-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
eyes/ears/nose/throat
tonsillitis
diagnoses
definition and etiology
definition: An acute inflammation of the palatine tonsils.
etiology: The most common organism involved is Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, although, other bacteria and viruses are often implicated (e.g. Hemophilus influenza, Hemophilus parainfluenza, and adenoviruses).
signs and symptoms
signs and symptoms:
Pain on swallowing, often traveling up to the ear.
Sore throat in general.
Headache.
Malaise.
Vomiting.
Anorexia.
Tonsils are swollen (may meet in the middle of the pharynx) and reddened.
Exudate on the tonsils/in the crypts, and/or around the whole oropharyngeal area.
Membrane: thin and white and only on the tonsils, peels away easily without bleeding.
Fever.
HEENT lymphadenopathy.
lab findings:
Increased WBCs with shift to left
Culture may identify the involved bacterial organism.
possibly (+) rapid strep test
course and prognosis
The condition should be promptly treated to avoid complications (e.g. peritonsillar abscess).
The condition usually resolves easily with conventional or alternative medicine; however, in conventional medicine, repeated bouts of tonsillitis usually result in tonsillectomy.
differential diagnosis
Pharyngitis
Infectious mononucleosis.
Vincent's angina.
Diphtheria.
Peritonsillar abscess
footnotes