Tonsillitis – The Entire Concept in Brief

ent doctor examining tonsillitis.jpg

Two masses of tissue called tonsils at the back of your throat act as filters to trap germs which might otherwise enter your airways, causing infections. Antibodies are also produced to combat infection. However, tonsils sometimes get infected. They swell and get inflamed, a condition known as tonsillitis, overwhelmed with bacteria or viruses. Tonsillitis, particularly in children, is common. The condition can happen from time to time or often recur. If you see any of the below-mentioned symptoms, call some ENT doctors in OKC for diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis affects kids most often between preschool and mid-teen years. Common tonsillitis signs and symptoms are:

  • Red, swollen tonsils

  • Sore throat

  • White or yellow coating on the tonsils

  • Bad breath

  • Fever

  • Difficult or painful swallowing

  • Headache

  • Enlarged tender glands in the neck

  • A muffled or throaty voice

  • Stomach ache

  • Stiff neck

  • Ear pain

In young children who can’t describe their pain, these below-mentioned signs of tonsillitis may show up:

  • Drooling for painful swallowing

  • Loss of appetite

  • Atypical fussiness

  • Nausea

  • Abdominal pain

tonsillitis.jpg

Causes of Tonsillitis

Bacterial and viral infections may cause tonsillitis according to the diagnosis of your ENT doctors in OKC. Streptococcus bacteria are a common cause. Additional common reasons are:

  • Adenoviruses

  • Herpes simplex virus

  • Epstein-Barr virus

  • Influenza virus

  • Enteroviruses

  • Parainfluenza viruses

The tonsils are the first line of defense of the immune system against bacteria and viruses entering your mouth. This function can lead to infection and inflammation in particularly vulnerable tonsils. The immune system function of the tonsil, however, declines after puberty, which may be the factor responsible for the rare cases of adult tonsillitis.

You can visit us at Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates, LLC for experienced ENT doctors in OKC to make the diagnosis and the treatment done appropriately.

**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.

ENT Doctors in OKCGuest Usertonsillitis, ent doctors OKC