Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils which is caused by either a virus or a bacterium. There are two tonsils, situated on either side of the back of the throat and they form part of the body's immune system. Tonsillitis is extremely common in children and young people but it can occur at any age. There are three chief types of tonsillitis: acute, subacute and chronic. Acute tonsillitis can either be bacterial or viral in origin. Subacute tonsillitis is caused by the bacterium Actinomyces. Chronic tonsillitis, can last for long periods if untreated, is almost always bacterial. It may also lead to chronic cryptic tonsillitis. Cryptic tonsillitis contains small pockets and pits called crypts. These crypts may trap food particles and form small white-colored growths called tonsilliths.
The major symptoms of tonsilitis are sore throat, fever, enlarged and reddening of tonsils, chills, a yellow or white coating on the tonsils, swollen glands in the neck, headache, bad breath, etc. When a person is affected by tonsillitis then the question regarding how to treat the tonsillitis usually arises in the mind of the patient. The treatment for tonsillitis depends on whether the tonsillitis is caused by a virus or bacteria. If the tonsillitis is caused by bacteria, antibiotics are prescribed and if caused by a virus, then your own body will fight against the infection.
Tonsillitis can occasionally become serious. For example, when the infection may spread beyond the tonsil it shall form an abscess, which is a localized collection of pus.
