If a throat swab shows that tonsillitis is caused by a bacterial infection, a doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics. Scarlet fever: causes an itchy skin rash.Glomerulonephritis: inflammation of the kidneys.Rheumatic fever: causes inflammation throughout the body, including in the joints and heart.In very rare cases the infection may spread and cause inflammation in other parts of the body, for example: Deep infection in the surrounding areas of the throat (tonsillar cellulitis).Quinsy: an abscess (collection of pus) that develops between a tonsil and the side of the throat (also known as a peritonsillar abscess).Middle ear infection called otitis media.Breathing difficulties when sleeping: known as obstructive sleep apnoea.In rare cases a person will develop complications from tonsillitis, generally only when the infection is caused by bacteria. Sometimes a doctor may order a blood test to check for any abnormalities. This is sent to a pathology lab for testing, to see what is causing the tonsillitis. Anyone who is having difficulty breathing or extreme difficulty swallowing should see a doctor.Ī doctor may take a swab of the throat to collect some of the infected cells. A person should also see a doctor if the symptoms last for more than a few days and are not improving, or if the symptoms are severe and stopping them from eating or drinking properly. When should I see the doctor?Ī child who is unwell with a sore throat and fever should be seen by a doctor. Some people have tonsillitis that keeps returning. Who gets tonsillitis?Īnyone can get tonsillitis, but it is most common in children. Sometimes younger children with tonsillitis may have nausea, vomiting and tummy pain. People with a cold may also have a runny nose and cough. If a person has tonsillitis caused by the flu virus, they may also have flu symptoms such as aching muscles. If a skin rash is also present, it may suggest the cause is bacteria. Painful, swollen lymph nodes (glands) at the side of the neck.Regardless of whether tonsillitis is caused by a virus or by bacteria, the symptoms may include: Some cases of tonsillitis are caused by a bacterial infection, usually the Streptococcus type of bacteria).Ī common cause for tonsillitis is also infectious mononucleosis, or glandular fever virus. These can spread easily from person to person through coughing or sneezing, hand contact and direct contact with the virus on surfaces (e.g. Many types of viruses can cause tonsillitis, including cold and flu viruses. Most cases (around 80%) of tonsillitis are caused by a virus. That’s why tonsillitis is more common in children. As a person gets older their immune system becomes stronger, and the body doesn’t rely on the tonsils as much to fight infection. The infection may stay in the tonsils, causing tonsillitis. The tonsils act as a barrier, trapping an infection and stopping it spreading to other parts of the body. This is especially important in young children, whose immune systems are still developing. The tonsils play a key role in helping to protect the body against infection. When a person has tonsillitis their tonsils become inflamed, infected and swollen. The tonsils are 2 small glands on either side of the throat. Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils.
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