Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the palatine tonsils caused commonly by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, enlarged tonsils, and difficulty swallowing. Diagnosis involves physical examination and rapid strep tests. Treatment involves antibiotics, pain medication, fluids, and sometimes tonsillectomy for recurrent cases. Nurses manage tonsillitis by promoting airway clearance, maintaining fluid volume, and relieving pain. Complications can include peritonsillar abscess. Prevention involves hand washing and avoiding sharing utensils.
INTRODUCTION
Tonsillitis is theterm commonly used to
describe the inflammation and infection of
two palatine tonsils.
The purpose of these lymphoid tissues is
to filter and protect the respiratory and
digestive tracts from invasion by
pathogens, but often the tonsils become
site for infection.
INCIDENCE
The incidence oftonsillitis peaks between
age 4 and 7 years.
Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococcus
infection occurs most frequently in the
winter and is spread more readily in
crowded living situation
5.
ETIOLOGY
The commoncause of bacterial agent is Group A
Beta Hemolytic Streptococcus.
6.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Bacterial infection
Protective immunitynot developed yet
(prone to infection)
Stimulate inflammatory response
Tonsilitis Inflammation of tonsils
Fever Sore throat Tonsils increase in size
May obstruct airway
7.
CLINICAL MANIFESTATION
Sorethroat which may be persistent and recurrent
Tonsils enlarged and bright and may be covered with
white exhudate
DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION
Detailedhistory collection
Physical examination:
Note if the child’s voice sound muffled or hoarse.
Inspect enlargement of tonsils
11.
CONT….
Throat swabculture
Blood test
• Rapid streptococcal antigen tests
(rapid strep test) can accurately screen for group A
Beta hemolytic streptococcal infection
12.
MANAGEMENT
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
Duringthe acute phase of tonsilitis treatment is
symptomatic
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen is used for pain.
Gargling with warm saline solution for comforting of
children
13.
CONT…..
Tonsillitis ismost commonly treated with penicillin
given two or three times daily for 10days.
Erythromycin may be used in children who are
allergic to penicillin
14.
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT
Tonsillectomy:-
•Surgical removal of the tonsils.
• Tonsillectomy is considered in case of recurrent
tonsillitis, upper airway obstruction, peritonsillar
abscess.
15.
CONT……
Electrosurgical tonsillectomy:
•It is a newer technique that uses electro magnetic
radiation to generate heat within tissue for cutting and
coagulation
• This technique may reduce risk for bleeding and produce
less patient discomfort.
NURSING MANAGEMENT
PromotingAirway clearence
Provide sidelying or prone position to facilitate safe drainage
of secretions.
Suctioning if necessary should be done to avoid trauma to
the surgical site
18.
CONT…
Maintaining fluidvolume
Inspect throat for bleeding
To avoid trauma to the surgical site discourage the child
from coughing, clearing the throat, blowing the nose and
using straws.
Encourage children to take any fluids
Citrous juice and brown or red fluids should be avoided
19.
CONT…
o Relieving pain
Ice collar may be prescribed
Administer analgesics.
Promote oral fluid intake.
PREVENTION
Wash hisor her hands thoroughly and frequently after
using the toilet and before eating.
Avoid sharing food, drinking glass or utensils.
Teach the child to do coughing exercise
Teaching the child to wash his or her hands after
sneezing or coughing