Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, the two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat. It can be acute or chronic and is most common in children and teenagers but can affect people of all ages.
Causes
Tonsillitis is usually caused by viral infections (40-70% of cases) such as adenovirus, influenza virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and others. Bacterial infections, particularly Group A Streptococcus (strep throat), cause a smaller proportion of cases (5-30%).
Symptoms
Common symptoms of tonsillitis include:
- Sore throat (often severe)
- Painful or difficult swallowing
- Red, swollen tonsils possibly with white or yellow patches or coating
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Headache, loss of appetite
- Bad breath
- Ear pain and muffled voice can also occur.
Transmission and Contagion
The viruses and bacteria that cause tonsillitis spread through airborne droplets, coughing, sneezing, or saliva. Tonsillitis itself is not contagious, but the agents causing it are.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis may include a physical exam and throat swab to distinguish viral from bacterial causes. Treatment depends on the cause:
- Viral tonsillitis usually resolves on its own and is treated symptomatically with pain relief like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Bacterial tonsillitis, especially from Group A Strep, is treated with antibiotics such as penicillin to reduce complications and contagiousness.
- Tonsillectomy (surgical removal) may be considered for recurrent or chronic tonsillitis.
Complications
If bacterial tonsillitis is untreated, it can lead to complications like peritonsillar abscess, rheumatic fever, or kidney inflammation. Most cases resolve within a week regardless of treatment.
In summary, tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils caused mostly by viruses or bacteria, presenting with sore throat and swollen tonsils, and requires treatment based on the underlying infection type.