Main Risk Factors For Tonsillitis
The main risk factors for tonsillitis include: all ages being at increased risk for viral and bacterial infections after a cold or other respiratory tract infection, malnutrition, and pre-existing illness (e.g. diabetes). (5) Here’s how they trigger tonsillitis;
Being a child
Being a child is often a high risk factor for sores and infections of the throat, mouth and tonsils. Children are more likely to have an infection in their mouth due to factors such as poor hand-washing, sharing food and toys with other children, or drinking from the same glass as another person at school or home. Infected children need to be kept away from other children during the first few days after their condition has been diagnosed.
Smoking
Smoking or chewing tobacco can make your throat more susceptible to catching a nasty flu and tonsillitis. Studies show that smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop chronic tonsillitis. If you smoke, the number of organisms and disease-causing pathogens in your mouth can increase, increasing your risk of developing tonsillitis.
Poor oral hygiene
Poor oral hygiene may be one of the causes of tonsillitis. This includes not properly cleaning your mouth and teeth, as well as poor dental maintenance, which can result in tooth decay, gum disease and other infections that can cause inflammation of the tonsils.
If your washroom habits are not good, it could lead to an infection in your mouth and throat. The bacteria that cause tonsillitis can enter your mouth through small cuts and cracks in the gums or inside of the cheeks, as well as through direct contact with infected people. The risks increase if you have gum problems, as they can make infections last longer than necessary.
Being a non-white male
As a non-white male, you have a higher risk of developing tonsillitis. Around 10% of people from other ethnicities, such as African American, have some form of immunodeficiency, making them more vulnerable to infection.
Poor immune system
Poor immune system is a risk factor and can increase the chances of developing tonsillitis. People with a poor immune system, who have had a recent illness, a surgery or an injury may have a weakened immune system and are at risk. The risk of developing tonsillitis is high in people with a weakened immune system due to underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, HIV or AIDS, and cancers.
Malnutrition
Malnutrition or malnutrition is the condition of not receiving sufficient nutrients from food to maintain body functions. Malnutrition includes both undernutrition and overnutrition. Undernutrition can increase your risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, pneumonia and tonsillitis.
Malnourished children may have low levels of vitamins and minerals in their diet, which can lead to poor overall health. A lack of nutrients can often result in a weakened immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections. Eating a healthy diet that includes a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products will help prevent the development of this condition.
A biopsy can also reveal if you have a more serious problem such as tonsil cancer.