Chronic tonsillitis is a persistent infection of the
tonsils which is usually caused by
bacterial infection. Recurrent tonsillar infections sometimes lead to enlargement of the tonsils which is often chronic. It can cause tiny stone formation or even cause small pockets formation which shelters bacteria.
The tiny stone formation which is also referred to as tonsilloliths, is foul smelling and may contain large amount of sulfa, which when mashed smells like rotten egg and causes bad breath. It sometimes makes the patient feel as if there is something being caught in the throat.
Despite the treatment of acute tonsillitis, it may cause chronic inflammation of the tonsils, as a result of the repeated infections, which have formed a crypt of the infected tissue on the surface of the tonsils providing a niche to the bacteria to multiply and remain out of the reach of the antibiotics.
In some cases, this type of tonsil infections remains persistent, despite all types of antibiotic treatment. If not treated, it may last for longer periods. As a result of the infection, the tonsil may become so large that it might block and cause obstruction in the breathing process. Additional difficulties may occur, if the adenoids are also involved, which in turn may cause secondary infections, involving the middle ear.
Chronic and recurrent inflammation of the tonsils may sometimes be the cause of disability. Here are some problems which could possibly be caused by the inflammation:
1) Problem in swallowing due to the enlargement of the tonsils.
2) Constant feeling of fullness or pain in the throat. It may also result to the enlargement of lymph nodes.
3) It can also obstruct the upper airway which can cause difficulty in respiration and may lead to sleep apnea syndrome which can even cause heart failure. Sometimes there may be change in the voice.
4) It may also accompany multiple acute infections along with pain and fever.
Patients suffering from chronic tonsillitis may experience chronic sore throat, halitosis, tonsillitis and persistent tender cervical nodes. Chronic inflammation may sometimes lead peritonsillar abscess, a very severe condition in which pus are collected and death tissue forms a swelling in the throat and tonsillar tissues, which may cause acute blocking of the airway and may require immediate surgical treatment.
