Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, primarily caused by viral or bacterial infections.

The most common viral causes of tonsillitis include rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and adenovirus.

Bacterial tonsillitis is commonly caused by group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus.

Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae are less common causes.

Tonsillitis can be acute, chronic, or recurrent.

Acute tonsillitis presents with a sudden onset of inflammation and swelling, typically lasting 3-4 days but may persist for up to two weeks.

Chronic tonsillitis signifies a persistent infection that may lead to tonsil stones.

Recurrent tonsillitis involves experiencing five or more episodes of tonsillitis within a year.

Tonsillitis manifests through various symptoms, including sore throat, fever, tonsillar exudate, tender cervical lymph nodes, neck stiffness, odynophagia, and dysphagia due to tonsillar swelling.

Additionally, untreated or inadequately treated tonsillitis can lead to complications such as peritonsillar abscess or quinsy.

Finally, diagnostic testing for tonsillitis includes throat culture and rapid antigen testing.