A five-year-old girl from Manchester, UK, was discharged after being diagnosed with viral tonsillitis. But just hours later, the young girl was found dead.
The tragic death of Lila Marsland, who was sent home from hospital with suspected tonsillitis only to die hours later from meningitis, was contributed to by neglect, an inquest jury has found. Lila had been examined by multiple healthcare professionals over several hours at Tameside Hospital in Ashton-under-Lyne on December 27, 2023. Despite showing clear warning signs of meningitis, no treatment was started, treatment that, as the inquest heard, could potentially have saved her life.
This heartbreaking incident highlights how easily meningitis can be mistaken for more common illnesses like tonsillitis, especially in children. The OnlyMyHealth team reached out to an expert to understand the difference between the two conditions and when to seek urgent medical help.
Also Read: Tonsillitis Is Common In Winter: Herbal Gargles For Chronic Tonsillitis Management
What Is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, which are two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat. It is commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections, and can result in symptoms like sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and swollen tonsils.
Tonsillitis, especially when caused by bacterial or viral infections, can be contagious and spread from person to person.
According to StatPearls Publishing, tonsillitis is a common disease that makes up approximately 1.3% of outpatient visits.
What Is Meningitis?
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This inflammation is often caused by an infection, either bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic.
Bacterial meningitis is the most serious type of meningitis. Four main causes of acute bacterial meningitis are:
- Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus)
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus)
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus)
The World Health Organization (WHO) refers to meningitis as a major global public health challenge, the risk of which can be reduced by vaccines. As per the global health body, newborn babies are most at risk from Group B streptococcus, whereas children and adolescents are at most risk of meningococcus, pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae. Pneumococcus and meningococcus also account for most cases of bacterial meningitis among adults.
Key Differences Between Meningitis And Tonsillitis
According to Dr Girish Anand M S, Consultant - ENT Surgery, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, tonsillitis and meningitis may sound similar, but they’re very different in symptoms and seriousness. "Tonsillitis usually causes a sore throat, swollen tonsils, fever, and difficulty swallowing. It’s often caused by viral or bacterial infection. Meningitis, on the other hand, is a medical emergency. It inflames the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord, leading to severe headache, neck stiffness, high fever, sensitivity to light, and sometimes confusion or seizures."
"While tonsillitis can make you feel miserable, meningitis requires urgent medical care to prevent serious complications or even death. Always trust your body’s signals," he adds.
It is important to rely on various symptoms, physical exams, and tests to tell the difference between common infections like tonsillitis and serious ones like meningitis. Dr Anand says that while both may cause fever and throat discomfort, signs like a stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, or sensitivity to light often point to meningitis.
He advises that if meningitis is suspected, doctors may order a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to test the spinal fluid. Tonsillitis, on the other hand, is usually diagnosed by examining the throat and running a rapid strep test or throat culture. It’s also important to note that in children, if acute tonsillitis is left untreated, it can rarely lead to the spread of infection to the brain, causing acute meningitis.
Early Signs Of Meningitis Parents Should Not Ignore
Meningitis can come on suddenly, and for parents, recognising early warning signs is crucial. Some of the key warning signs include:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Neck stiffness
- Unusual drowsiness
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Sensitivity to light
- Vomiting
- Cold hands and feet
- Pale or blotchy skin
- A rash that doesn’t fade with pressure
Additionally, in babies, look for a soft bulging spot on the head or a weak cry, shares Dr Anand, advising parents to trust their instincts if something feels off. Meningitis can progress quickly, and early medical attention can make all the difference.
Conclusion
When it comes to medical emergencies like meningitis, timing is everything, especially when it concerns children. If your child isn’t improving or starts showing unusual symptoms, don’t wait to act. Trust your instincts, even if you’ve already consulted a doctor. What may seem like a common illness could be something far more serious, like meningitis. It’s also essential to stay informed and avoid misinformation. While some symptoms can overlap with less serious conditions, persistent or worsening signs after treatment should never be ignored. Prompt medical attention can make all the difference.