Tonsillitis Flashcards
(9 cards)
What is tonsillitis?
inflammation due to infection of the tonsils.
What is the aetiology of tonsillitis?
Usually VIRAL (e.g. common cold or influenza) Can be bacterial (group A streptococci)
Give 2 Risk Factors of tonsillitis
Immune deficiency
FH of tonsillitis or atopy
Describe the epidemiology of tonsillitis
VERY COMMON
Usually in children + young adults
List 6 presenting symptoms of tonsillitis
Pain in the throat Painful swallowing Pain may be referred to ears Abdominal pain Headache Loss of voice or changes in voice
List 6 signs of tonsillitis on physical examination
Red throat Swollen tonsils Tonsillar exudate Fever Acute onset Swollen lymph nodes
Give 2 investigations for tonsillitis
Throat swabs
Rapid antigen tests for Strep
Describe the appearance of tonsils in tonsillitis
Intense erythema of tonsils + pharynx
Yellow exudate
Tender, enlarged anterior cervical glands
Which scoring systems are used to assess whether tonsillitis is caused by a streptococcal infection?
CENTOR
FEVERPAIN