Ailments & ConditionsYour Health

Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

Overview

Tonsils are a pair of lymph nodes located on the two sides of the back of your throat. They defend the body against bacterial and viral infections. Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils develop an infection or become inflamed.

Tonsillitis is a medical condition that occurs due to a wide variety of bacterial and viral infections. It is usually characterized by symptoms, such as pain while swallowing, sore throat and many more.

Although tonsillitis can occur at any age, studies show that it is more likely to affect children, especially children from preschool age to mid-teens. Symptoms of this condition in children include fever, swollen tonsils, and throat.

The virus or bacteria responsible for tonsillitis can be transmitted from one person to another. Streptococcal bacteria is an example of a microorganism that causes tonsillitis. If left untreated, tonsillitis that occurs due to strep throat, can result in severe health complications. Fortunately, the condition is easy to diagnose and symptoms usually improve within 7 to 10 days of treatment.

Do you want to learn more about tonsillitis? Stay with me as we discuss some important things to note about tonsillitis, such as the symptoms, causes, treatments, and more.