I am currently suffering from Tonsilitis, and am on antibiotics clearing
it up. I am concerned with something my doctor mentioned, and am
wanting to know more information.
My doctor informed me that adults should not really get tonsilitis, it
is a childhood condition and if it occurs in adults on a regular basis,
it may lead to kidney and heart problems. What was he meaning by these
statements????
I hope you could clarify what the kidneys & heart have to do with the tonsils.
Thanks.
Reply: ---------------------
Adults who still have their tonsils certainly can get acute tonsillitis although they may not be quite as susceptible to this as children can be. Perhaps the best known infectious cause of a sore throat or acute tonsillitis is "strep throat" caused by streptococci bacteria. This is because certain types of streptococci known as Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci have the potential to cause rheumatic fever which can cause injury to the heart, joints, or central nervous system. Another potential complication of Group A beta-hemolytic strep infection is called post-strep glomerulonephritis, a kidney condition. These complications of strep infection are by and large preventable by early recognition and treatment of strep infections of the throat. These complications can occur in children or adults although they are uncommon in very young children (under 2 3 yrs of age) or in adults in the fifth decade or older.
--
Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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