The two lymph nodes located on each side of the back of the throat are called tonsils. They function as a defense mechanism in preventing infections to the body. They prevent bacteria and virus from entering the body through the mouth. Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become infected. Though tonsillitis can occur at any age, it commonly occurs in children, especially from preschool age through their mid-teens.
Tonsillitis is of two types:
People with chronic tonsillitis may slowly start to experience obstructive sleep apnea. In this condition, the airway swells and prevents them from sleeping well. The infection can worsen and spread to other parts of the body.
The two lymph nodes located on each side of the back of the throat are called tonsils. They function as a defense mechanism in preventing infections to the body. They prevent bacteria and virus from entering the body through the mouth. Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become infected. Though tonsillitis can occur at any age, it commonly occurs in children, especially from preschool age through their mid-teens.
Tonsillitis is of two types:
People with chronic tonsillitis may slowly start to experience obstructive sleep apnea. In this condition, the airway swells and prevents them from sleeping well. The infection can worsen and spread to other parts of the body.
Very young children may also feel irritable, experience excessive drooling or poor appetite.
Tonsillitis can be caused by either a bacterial or viral infection of the tonsils. Virus infections are more common causes of tonsillitis. The viruses that can cause tonsillitis are influenza virus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, enterovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, measles virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus.
Bacterial tonsillitis is most often caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.
Very young children may also feel irritable, experience excessive drooling or poor appetite.
Tonsillitis can be caused by either a bacterial or viral infection of the tonsils. Virus infections are more common causes of tonsillitis. The viruses that can cause tonsillitis are influenza virus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, enterovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, measles virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus.
Bacterial tonsillitis is most often caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.