Table of contents:
- The dangers of untreated tonsillitis
- 1. Peritonsil abscess
- 2. Ear infection
- 3. Sleep apnea
- 4. Acute glomerulonephritis
- 5. Rheumatic fever
Tonsillitis or inflammation of the tonsils is characterized by symptoms of swollen tonsils or sore throat when swallowing, speaking or difficulty breathing. Although in general, tonsillitis is not dangerous, it is still advisable to see a doctor if symptoms last more than 4 days. If it continues, it is not impossible that you can experience a series of complications from tonsillitis below.
The dangers of untreated tonsillitis
The tonsils or tonsils are two soft tissues or glands located at the back of the throat. This small organ is part of the body's defense system that blocks disease germs and foreign particles from entering the body through the throat.
So, is tonsillitis dangerous? Inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis) that lasts temporarily can quickly recover with simple treatments and medicines. However, the impact can be very detrimental and even reduce the quality of life if it lasts long term or recurs frequently (chronic tonsillitis).
Well, chronic tonsillitis that is left untreated or not treated properly can cause complications such as:
1. Peritonsil abscess
Peritonsil abscess is an ongoing bacterial infection of untreated strep throat or tonsils. A peritonsil abscess is indicated by the presence of a pus-filled lump growing near your tonsil lump.
In addition to lumps with pus, the danger of tonsillitis can also cause symptoms of high fever to chills, swelling around the neck and face, sore throat, earache on the side of the inflamed tonsils, and hoarseness.
These abscess lumps also make it difficult for you to fully open your mouth, swallow food or water, and cause bad breath.
This disease is generally treated with antibiotics for sore throat or by removing the pus in the lump with a needle at an ENT doctor.
2. Ear infection
The dangers of untreated tonsillitis can also cause secondary infection in the middle ear. The reason is, infection from the tonsils can indeed spread to the ears.
The tonsils that are visible when you open your mouth are actually only a small part of the entire tonsil tissue which includes the palatine, adenoids, tubal, and lingual tonsils.
When each part of the tonsils becomes swollen due to infection, the enlarged size will make it easier for viruses or bacteria to get into the ear.
To treat an infection in the ear, first further examination by an ENT doctor is required. Medical treatment can be given through ear drops, pain relievers, or antibiotics.
3. Sleep apnea
Swelling that occurs due to infection of the tonsils can clog the respiratory tract and interfere with normal breathing.
If tonsillitis is left untreated, it can lead to complications such as sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing can stop for a short time or breathing becomes shallow during sleep. Sleep apnea can also be characterized by snoring sleep.
Treatment of sleep apnea due to inflammation of the tonsils usually involves a tonsillectomy, which is surgery to remove the tonsils.
4. Acute glomerulonephritis
Inflammation of the tonsils caused by a streptococcal bacterial infection can lead to inflammation of the kidneys, a condition known as acute glomerulonephritis.
When bacteria that infect the tonsils enter the bloodstream, the bacteria can attack the glomeruli. Glomeruli are tiny filtering screens in the kidneys that are responsible for removing waste products from the filtered blood.
The danger of tonsillitis can cause inflammation and scar tissue formation. According to the National Kidney Foundation, the presence of scar tissue on the kidneys interferes with the ability of the glomeruli to filter blood.
Symptoms that arise from complications of tonsillitis are reduced urine output, very brown or even bloody urine, wet lungs, and increased blood pressure (hypertension).
Usually doctors will give corticosteroid drugs which are useful for reducing inflammation
5. Rheumatic fever
Rheumatic fever occurs in children who experience inflammation of the tonsils due to a bacterial infection, namely Streptococcus which is the cause strep throat.
Not only fever, complications from inflammation of the tonsils also cause rashes, inflammation of the joints, stomach pain, and fatigue.
Rheumatic fever can be cured by administering antibiotics to fight bacteria and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce symptoms of joint pain. Antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin need to be spent according to the dosage and length of treatment recommended by the doctor.
In addition, you are also advised to get more rest so that your body will recover faster. In severe cases, complications of tonsillitis can cause inflammation of the heart valves. Therefore, rheumatic fever requires medical assistance as soon as possible.
To prevent complications of the tonsils, inflammation must be treated appropriately. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics or pain medication. Surgical removal of the tonsils may be necessary if tonsillitis recurs frequently and hinders daily activities.
