Tonsillitis is a common infection that might occur to our tonsils. Our tonsils act as filters that often trap germs that could otherwise enter our airways and cause several infections. Despite making antibodies to fight infection, sometimes, our tonsils get overwhelmed by bacteria or viruses and as a result, severe inflammation takes place and our tonsils become swollen. Though tonsilitis is basically common in children, adults too experience this issue for some reasons. Note that, tonsillitis can happen once in a while or even come back again and again in a short period of time. So, with the help of the best ENT specialist in Kolkata,let’s explore the reasons and symptoms of tonsillitis here in today’s blog.

Types of tonsilitis – Doctors have so far discovered three major types of tonsillitis. Those are as follows –

1. Acute tonsilitis: The symptoms of acute tonsillitis usually last for 3 to 4 days. But in some exceptional cases, the symptoms might last up to 2-3 weeks.
2. Recurrent tonsilitis: It mainly takes place when you get tonsillitis frequently or several times in a year.
3. Chronic tonsillitis: It is when you have your tonsil infection for a longer period of time.

Major and common symptoms of tonsillitis –

The most common symptoms of tonsillitis are inflamed and swollen tonsils. Sometimes it turns out to be severe enough to make it hard to breathe through the mouth. Some other major symptoms of tonsillitis include –

• Redness in the tonsils
• Fever
• Severe throat pain
• Painful blisters on the throat
• Loss of appetite
• Acute headache
• Difficulty in chewing and swallowing
• Severe ear pain
• Swollen glands in the neck
• Stiffness in the neck
• Change in voice (scratchy tone)
• Bad breath

Some other symptoms that are common in children with tonsillitis are –

• Vomiting
• Stomach pain or upset stomach
• Unnatural drooling
• Lacking the desire of eating anything

Causes and risk factors of tonsillitis –

Mainly, bacterial and viral infections cause tonsillitis in both adults and children. Viruses that are responsible for tonsillitis are as follows –

• Adenoviruses
• Influenza virus
• Parainfluenza virus
• Herpes Simplex virus, etc.

Besides, the following factors may put you at a greater risk of having tonsillitis –

• Age:

  It has been seen in several survey reports that children are more prone to get caught by tonsillitis than adults. Especially, children who are between the age group of 5 to 15 are more likely to get tonsillitis caused by bacterial infections. However, tonsillitis from viral infections is more common in young children also.

• Exposure to the germs:

  Children who spend more time with other kids of their age in schools or playgrounds, can easily spread infections that lead to tonsillitis. Adults who spend a lot of time around young children, such as teachers and tutors, may also develop infections and get tonsillitis.

Now that you are aware of the causes and symptoms of tonsillitis, do not take it lightly. Rush to the most recommended ENT specialist in Kolkata to initiate its treatment at the earliest.