OverviewTonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat — one tonsil on each side. Signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include swollen tonsils, sore throat, difficulty swallowing and tender lymph nodes on the sides of the neck. Show Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by infection with a common virus, but bacterial infections also may cause tonsillitis. Because appropriate treatment for tonsillitis depends on the cause, it's important to get a prompt and accurate diagnosis. Surgery to remove tonsils, once a common procedure to treat tonsillitis, is usually performed only when tonsillitis occurs frequently, doesn't respond to other treatments or causes serious complications. SymptomsTonsillitis most commonly affects children between preschool ages and the midteenage years. Common signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include:
In young children who are unable to describe how they feel, signs of tonsillitis may include:
When to see a doctorIt's important to get an accurate diagnosis if your child has symptoms that may indicate tonsillitis. Call your doctor if your child is experiencing:
Get immediate care if your child has any of these signs:
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notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesTonsillitis is most often caused by common viruses, but bacterial infections also can be the cause. The most common bacterium causing tonsillitis is Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus), the bacterium that causes strep throat. Other strains of strep and other bacteria also may cause tonsillitis. Why do tonsils get infected?The tonsils are the immune system's first line of defense against bacteria and viruses that enter your mouth. This function may make the tonsils particularly vulnerable to infection and inflammation. However, the tonsil's immune system function declines after puberty — a factor that may account for the rare cases of tonsillitis in adults. Risk factorsRisk factors for tonsillitis include:
ComplicationsInflammation or swelling of the tonsils from frequent or ongoing (chronic) tonsillitis can cause complications such as:
Strep infectionIf tonsillitis caused by group A streptococcus or another strain of streptococcal bacteria isn't treated or if antibiotic treatment is incomplete, your child has an increased risk of rare disorders such as:
PreventionThe germs that cause viral and bacterial tonsillitis are contagious. Therefore, the best prevention is to practice good hygiene. Teach your child to:
To help your child prevent the spread of a bacterial or viral infection to others:
Sept. 03, 2022 Why is only one of my tonsils swollen?What causes one swollen tonsil? If you've noticed only one seemingly swollen tonsil on your child (or yourself), it could be a peritonsillar abscess. A peritonsillar abscess forms at the back of the mouth and manifests as a pus-filled tissue next to one tonsil.
Should I be worried if one tonsil is swollen?Even if there is no growth but one tonsil is significantly larger than the other (a condition called asymmetrically enlarged tonsil), you should have it examined by an ENT Specialist.
Why is my right tonsil hurting when I swallow?Your tonsils may be infected, causing pain when you swallow. Children and teens most often have tonsillitis. Swollen lymph nodes can also occur with tonsillitis. You may experience tonsillitis because of a virus or bacterial infection.
How do you heal one swollen tonsil?The Most Successful Treatments Include:. Drinking warm liquids. Soup, broth and tea help soothe irritation associated with swelling and infection. ... . Eating cold foods. ... . Avoiding hard foods. ... . Gargling with warm salt water. ... . Using a humidifier. ... . Avoid straining the voice. ... . Getting rest. ... . Using over-the-counter pain relievers.. |
My right tonsil is swollen and hurts when i swallow
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