Question

The nurse is teaching the parents of an infant with tonsillitis about the importance of compliance with antibiotic therapy. what teaching regarding the cause of tonsillitis would be important to share with these parents?

Answer 1

Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the palatine tonsils, they contain cells that produce antibodies against infection. Among the main causes of tonsillitis are:
- The bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes or group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (EBGA): This is one of the most common pathogens that human beings present, and causes suppurative diseases, such as tonsillitis. It is susceptible to penicillin.
- Adenoviruses: They are non-encapsulated viruses of double-stranded DNA.
- Enteroviruses: viruses that are frequently found in respiratory secretions.

Because the causes of tonsillitis are bacterial the patient should take antibiotics during treatment, parents should understand that the antibiotics that will be given to the baby can have adverse effects and it is important not to suspend the treatment until ending with those indicated by the doctor because the virus can become resistant to antibiotics.

I hope this information can help you.