Following a sweltering Chuseok holiday, a traditional Korean harvest celebration that some humorously call Hasuk, the arrival of fall is marked by rain sweeping across the country.
As temperatures fluctuate and dry weather persists with the onset of fall, there is a noticeable increase in patients visiting ENT clinics for tonsillitis. This condition often arises when a person is tired or has metabolic or immune disorders, but the heightened temperature changes and dryness also contribute to its prevalence.
Shin Yoo Seob from the ENT department at Ajou University Hospital notes that the tonsils are essential for producing lymphocytes and serve as the body’s first line of defense against bacterial infections that enter the mouth.
The tonsils most commonly discussed are the palatine tonsils, located next to the throat; however, other types of tonsillar tissues exist, including the lingual tonsils at the base of the tongue and the adenoids found behind the nose.
Tonsillitis refers to the inflammation of these tissues and can be classified into acute and chronic tonsillitis.
Acute tonsillitis typically begins with a high fever and chills, soon followed by a sore throat. If the pharyngeal muscles become inflamed, patients may also experience swallowing pain.
Symptoms such as headaches, general fatigue, and joint pain can also occur throughout the body. These symptoms are similar to the common cold, making many people mistakenly believe they have a cold.
Upon examining the mouth of an individual with acute tonsillitis, redness and swelling around the tonsils may be observed. In more severe cases, a yellow or white membrane can cover the tonsils.
Moreover, several lymph nodes in the neck may become swollen due to tonsillar inflammation, resulting in small, painful lumps under the jaw or along the sides of the neck when pressed.
Chronic tonsillitis typically presents with recurring symptoms of acute tonsillitis and a persistent sore throat. It may also be accompanied by dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and bad breath due to tonsil stones.
Tonsillitis can be classified as either viral or bacterial. Shin explains, “Bacterial tonsillitis, caused by a bacterial infection, presents symptoms such as high fever, throat pain, tonsillar membrane (false membrane), and cervical lymphadenitis. If a patient suspects tonsillitis and visits an ENT specialist, a laryngoscope examination may reveal signs of inflammation around the tonsils, leading to a diagnosis. Antibiotics will be prescribed if bacterial tonsillitis is suspected based on clinical findings and history.”
The concern revolves around potential complications. Although tonsillitis usually improves within a week with rest, adequate nutrition, and medication—similar to treatments for other colds—bacterial infections can result in complications such as infectious endocarditis, rheumatic fever, and glomerulonephritis.
Shin advises, “If you experience symptoms suggestive of bacterial tonsillitis, such as high fever, severe sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes, it’s important to visit a nearby hospital quickly. With appropriate antibiotic treatment, it can be resolved without significant complications, so there’s no need for excessive worry.”
If acute tonsillitis occurs frequently, tonsillectomy may be worth considering. Shin explains, “Tonsillectomy is recommended in cases where the patient experiences recurrent tonsillitis requiring frequent antibiotic treatment. If bacterial tonsillitis recurs more than three times a year or 1-2 times every six months, we suggest considering tonsillectomy.”
Tonsillectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia, and the pain associated with the procedure can last for 2 to 3 weeks. It is known to be quite a painful surgery.
Shin recommends, “Although there are no specific ways to prevent tonsillitis, practicing good personal hygiene, consuming adequate nutrition, and getting sufficient rest can be helpful.”