Swollen Tonsils:
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The inflammation and swelling of the tonsils is called tonsillitis. The infected tonsils become red and swollen, for working better to trap or stop the disease force – bacteria or... |
The inflammation and swelling of the tonsils is called tonsillitis. The infected tonsils become red and swollen, for working better to trap or stop the disease force – bacteria or virus. They also get coated (either partly or entirely) with yellow, grey, or white substance, depending upon the infection and pus formation. Tonsillitis begins with a sudden sore throat and causes painful swallowing. The tonsils infection is common in children and teenagers but it is hardly seen in adults.
Types of tonsillitis:
Tonsillitis or tonsil swelling can be classified as acute and chronic. Acute tonsillitis is a sudden onset swelling which lasts for about 4 to 6 days. It is an uncomplicated form that commonly affects children of ages 5-10. Chronic tonsillitis occurs in case of a recurrent infection. They remain infected and do not seem to respond to treatment. They are usually complicated form of tonsillitis, seen in maltreated or untreated children and teenagers. A Further classification of tonsillitis types can be made as membranous and follicular. Membranous swelling is most common in children where as in follicular one has follicles in the outer layer which appears as yellow dots on the tonsil surface. It is common among young adults.
Causes of tonsil swelling -
The most common cause for tonsillitis is Bacterial or viral infection. Bacteria, specifically beta-hemolytic streptococci, are the main offender. Some virus can also cause tonsillitis. The source of infection can be food or water or droplet infection from coughing or mucous secretions of some infected person. Tonsil swelling is also found to occur as an allergic reaction to allergens, for example pollens, cold things, food preservatives, drugs and mechanical injury.
Symptoms of swollen tonsils -
There are no specific symptoms for swollen tonsils and the symptoms can be different for different patients depending upon the size and involvement of sides (single or both). Some symptoms can be excessive salivation and dribbling of saliva when mouth breathe predominates, a sore throat that induces constant hawking and choking and difficulty and pain during swallowing – due to obstruction. Constitutional disturbances like fever with chill and tiredness is also a symptom of swollen tonsils.
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