Tonsils are a collection of protective immune cells of the body located at the back of the throat. They increase in size when fighting active infection. However, they sometimes enlarge so much that they start causing difficulty and symptoms. Infection inside the tonsils is called “tonsillitis”. It is a common disease process affecting young children and many adults.
What Causes Tonsillar Infection?
One can always try to train one’s brain to ignore some sounds around us. We do it with the fan sound or the AC humming. So, it’s possible to learn to ignore the snores. Try the following
Most common viral infections
Bacterial infection, especially Group A beta haemolytic streptococci
Infectious mononucleosis (Mono)
Diphtheria (rarely)

What are the symptoms of Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis may cause symptoms such as
Pain in throat
Fever which may be a high grade above 100°F
Swollen pus-filled tonsils
Difficulty in eating and swallowing
Lumps on the sides of the neck
Dry or productive cough
Referred pain in the ear
Foul smell from mouth

What can you do?
Rest is essential to allow speedy recovery.
Warm fluids to soothe the throat
Over-the-counter painkillers take paracetamol or ibuprofen (Avoid aspirin in young children as it may cause severe drug reactions)
Warm salt water gargles
Lozenges to ease cough and soothe the throat
When should you see your Specialist?
Severe difficulty in eating or drinking
Failure to improve in 3-4 days
Worsening symptoms
Difficulty in talking
Difficulty in mouth opening

Comments