Tonsillitis is a condition where the tonsils, which are located at the back of the throat, become inflamed and swollen due to an infection. Tonsillitis can be caused by viruses, such as the common cold virus, or bacteria, such as Streptococcus pyogenes (also known as Group A streptococcus).
The symptoms of tonsillitis can include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, bad breath, and a hoarse voice. In some cases, the tonsils may also have white or yellow spots or pus on them.
Treatment for tonsillitis usually involves rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain and reduce fever. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the tonsillitis is caused by a bacterial infection. In severe cases or cases where the tonsillitis is recurrent, a doctor may recommend tonsillectomy, which is the surgical removal of the tonsils.
