally a characteristic non-itchy rash known as erythema marginatum. The heart is involved in about half of the cases. Damage to the heart valves, known as rheumatic heart disease (RHD), usually occurs after repeated attacks but can sometimes occur after one. The damaged valves may result in heart failure, atrial fibrillation and infection of the valves.
An upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is an illness caused by an acute infection, which involves the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx or trachea. This commonly includes nasal obstruction, sore throat, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, otitis media, and the common cold. Most infections are viral in nature, and in other instances, the cause is bacterial. URTIs can also be fungal or helminthic in origin, but these are less common.
Peritonsillar abscess (PTA), also known as quinsy, is an accumulation of pus due to an infection behind the tonsil. Symptoms include fever, throat pain, trouble opening the mouth, and a change to the voice. Pain is usually worse on one side. Complications may include blockage of the airway or aspiration pneumonitis.
Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are mineralizations of debris within the crevices of the tonsils. When not mineralized, the presence of debris is known as chronic caseous tonsillitis (CCT). Symptoms may include bad breath, foreign body sensation, sore throat, pain or discomfort with swallowing, and cough. Generally there is no pain, though there may be the feeling of something present. The presence of tonsil stones may be otherwise undetectable; however, some people have reported seeing white material in the rear of their throat.
Arcanobacterium haemolyticum is a species of bacteria classified as a gram-positive bacillus. It is catalase-negative, facultative anaerobic, beta-hemolytic, and not motile. It has been known to cause head and neck infections, pharyngitis, and sinusitis.
Adenoiditis is the inflammation of the adenoid tissue usually caused by an infection. Adenoiditis is treated using medication or surgical intervention.
Phenoxymethylpenicillin, also known as penicillin V (PcV) and penicillin VK, is an antibiotic useful for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. Specifically it is used for the treatment of strep throat, otitis media, and cellulitis. It is also used to prevent rheumatic fever and to prevent infections following removal of the spleen. It is given by mouth.
The Centor criteria are a set of criteria which may be used to identify the likelihood of a bacterial infection in patients complaining of a sore throat. They were developed as a method to quickly diagnose the presence of Group A streptococcal infection or diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis in "adult patients who presented to an urban emergency room complaining of a sore throat." The Centor criteria are named after Robert M. Centor, an internist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine.
Streptococcal intertrigo is a skin condition that is secondary to a streptococcal bacterial infection. It is often seen in infants and young children and can be characterized by a fiery-red color of the skin, foul odor with an absence of satellite lesions, and skin softening in the neck, armpits or folds of the groin. Newborn children and infants commonly develop intertrigo because of physical features such as deep skin folds, short neck, and flexed posture. Prompt diagnosis by a medical professional and treatment with topical and/or oral antibiotics can effectively relieve symptoms.
Perianal cellulitis, also known as perianitis or perianal streptococcal dermatitis, is a bacterial infection affecting the lower layers of the skin (cellulitis) around the anus. It presents as bright redness in the skin and can be accompanied by pain, difficulty defecating, itching, and bleeding. This disease is considered a complicated skin and soft tissue infection (cSSTI) because of the involvement of the deeper soft tissues.
Bacteriophage T12 is a bacteriophage that infects Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. It is a proposed species of the family Siphoviridae in the order Caudovirales also known as tailed viruses. It converts a harmless strain of bacteria into a virulent strain. It carries the speA gene which codes for erythrogenic toxin A. speA is also known as streptococcal pyogenic exotoxin A, scarlet fever toxin A, or even scarlatinal toxin. Note that the name of the gene "speA" is italicized; the name of the toxin "speA" is not italicized. Erythrogenic toxin A converts a harmless, non-virulent strain of Streptococcus pyogenes to a virulent strain through lysogeny, a life cycle which is characterized by the ability of the genome to become a part of the host cell and be stably maintained there for generations. Phages with a lysogenic life cycle are also called temperate phages. Bacteriophage T12, proposed member of family Siphoviridae including related speA-carrying bacteriophages, is also a prototypic phage for all the speA-carrying phages of Streptococcus pyogenes, meaning that its genome is the prototype for the genomes of all such phages of S. pyogenes. It is the main suspect as the cause of scarlet fever, an infectious disease that affects small children.