amygdalite

Amigdalite, commonly known as tonsillitis, is an acute inflammation of the palatine tonsils. It is part of acute pharyngitis and can be caused by viral infections or by bacteria, most often Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus). It occurs at any age but is most frequent in children.

Symptoms typically include sudden onset of sore throat and fever, red swollen tonsils with or without exudate, painful swallowing, and tender anterior cervical lymph nodes. Bad breath and throat discomfort are common. Cough is more typical of viral illness; therefore its absence can raise suspicion for bacterial infection. Some patients may experience ear pain, headache, or gastro‑intestinal symptoms.

Diagnosis is usually clinical, supported by a history and throat examination. The Centor criteria help estimate the probability of GAS pharyngitis. When GAS is suspected or to guide antibiotic use, a rapid antigen detection test (RADT) or throat culture can confirm infection. Differential diagnosis includes infectious mononucleosis and other causes of sore throat.

Treatment is mainly supportive for viral infections: fluids, rest, and analgesics/antipyretics. Antibiotics are indicated for confirmed or highly suspected GAS infection and shorten symptoms and contagiousness. First‑line therapy is penicillin V or amoxicillin for about 7–10 days; alternatives for penicillin allergy include certain cephalosporins or macrolides. Analgesia and adequate hydration are important; consider managing peritonsillar swelling if needed. In recurrent or chronic cases, ENT evaluation for possible tonsillectomy may be considered after careful review of episode frequency and impact on quality of life.

Complications, though uncommon, include peritonsillar abscess, otitis media, sinusitis, and, rarely, rheumatic fever or post‑streptococcal glomerulonephritis in untreated GAS infections.