Tonsillitis is caused by viruses or bacteria that infect the tonsils and cause them to become inflamed. Chronic tonsillitis is a persistent infection of the tonsils. According to The American Academy of Otolaryngology's Tonsillitis Fact Sheet, individuals with chronic tonsillitis also have chronic sore throat, bad breath, and persistently tender lymph nodes in the neck.
Chronic Infection
Recent research shows that many types of chronic infection of the ears, nose and throat, including chronic tonsillitis, are caused by bacteria that live in communities called "biofilms." These communities of bacteria stick together on surfaces, and perform certain functions in a more organized and efficient way than individual cells. According to 2007 research published by Dr. Romain Kania, bacterial cells in biofilms can also be up to 1000 times more resistant to antimicrobial treatments than free-living individual cells of the same species. This explains why treating chronic tonsillitis with antibiotics can be challenging.
Tonsilloliths
According to MedicineNet.com, repeated infections may cause the formation of nooks and crannies in the tonsils, called tonsillar pockets, or crypts. Once these crypts have formed, bacteria can thrive and multiply inside. Often, these bacteria form small, malodorous stones called tonsilloliths. According to a 2006 article in Microbes and Infection, by Dr. M. Tsuneishi, tonsilloliths contain anaerobic bacteria, all of which appear to be associated with production of sulfur. Sulfur-producing bacteria have been implicated in causing bad breath.
Orofacial Granulomatosis
Orofacial granulomatosis is an uncommon condition in which a person experiences a certain type of lesion and swelling of the mouth and throat. Sometimes this condition is associated with autoimmune diseases or an allergic reaction. Sometimes the cause is unknown. According to research published in 2009 by Dr. Muhammad Shakeel, orofacial granulomatosis is also a cause of chronic tonsillitis.
References
- MedicineNet.com: Tonsillitis and Adenoid Infections
- American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery: Fact Sheet: Tonsillitis
- "Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery": The role of biofilms in otolaryngologic infections; J. C. Post; Oct 2007
- "Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery": Demonstration of bacterial cells and glycocalyx in biofilms on human tonsils; Romain Kania; Feb 2007
- "Microbes and Infection": Composition of the bacterial flora in tonsilloliths; M. Tsuneishi; Aug 2006
