Inflammation of the tonsils occurs due to inflammation. Inflammation of the tonsils or the medical term tonsillitis. Usually someone who experiences it will feel pain when swallowing, which is followed by other symptoms such as hoarseness, fever, bad breath, cough, and headaches.
In addition to the effects of weather and unhealthy lifestyles. Tonsillitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection. The virus is usually also what causes a cold or flu cough.
Causes of Inflammation of the tonsils
Tonsillitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection Streptococcus pyogenes. Several types of viruses that cause tonsillitis are viruses that also cause coughs, colds or flu.
Factors that cause tonsillitis
1. Inflammation of the tonsils
In addition to swelling, inflamed tonsils due to bacterial infection usually also cause detritus, which is a white or yellow spot on the surface of the tonsils.
In addition to bacterial infections, tonsillitis can also be caused by viral infections, such as adenovirus, rhinovirus, Corona virus, influenza virus, and rubella virus.
2. Sore throat
Sore throats are usually caused by the same germs that cause tonsillitis. The position of the tonsils close to the throat, not infrequently causes an infection in the throat that can affect the tonsils, making the tonsils inflamed and swollen.
In addition to bacterial infections, strep throat can also be caused by ingredients that cause throat irritation, such as cigarette smoke, exposure to pollution, or allergies. Usually the symptoms that arise due to sore throat are similar to flu symptoms, namely cough, runny nose, pain when swallowing, weakness, and fever.
3. Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis is a disease caused by a viral infection Epstein-Barrwhich can trigger swollen tonsils accompanied by white plaque on the roof of the mouth.
In addition to swollen tonsils, this disease can also cause other signs and symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or thighs, and abdominal pain due to an enlarged spleen.
4. Oral candidiasis
Oral candidiasis is a fungal infection of the mouth. This condition will trigger white lumps on the inner cheeks, gums, throat, and even the tonsils. When this infection occurs in the tonsils, the symptoms can be accompanied by swelling.
Oral candidiasis usually attacks babies whose immunity is still not fully developed. Other conditions that cause decreased immunity can also trigger this disease, such as long-term corticosteroid consumption, HIV disease, and cancer.
5. Tonsil stones
Tonsil stones occur as a result of repeated infection and inflammation in the tonsils. These stones are formed from the accumulation of food debris, mucus, and bacteria trapped in the grooves on the surface of the tonsils. Tonsil stones are small at first, but over time they can harden so that the tonsils become swollen and inflamed.
Swollen tonsils can also be caused by other conditions or diseases, such as acid reflux or tonsil cancer.
Dangers of Inflammation of the Tonsils if Not Overcome
1. Peritonsillar abscess
A peritonsillar abscess is a bacterial infection that continues from untreated strep throat or tonsils. Peritonsillar abscess is indicated by the presence of a pus-filled lump that grows near the tonsil lump. In addition to pus-filled lumps, the danger of tonsillitis can cause other symptoms.
In addition, the sufferer may experience a high fever to chills, swelling around the neck and face, sore throat, ear pain on the side of the inflamed tonsils, and hoarseness.
2. Ear infection
The danger of tonsillitis that is not treated properly can also cause a secondary infection in the middle ear. The reason is, infection from the tonsils can indeed spread to the ear.
The tonsils that are visible when the sufferer opens the mouth are actually only a small part of the entire tonsil tissue which includes the palatine, adenoid, tubal, and lingual tonsils.
3. Sleep apnea
Swelling that occurs due to infection of the tonsils can block the respiratory tract and interfere with normal breathing. Which can cause complications such as sleep apnea which is a condition in which breathing can stop for a short time or the breath becomes shallow during sleep. Sleep apnea characterized by sleep snoring.
4. Acute glomerulonephritis
Inflammation of the tonsils caused by bacterial infection streptococci can cause inflammation of the kidneys, a condition known as acute glomerulonephritis.
Glomeruli are tiny filtering screens in the kidneys that are responsible for removing impurities from the filtered blood. The danger of this tonsillitis can lead to inflammation and the formation of scar tissue.
5. Rheumatic fever
Rheumatic fever occurs in children who have tonsillitis due to bacterial infection, namely: Streptococcus which is the cause strep throat.
It turns out that not only fever, complications from tonsillitis also cause rashes, inflammation of the joints, abdominal pain, and fatigue.
How to Overcome Inflammation of the Tonsils
Here are some of these natural ways to treat tonsillitis:
– Maintain adequate fluid intake.
– Get enough rest.
– Eat soft textured foods that are easy to chew and swallow.
– Avoid smoking habits, exposure to cigarette smoke, or other substances that can irritate the respiratory tract, as well as.
– Avoid consumption of acidic foods and drinks.
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