Causes and Symptoms of Tonsillitis

Tonsils are two oval-shaped tissues at the back of your throat that look like lymph nodes. When these are inflamed, the condition is known as tonsillitis. Most of the people affected by tonsillitis are affected by bacteria or viruses. So, based on the root of the infection, you will be administered treatment. In extreme cases, a situation may arise wherein the doctor may recommend removing the tonsils,  if any of the prescribed medications are unable to help the patient. However, with proper care,  tonsillitis can be treated in its early stages.

 

Cause of Tonsillitis

Tonsils are the first entry path of your immune system that protects your body from any infections. So it is natural for them to get inflamed or affected whenever an external body invades your body. The bacteria responsible for causing tonsillitis is called Streptococcus pyogenes.  The virus that causes Tonsillitis is called Epstein – Barr virus. Tonsillitis is highly contagious and it is very important to prevent this infection from spreading.

Other causes that might lead to tonsillitis include germs and infections from peers. Children are more prone to get affected by tonsillitis as compared to adults as they are more likely to be exposed to germs and bad bacteria. As a result, complications like difficulty in breathing might arise. Complication such as these also need to be taken care at an early stage.

 

Symptoms of Tonsillitis

A sore throat is a very common symptom of an early stage of tonsillitis. Other symptoms include: 

• Fever with chills
• An upset stomach
• Pain in swallowing or chewing
• Inflamed throat with white or red colored pus
• Difficulty in breathing
• Snoring or noisy breathing
• Swollen glands
• A headache
• Frequent tiredness
• Bad breath

An early detection and treatment of Tonsillitis are essential. At an advanced stage, tonsillitis might damage your kidney or might even turn out to be a life-threatening disease.

Treatment of Tonsillitis

If you notice any or all of the above-mentioned symptoms, please consult a doctor as soon as possible.

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