Tonsillitis is the swelling of the tonsils, two oval-shaped masses of tissue positioned at the rear of the throat, with one tonsil on each side. When you have tonsillitis, your tonsils swell up, your throat hurts, it may hurt to swallow, and the lymph nodes on the sides of your neck are tender.
Tonsillitis often stems from viruses, but bacterial infections can also be a cause. A prompt and accurate tonsillitis diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment. In this article, we explore the different methods of tonsilitis diagnosis.
Diagnosis of Tonsillitis
First, the doctor will conduct a physical examination, which involves the following:
- Using a lighted device to examine your child's throat, ears, and nose, as these areas may be sources of infection.
- Looking for a rash called scarlatina, which is associated with some occurrences of strep throat.
- Tenderly touching (palpating) the neck to assess for any swollen glands, also called lymph nodes.
- Using a stethoscope to assess heartbeat and breathing.
- Checking if the spleen is enlarged to consider for mononucleosis, a condition that inflames the tonsils.
Taking a sample from the throat using a swab.
The doctor conducts a quick test by swabbing the back of the throat to collect samples. This sample is checked for streptococcal bacteria in the clinic or a lab. While clinics provide rapid results, a more reliable follow-up test is sent to an external lab, with results expected within hours or days. A positive in-clinic impact indicates a bacterial infection, while a negative suggests a viral cause. The doctor relies on the out-of-clinic test for more accurate confirmation of tonsillitis.
Complete Blood Cell Count
A doctor might request a complete blood cell count (CBC) using a small blood sample. This test, often done in a clinic, provides a count of the various types of blood cells.
Examining profile levels indicates bacterial or viral infection likelihood. A CBC is typically not needed for diagnosing strep throat. If the strep throat lab test yields a negative result, the CBC might be essential in determining the cause of tonsillitis.
Tips to prepare for a doctor’s appointment
Tonsilitis mostly occurs in children and teens, but can also occur in adults sometimes. Your doctor will probably ask you several questions regarding your or your child's condition; be prepared to address the following inquiries.
- When did the signs first appear?
- What was the temperature if your child had a fever?
- Has your child experienced difficulty eating or pain while swallowing?
- Have you noticed any improvement with pain relievers or warm liquids?
- If your child had tonsillitis or strep throat, when was the diagnosis?
- Has your child's sleep been affected by symptoms?
- Has your child had contact with anyone confirmed to have strep throat?
Conclusion
In conclusion, a tonsillitis diagnosis involves a thorough physical exam, including a bacterial test and a complete blood cell count. Effective communication with the doctor is crucial. For those concerned about healthcare costs, having comprehensive health insurance is vital for managing potential medical expenses related to tonsillitis and other health issues.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.