Tonsillitis 101: Everything You Need to Know

Tonsillitis is a condition that affects the tonsils – small lumps of tissue located in the back of the throat, on either side of the tongue. It is caused by an infection that can be either viral or bacterial, and is more common in children than adults. While it is usually not serious, it can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms, so it’s important to be aware of the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available.

What Causes Tonsillitis?

The most common cause of tonsillitis is bacterial or viral infection, but it can also be caused by allergies or an underlying medical condition. The most common bacteria that can cause tonsillitis is Streptococcus bacteria, which is better known as Strep throat. Viral infections, such as the common cold or flu, can also lead to inflammation of the tonsils. Other possible causes of tonsillitis include allergies, chemical irritation, congenital conditions, and other medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Signs & Symptoms

The most common symptoms of tonsillitis are sore throat, headache, fever, difficulty swallowing, and swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck. Other symptoms can include bad breath, a cough, hoarseness of the voice, a stiff neck, and an earache. If the infection is caused by bacteria, then a white or yellowish coating may be seen on the tonsils.

Treatment

The treatment for tonsillitis depends on the cause of the infection. Most viral infections will resolve on their own, so treatment is usually just to manage the symptoms. This can include resting, drinking plenty of fluids, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and gargling warm salt water.

If the infection is caused by bacteria, such as with strep throat, antibiotics are usually prescribed to fight the infection. Surgery may be recommended if the tonsillitis is chronic and recurrent or if the tonsils are severely enlarged and causing difficulty breathing.

Tonsillitis is generally not a severe condition, but it can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms. It’s important to be aware of the possible causes, symptoms, and treatment options so that you can seek prompt medical treatment if needed.