Tonsillitis

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Lymphatic system Throat anatomy

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Tonsillitis

• Sore throat
  • Persisting longer than 48 hours
  • Possibly severe
• Difficulty swallowing
• Headache
• Fever, chills
• Tenderness of the jaw and throat
• Voice changes, loss of voice

The health care provider will look in the mouth and throat for enlarged, visible tonsils. They are usually reddened and may have white spots on them. The lymph nodes of the jaw and neck may be enlarged and tender to the touch.

A culture of the tonsils may show bacterial infection. A culture for the streptococcus bacteria (strep) may be taken because it is the most common and most dangerous form of tonsillitis. A rapid strep test may also be performed by your physician by taking a throat swab for a quick diagnosis.

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