Tonsilitis

What is Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils, the two oval-shaped lymph nodes located at the back of the throat. It is commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections, leading to throat pain, difficulty swallowing, and fever.

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Causes of Tonsillitis:

🦠 Viral Infections – Most common cause (cold, flu, Epstein-Barr virus).
🦠 Bacterial Infections – Streptococcus bacteria (strep throat) is the most common bacterial cause.
🧬 Weakened Immune System – More prone to infections.
❄️ Seasonal Factors – More common in fall and winter.
🤝 Close Contact with Infected Individuals – Spread through coughs, sneezes, or shared objects.

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Symptoms of Tonsillitis:

🔥 Severe sore throat – Worse when swallowing.
💨 Difficulty swallowing – Feels like something is stuck.
🌡️ Fever & chills – More common with bacterial infections.
🤢 Swollen, red tonsils with white patches or pus.
😷 Bad breath – Due to bacterial growth.
🗣 Hoarse voice or muffled speech.
🤕 Swollen lymph nodes in the neck – Painful to touch.
😴 Fatigue & headache.

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Types of Tonsillitis:

🔹 Acute Tonsillitis – Lasts 5–10 days, caused by viruses or bacteria.
🔹 Chronic Tonsillitis – Repeated infections, leading to persistent sore throat & bad breath.
🔹 Recurrent Tonsillitis – Occurs multiple times a year, often requiring tonsil removal (tonsillectomy).