Tonsillitis / টনসিলাইটিস

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, which are two oval-shaped lymph nodes located at the back of the throat. The tonsils are part of the body’s immune system and help fight infections. However, they can themselves become infected, leading to tonsillitis.

Causes of Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infections:

Viral Infections:

Common Cold Virus: A frequent cause of viral tonsillitis.

Influenza (Flu): The flu virus can also cause tonsil inflammation.

Adenovirus: This virus can lead to respiratory infections and tonsillitis.

Herpes Simplex Virus: In rare cases, herpes simplex virus (HSV) can cause tonsil infections.

Bacterial Infections:

Streptococcus (Strep Throat): The most common bacterial cause of tonsillitis is group A Streptococcus bacteria, leading to a condition known as strep throat. This type of infection can cause more severe symptoms and may require antibiotics for treatment.

Other Bacterial Causes: Less commonly, bacteria like Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus can also lead to tonsillitis.

Symptoms of Tonsillitis

The symptoms of tonsillitis can vary depending on whether it’s viral or bacterial, but common symptoms include:

1. Sore Throat:

Pain or discomfort in the throat, often making swallowing difficult or painful.

2. Swollen Tonsils:

Enlarged tonsils that may appear red, swollen, and sometimes covered with white or yellow spots (in the case of bacterial infection).

3. Fever:

A high fever is more common with bacterial infections like strep throat.

4. Difficulty Swallowing:

Swelling and pain in the throat may make it hard to swallow food or liquids.

5. Ear Pain:

Pain in the ears may occur due to the close proximity of the tonsils to the ear.

6. Bad Breath:

Halitosis or bad breath can be a symptom of both viral and bacterial tonsillitis.

7. Headache:

A headache is common, especially in bacterial tonsillitis.

8. Red or White Spots on the Tonsils:

In bacterial tonsillitis, especially strep throat, white or yellow patches or spots may appear on the tonsils.

9. Swollen Lymph Nodes:

Tender, swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck are a sign of infection.

10. General Malaise:

Feeling generally unwell, tired, or weak.

Types of Tonsillitis

Acute Tonsillitis:

This is the most common type and refers to a short-term infection of the tonsils, typically lasting for a few days to a week. It can be caused by either viral or bacterial infections.

Chronic Tonsillitis:

Chronic tonsillitis is characterized by persistent or recurrent infections of the tonsils, leading to frequent sore throats or infections over time. It may last for several months or years.

Recurrent Tonsillitis:

Recurrent tonsillitis occurs when a person has several episodes of tonsil infections within a year