Tonsil infection
Symptoms and causes
Symptoms and causesWhat is it?
A tonsil infection can be caused by viruses or bacteria.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms include:
- sore throat
- fever
- swollen or painful lymph nodes in the neck
clinical symptoms:
- red and swollen tonsils, even if they do not have a white coating or white spots
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis and treatmentIf the tonsils are infected often (tonsilitis), they may be removed (tonsillectomy). Guidelines indicate 'frequent occurrence' is defined as four to six infections per year.
Treatment
In many cases, it is a viral infection and observation along with the right pain relief is appropriate. In the case of a bacterial infection, an antibiotic can be given.
Some children have symptoms of enlarged tonsils. When both tonsils are touching each other, this is called ‘kissing tonsils’. This can lead to breathing difficulties, snoring and apnea (pauses in breathing), which influence the quality of sleep and make eating more difficult.
Latest publication date: 23/12/2024
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