Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils which are located in the backside of the throat.
Tonsils are the two lymph nodes located on each side of the back of the throat. They function as a defense mechanism and help prevent the body from getting an infection. When tonsils become infected, the condition is named tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis can occur at any age and it is a common childhood illness. It’s most frequently diagnosed in children from preschool age through their mid-teens. Symptoms include pharyngitis, swollen tonsils, and fever. The explanation for tonsillitis is typically a virus infection. Bacterial infections like streptococcal sore throat also can cause tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis symptoms
There are three types of tonsillitis:
- Acute tonsillitis
- Chronic tonsillitis
- Recurrent tonsillitis
The most common symptoms of tonsillitis contain:
- A sore throat and pain when swallowing
- Red and swollen tonsils with pus-filled spots
- Fever
- Headache
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain in the ears and neck
- Tiredness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Coughing Chills
Swollen lymph glands