Tonsillitis

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Tonsillitis

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.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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