Tonsilitis (Adenoids)

Description

Introduction

Tonsils are the two lymph nodes located on each side of the back of your throat. They function as a defence mechanism. They help prevent your body from infection. When the tonsils become infected, the condition is called tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis is an infection and swelling of the tonsils, which are oval-shaped masses of lymph gland tissue located on bothsides of the back of the throat.

Causes

Tonsillitis can be caused by a virus, such as the common cold, or by a bacterial infection, such as strep throat. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), an estimated 15 to 30 percent of tonsillitis cases are due to bacteria. Most often it's strep bacteria.

Viruses are the most common cause of tonsillitis.

Symptoms:

Throat pain or tenderness.

Redness of the tonsils.

A white or yellow coating on the tonsils.

Painful blisters or ulcers on the throat.

Headache.

Loss of appetite.

Ear pain.

Difficulty swallowing or breathing through the mouth.

Swollen glands in the neck or jaw area.

Fever, chills.

Bad breath.