Tonsilitis

Tonsillitis is a kind of disorder which involves swelling of tonsils. The major reason behind tonsillitis is an infection caused by the bacteria or virus. Tonsils are small lymphoepithelial tissues situated near the oropharynx and nasopharynx. These immunocompetent tissues are the immune system's first line of defense against ingested or inhaled foreign pathogens. They are located on both sides of the throat.

Signs and Symptoms

Below are the symptoms of tonsillitis:

• Difficulty in swallowing
• Ear pain
• Fever, chills
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Tenderness of the throat

Causes

The causes of tonsillitis are:

• Bacterial infection
• Viral infection
• Strep throat

Treatment

Following treatment options are available for tonsillitis:

• Doctors generally give antibiotics to treat tonsillitis as they are not serious and do not cause other problems.
• Tonsillectomy – If infection goes severe, your doctor would suggest tonsillectomy. It is an operation done to remove tonsils. This option is recommended for people who get repeated or extremely severe bouts of tonsillitis. The surgery is suggested only for people who have had:
  • at least five bouts of tonsillitis in the past year
  • frequent ear infections because of swollen tonsils
  • swollen tonsils that make it harder to breathe or swallow
  • sore throats that stop you, or your child, getting on with everyday life (such as finding it hard to sleep or your child missing school)