Tonsillitis is a common infection of the tonsils. The tonsils sit at the back of the throat. They are collections of lymphoid tissue that form part of the immune system.Although tonsillitis can be uncomfortable and unpleasant, the condition is rarely a major health concern. Most people will recover from tonsillitis within a few days, whether they take medication or not. Most symptoms will resolve within 7–10 days.
In this article, we explain the causes, diagnosis, and symptoms of tonsillitis. We also provide some facts about treatment, including the removal of tonsils.
Causes: Tonsils are the first line of defense against potential diseases and infections. For this reason, they can easily develop an infection. Tonsillitis is typically viral. Less commonly, bacteria can cause the infection.
Viral or bacterial tonsillitis can be contagious and spread from person to person. However, if tonsillitis is due to a secondary illness, such as sinusitis or hay fever, it is unlikely to spread.
Diagnosis: To diagnose tonsillitis, a doctor will start with a general examination and will check for swelling around the tonsils, often with white spots.
Doctors may also inspect the exterior of the throat for signs of enlarged lymph glands and a rash that sometimes occurs.The doctor might take a swab of the infected area for closer inspection. Using this technique, they can determine whether the cause of the infection is viral or bacterial.
They may also carry out a complete blood cell count. This test involves taking a tiny amount of blood to investigate levels of certain types of blood cells. This bloodwork can help a doctor supplement the information they have obtained from the swab.
In some cases, if the swab is inconclusive, a complete blood cell count can help the doctor determine the best treatment.
Treatment: If a person cannot treat tonsillitis at home, a range of treatment options is available.
