Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils in the mouth and will often, but not necessarily, cause a sore throat and fever. Symptoms may also include pain in the tonsil area and inability to swallow (dysphagia) and/or painful swallowing (odynophagia). White spots may also appear on the tonsils. These white spots may be raised and they cannot be scraped off. Years ago, many young children had their tonsils removed. In fact, surgery was once the standard treatment for recurrent tonsillitis â€" inflammation of the tonsils caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

What are the symptoms?

* swollen, red tonsils (often coated with a yellow, gray, or white membrane)
* Ear pain
* Fever, chills
* Headache
* Sore throat - lasts longer than 48 hours and may be severe
* pain with swallowing
*loss of appetite
* Voice changes, loss of voice

Additional symptoms of tonsillitis in children include:

* nausea
* vomiting
* abdominal pain

The symptoms of tonsillitis may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

What is the cause of the disease?

The herpes simplex virus, Streptococcus pyogenes (GABHS) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, and the measles virus cause most cases of acute pharyngitis and acute tonsillitis. Bacteria cause 15-30 percent of pharyngotonsillitis cases; GABHS is the cause for most bacterial tonsillitis. Whether due to viruses or bacteria, the infection is spread from person to person by airborne droplets, hand contact or kissing.

There are many different individual viruses and bacteria that can potentially cause tonsillitis. For example the Epstein-Barr virus, which is the cause of glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis), is a common cause. It is typically seen in young people, particularly in situations such as university halls of residence when person-to-person spread is made easier by numerous close contacts.

How is Tonsillitis diagnosed?

Tonsillitis can be diagnosed by performing a rapid strep test, also called a throat culture. To perform the throat culture, the doctor will use a long cotton swab to swipe off some of the stuff on the surface of the back of your throat. The doctor will then test the "stuff" on the cotton swab. This test will determine whether you have tonsillitis and whether it is caused by a bacteria or a virus.

Treatment

If your tonsillitis is viral, you can take medication to relieve the symptoms, but only time will make the virus go away.

If your tonisillitis is bacterial, your doctor may treat you with antibiotics.

Preventing Tonsillitis

To prevent tonsillitis, avoid letting your child near anyone who already has tonsillitis or a sore throat. Make sure to practice good hand-washing habits, and teach your child to do the same. If you are concerned that your child has the symptoms of tonsillitis, or has been exposed to someone who has been infected, talk with your child's doctor.