Tonsillitis is an infection or inflammation of the tonsils. The
tonsils are part of the immune system and appear as balls of tissue located on
either side of the back of the throat, above and behind the tongue.
Tonsillitis is most often caused by a virus. However, it also can
be caused by the same bacteria that cause strep throat. The most common symptom
of tonsillitis is a sore throat. When examined, the throat may look red and
swollen. Additional symptoms such as fever, nasal congestion, and swollen lymph
nodes are not uncommon.
Tonsillitis will usually go away on its own. Home treatment
measures such as gargling with salt water, drinking warm tea, and taking
nonprescription pain medication can help relieve discomfort. Bacterial
tonsillitis is often treated with antibiotics to prevent complications, such as
rheumatic fever. Surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) is sometimes
considered as treatment for tonsillitis.
