Tonsillitis symptoms and causes

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils. The tonsils are a pair of soft tissue masses located at the back of the mouth, with one on each side of the throat. The tonsils are glands that form part of the immune system, and thus function to prevent infection from potential bacterial or viral organisms that enter through the mouth and nose.

However, sometimes the tonsils themselves can become infected, leading to swelling and inflammation of this tissue. Tonsillitis may be caused by eitherviruses or bacteria, although most cases are viral in origin and therefore resolve without the need for antibiotics. Acute tonsillitisusually resolves within 7-10 days. However, some individuals withchronic tonsillitis may suffer from recurrent or continuous symptoms of tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is most common in children and teenagers, although adults of any age can develop tonsillitis.

What causes tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is caused by either a viral or bacterial infection of the tonsils. Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by viruses. There are many different viruses that can cause tonsillitis, including

adenovirus

enterovirus

influenza virus

parainfluenza virus

Epstein-Barr virus(mononucleosis)

cytomegalovirus

measles virus

herpes simplex virus.

Symptoms of tonsillitis may include:

Sore throat

Difficulty and/orpain with swallowing

Fever

Difficulty feeding (in babies)

Pain with swallowing

Fever

Headache

Abdominal pain

Nausea and vomiting

Cough

Hoarseness

Runny nose

Redness and swelling of the tonsils

Tenderness in the glands of the neck (swollen lymph glands)

White patches or streaks on the tonsils (exudate)

Bad breath

Redness of the eyes

Rash

Ear pain (caused by nerves that go to the back of the throat and also go to the ear) Continue Reading.