What Is Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is a swelling of the pharyngeal tonsils, or the lumps at the back of the throat, caused by a viral or bacterial infection. There are several types of tonsillitis, including:

  • Acute tonsillitis
  • Recurrent tonsillitis
  • Chronic tonsillitis
  • Peritonsillar abscess tonsillitis

What Causes Tonsillitis?

  • Herpes simplex
  • Streptococcus pyogenes (strep)
  • Epstein-Barr
  • Cytomegalovirus
  • Adenovirus
  • Measles

What Are The Symptoms Of Tonsillitis?

  • Acute tonsillitis – Patients exhibit fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, bad breath, pain in the throat, and tenderness when swallowing. Tonsils may swell to the point of causing snoring or obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Recurrent tonsillitis – A person will experience multiple episodes of acute tonsillitis in one year.
  • Chronic tonsillitis – Individuals display chronic sore throat, halitosis [bad smell in mouth], and tender cervical nodes.
  • Peritonsillar abscess – Patients have a severe sore throat, severe pain, fever, bad breath, difficulty opening the mouth, and voice changes.

How Is Tonsillitis Diagnosed?

Only patients complaints and examination of throat and neck is needed.

How Is Tonsillitis Treated?

Tonsillitis may be treated with antibiotics if the underlying condition is a throat infection. In some cases, the condition may be severe enough to warrant a tonsillectomy, or the removal of tonsils. This is usually necessary when the condition is causing serious problems, such as severe snoring or obstructive sleep apnea.