Sinusitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
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Tonsils assume a vital role in the body's defense system. Functioning as integral components of the lymphatic system, they bear the responsibility of safeguarding the body against pathogens. Positioned strategically at the intersection of the respiratory and digestive tracts, tonsils stand prepared to counteract potential invaders. This discourse with a particularly focus on hypertrophic tonsils.
The most common cause of hypertrophic tonsils is an infection. The tonsillar tissue frequently comes into contact with bacteria and viruses, leading to inflammatory processes. Allergies, exposure to irritants, and gastroesophageal reflux can also cause tonsillar hypertrophy. In rare cases, hypertrophic tonsils may be a symptom of cancer.
It's also worth noting that hypertrophic tonsils can be due to constitutional factors, meaning they may not always be caused by an underlying pathology.
Hypertrophic tonsils are common, especially in children aged between 2 and 6 years. Several factors can increase the risk of developing this condition. These include low temperatures, bacterial infections, colds, and other viral diseases. The growth of the tonsils, which peaks at the age of 3-5 years, also makes these structures more susceptible to infections.
Symptoms associated with hypertrophic tonsils can range from a sore throat, pain when swallowing, bad breath, swollen and painful lymph nodes in the neck, to changes in vocal timbre and a persistent cough. In some cases, hypertrophic tonsils can interfere with breathing and swallowing.
Diagnosis of hypertrophic tonsils is usually made by a general practitioner or an ENT specialist following a complete inspection of the upper airways and digestive tracts. The doctor can also establish which pathogens are involved or not in the disorder.
Treatment options vary based on the cause of hypertrophic tonsils. If a bacterial infection is the underlying cause, antibiotics may be prescribed. If the cause is a viral infection, the hypertrophic tonsils will typically heal on their own within 7-10 days, and treatment will focus on alleviating the symptoms.
In severe cases where the tonsils are chronically inflamed and cause significant respiratory problems, surgical removal of the tonsils, known as tonsillectomy, may be considered. Tonsillectomy is a relatively simple operation performed under general anesthesia.