Diseases
tonsillitis
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat — one tonsil on each side.
Symptoms
- red, swollen tonsils
- sore throat
- white or yellow coating or patches on the tonsils
- difficult or painful swallowing , fever
- enlarged, tender glands (lymph nodes) in the neck
Causes
- tonsillitis is most often caused by common viruses, but bacterial infections also can be the cause.
Risk factors
- young age:tonsillitis caused by bacteria is most common in children ages 5 to 15
- frequent exposure to viruses or bacteria
Diagnosis
- throat swab
- complete blood cell count (cbc)
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat — one tonsil on each side.
What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?
red, swollen tonsils, sore throat, white or yellow coating or patches on the tonsils, difficult or painful swallowing , fever, enlarged, tender glands (lymph nodes) in the neck
What causes tonsillitis?
tonsillitis is most often caused by common viruses, but bacterial infections also can be the cause.
Which medicines are used for tonsillitis?
cefadroxil, cefditoren, cefixime, cefprozil
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