Tonsillitis (Thyroid Specialist in Hyderabad)

The infection and inflammation of the tonsils are known as Tonsillitis. Tonsils are the two small soft lumps of tissues- one on each side of the back of the throat. You can observe these tonsils in a mirror by opening your mouth and sticking out the tongue.

As an integral part of the immune system, tonsils trap some of the infective microbes and destroy them. They sometimes get overwhelmed by bacteria and viruses, leading to their inflammation.

Tonsillitis is common, especially in children. It can happen once in a while or come back again and again in a short period.

Tonsillitis is classified into three primary types, namely:

• Acute Tonsillitis- It is an inflammatory process of the tonsillar tissues and is usually infectious in nature. Acute infections of the palatine tonsils predominantly occur in school-aged children.
• Recurrent Tonsillitis-e is diagnosed if an individual has multiple bouts of tonsillitis in a year. Infections may respond to antibiotics initially but may return on a frequent basis.
• Chronic Tonsillitis- Chronic tonsillitis is a persistent infection of the tonsils. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and altered immunologic function, likely play a role in the development of chronic tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis most commonly affects children between preschool and the mid-teenage years. Common signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include:

• 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