CASE STUDY:

TONSILLITIS
 OVERVIEW:
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils, which are two masses of tissue at
the back of your throat. Tonsils act as filters, trapping germs that could
otherwise enter your airways and cause infection. They also make
antibodies to fight infection. But sometimes, they get overwhelmed by
bacteria or viruses. This can make them swollen and inflamed. Tonsillitis
is common, especially in children. It can happen once in a while or come
back again and again in a short period
 DEFINITION:
Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the palatine tonsils, which are two
oval-shaped masses of lymphoid tissue located on either side at the
back of the throat. It is commonly caused by viral infections (such as
those from adenovirus, rhinovirus, or Epstein-Barr virus) or bacterial
infections, most notably Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A
Streptococcus), which causes streptococcal pharyngitis (strep
throat).
 DEFINITION:
Tonsillitis is an condition of the palatine tonsils, which are part of the body’s
lymphatic and immune system, located bilaterally in the oropharynx. It is
primarily caused by infectious agents, including viral and bacterial pathogens,
and presents with symptoms of throat pain, difficulty swallowing, fever, and
swollen tonsils, sometimes with exudates. The condition can be classified
based on duration and recurrence into acute, recurrent, and chronic tonsillitis
 DEFINITION:
Classification:
Acute Tonsillitis
Sudden onset of symptoms lasting ≤10 days
Caused by viral or bacterial infections
Common in children and young adults
 DEFINITION:
Classification:
Recurrent Tonsillitis
· ≥7 episodes per year, or ≥5 episodes per year for two consecutive
years, or ≥3 episodes per year for three consecutive years
· Often requires long-term management and possible
tonsillectomy
 DEFINITION:
Classification:
Chronic Tonsillitis
Persistent inflammation lasting >3 months
Characterized by recurrent sore throat, bad breath
(halitosis), and tonsillar crypt debris
CLINICAL MANIFESTATION
SORE THROAT
DIFFICULTY OR PAIN WHEN SWALLOWING (ODYNOPHAGIA)
FEVER AND CHILLS
SWOLLEN AND RED TONSILS, SOMETIMES WITH WHITE OR
YELLOW PATCHES
BAD BREATH (HALITOSIS)
ENLARGED AND TENDER CERVICAL LYMPH NODES
HOARSENESS OR MUFFLED VOICE
EAR PAIN DUE TO REFERRED PAIN FROM INFLAMED TONSILS
 RISK FACTORS:
MODIFIABLE RISK NON- MODIFIABLE RISK
FACTORS FACTORS
Poor Hygiene Age
Smoking and Exposure to Irritants Weakened Immune System
Frequent Contact with Infected Seasonal Factors
Individuals
Genetics
Poor Nutrition
Dehydration
 SURGICAL
MANAGEMENT
TONSILLECTOMY
is the surgical removal of the tonsils,
indicated in cases of recurrent or chronic
tonsillitis, obstructive sleep apnea, or
complications such peritonsillar abscess.
 PHARMACOLOGICAL
MANAGEMENT
ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY
ANALGESICS & ANTIPYRETICS
NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL
MANAGEMENT
HYDRATION
THROAT LOZENGES & GARGLES
REST & SUPPORTIVE CARE
HUMIDIFIED AIR
AVOIDING IRRITANTS
NURSING RESPONSIBILITY
Perform a thorough assessment of the patient’s symptoms, medical
history, and risk factors
Monitor for signs of complications such as peritonsillar abscess,
difficulty breathing, or worsening infection.
Provide health education on proper hygiene practices to prevent
infection and reduce transmission
Encourage compliance with prescribed medications and follow-up
appointments to ensure complete recovery
NURSING RESPONSIBILITY
PREOPERATIVE CARE (IF TONSILLECTOMY IS PLANNED):
Educate the patient and family about the procedure,
expected recovery, and potential risks to alleviate anxiety
and ensure cooperation
Assess for bleeding tendencies (e.g., coagulation studies) to
prevent excessive bleeding during surgery, as tonsillectomy
carries a risk of postoperative hemorrhage.
NURSING RESPONSIBILITY
PREOPERATIVE CARE (IF TONSILLECTOMY IS PLANNED):
Obtain informed consent after explaining the benefits and
risks of the surgery, ensuring the patient or guardian fully
understands the necessity of the procedure.
Ensure NPO (nothing by mouth) status before surgery to
reduce the risk of aspiration during anesthesia, which could
lead to respiratory complications.
NURSING RESPONSIBILITY
POSTOPERATIVE CARE:
Monitor for signs of bleeding (e.g., frequent swallowing,
blood-tinged saliva), as postoperative hemorrhage is a
serious complication that requires immediate medical
attention.
Assess vital signs and level of consciousness to ensure stable
recovery from anesthesia and detect any early signs of
complications.
NURSING RESPONSIBILITY
POSTOPERATIVE CARE:
Encourage a soft, cool diet (e.g., ice cream, gelatin, cold
drinks) to minimize throat irritation, promote healing, and
provide comfort to the patient.
Provide pain management with prescribed medications,
ensuring timely administration to keep the patient
comfortable and prevent unnecessary distress.
NURSING RESPONSIBILITY
POSTOPERATIVE CARE:
Educate the patient to avoid coughing, throat clearing, and
using straws, as these actions can dislodge clots and cause
bleeding, leading to delayed healing or further complications.
Encourage adequate hydration and rest to promote healing,
maintain mucosal moisture, and prevent dehydration, which
can worsen throat irritation.
THANK
YOU