Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils. Your tonsils are two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat. They help catch germs and bacteria that can make you sick.

Symptoms of Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is very common and mainly affects children between preschool ages and the mid-teenage years. Symptoms of tonsillitis include:

• Red, swollen tonsils
• White or yellow patches on the tonsils
• Sore throat
• Difficult or painful swallowing
• Fever
• Swollen, tender glands (lymph nodes) in the neck
• A scratchy, muffled, or throaty voice
• Bad breath
• Stomachache
• Neck pain or stiff neck
• Headache

What Causes Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is most commonly caused by streptococcus (strep) bacteria. Other bacteria and viruses that may infect your tonsils include:

• Adenoviruses
• Epstein-Barr virus (this causes infectious mononucleosis)
• Herpes simplex virus
• Cytomegalovirus
• Measles virus

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