Acute Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Concerns

Acute tonsillitis

On August 15th, in the early morning, I experienced difficulty breathing, a heavy feeling in my chest, and severe pain in my temples.
My body temperature was 36.9 degrees Celsius.
Upon examination, I found 2 to 3 swollen lymph nodes below my right ear, while there were none on the left side.
The next morning, I visited an ENT clinic, where the doctor diagnosed me with acute tonsillitis and noted the presence of 2 swollen lymph nodes.
At that time, I did not have a fever, sneezing, or a runny nose, only a headache, and I noticed that pressing on the right side was painful.
On the 17th, when I visited a traditional Chinese medicine doctor for lower back pain, I mentioned my symptoms.
The TCM doctor examined me and found that the right side was completely inflamed, while there were no swollen nodes on the left side.
He felt my pulse and indicated signs of pneumonia.
I was quite scared since I had already taken medication from the ENT specialist.
Could this condition lead to pneumonia? Should I visit a larger hospital for further evaluation? Thank you, doctor!

Ji Wa Wa, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/08/18

Dr. Cai Hongyan reply Otolaryngology

1.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views pneumonia differently than Western Medicine; a chest X-ray at a major hospital can provide clarity.
2.
Lymphadenopathy may be caused by inflammation, and the source of infection needs to be examined by a physician to determine.

Reply Date: 2004/08/18

More Info

Acute tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, often caused by viral or bacterial infections. The symptoms can vary, but they typically include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, swollen tonsils, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. In your case, you experienced difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and severe headache, along with swollen lymph nodes on the right side of your neck, which are concerning symptoms that warrant further evaluation.

The diagnosis of acute tonsillitis made by your ENT specialist is consistent with your symptoms. The presence of swollen lymph nodes indicates that your body is responding to an infection, which is common in cases of tonsillitis. The fact that you did not have a fever at the time of your visit does not rule out the possibility of an infection; some individuals may not exhibit fever even when they have an active infection.

Regarding your concerns about the potential development of pneumonia, it is important to understand that while acute tonsillitis primarily affects the tonsils, it can lead to complications if left untreated. In some cases, the infection can spread to nearby structures, including the lungs, especially if there is a significant bacterial infection. However, pneumonia typically presents with more specific symptoms such as persistent cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and fever.

The fact that you have been experiencing chest tightness and difficulty breathing is concerning and should not be taken lightly. These symptoms could indicate that the infection is affecting your respiratory system, or they could be related to anxiety or other factors. It is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience worsening symptoms, such as increased difficulty breathing, high fever, or persistent chest pain, you should seek immediate medical attention.

As for whether you should visit a larger hospital, it may be prudent to do so, especially if your symptoms persist or worsen. A larger facility may have more resources for diagnostic testing, such as chest X-rays or blood tests, which can help determine if there is an underlying infection in your lungs or if other complications are present.

In summary, while acute tonsillitis can lead to complications, it is not guaranteed that it will result in pneumonia. However, given your symptoms and the findings from your examinations, it is advisable to follow up with a healthcare provider, preferably in a hospital setting, to ensure that you receive appropriate care and to rule out any serious complications. Your health and well-being are paramount, and addressing these symptoms promptly is crucial.

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