Tonsillitis is common inflammation of the tonsils. Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by infection with a common virus, but bacterial infections also may cause tonsillitis.
Symptoms
Tonsillitis is common, especially in children. It can happen once in a while or come back again and again in a short period of time.
- Red, swollen tonsils
- White or yellow coating or patches on the tonsils
- Sore throat
- Difficult or painful swallowing
- Fever
- Enlarged, tender glands (lymph nodes) in the neck
- A scratchy, muffled or throaty voice
- Bad breath
- Stomach-ache, particularly in younger children
- Stiff neck
- Headache
There are three types:
- Acute tonsillitis. These symptoms usually last 3 or 4 days but can last up to 2 weeks.
- Recurrent tonsillitis. This is when you get tonsillitis several times in a year.
- Chronic tonsillitis. This is when you have a long-term tonsil infection.