Tonsillitis Symptoms
Tonsillitis generally affects children more than adults, and its symptoms usually resemble those of the flu, common cold, strep throat, etc. Some common tonsillitis signs that both adults and children should look out for are:
– Red swollen tonsils, with white or yellow tonsil patches and enlarged neck lymph nodes
-Sore throat resulting in difficulty swallowing
– Fever, stomach ache, or headache
– A scratchy, throaty, or muffled voice
– Bad breath (halitosis) with drooling
– Ear or sinus pain and infection
Often people suffering from tonsillitis can turn irritable, fussy, and refuse to eat anything due to neck pain and difficulty in swallowing. In severe cases, the patient can have trouble in breathing through the mouth, blister or ulcer formation on the tonsils, etc.
Tonsillitis Causes
Tonsils are a part of the immune system and are the first line of defense against pathogens invading through the mouth. However, this makes them more vulnerable to infections. Tonsillitis can also be confused with strep throat as they have similar causes and symptoms.
The most cause of tonsillitis, among both children and adults, is a viral infection, but sometimes they can occur from bacterial infections as well. Some common viruses that can cause tonsillitis are Adenovirus, Influenza virus, Epstein-Barr virus, Parainfluenza viruses, Enteroviruses, Herpes simplex virus, etc. Streptococcus bacteria are the common cause of bacterial tonsillitis.
While tonsillitis can affect almost anyone, it is usually more common in people with weaker immune systems, like children and the elderly. It is also common in people who are frequently in touch with other infected people.
