- It is an infection of the throat and/or tonsils and is more common

among children than adults.

- usually caused by a virus but may be caused by bacteria such as
streptococcal bacteria.
- Tonsils prevent foreign objects from slipping into the lungs.
- They also filter bacteria and viruses.
As part of the immune system, the tonsils fight infection; they are first
line of defense in the throat, and when they are doing their job fighting
infections, you get a sore throat.
 Red, swollen tonsils  A scratchy, muffled or
 White or yellow coating throaty voice
or patches on the tonsils  Bad breath
 Sore throat  Stomach-ache,
 Difficult or painful particularly in younger
children
swallowing
 Stiff neck
 Fever
 Headache
 Enlarged, tender glands
(lymph nodes) in the neck
 In young children who are unable to describe

how they feel, signs of tonsillitis may include:

• Drooling due to difficult or painful swallowing

• Refusal to eat

• Unusual fussiness
Inflammation or swelling of the tonsils from frequent or
ongoing (chronic) tonsillitis can cause complications such as:

Difficulty breathing
Disrupted breathing during sleep (obstructive sleep apnea)
Infection that spreads deep into surrounding tissue
(tonsillar cellulitis)
Infection that results in a collection of pus behind a tonsil
(peritonsillar abscess)
• Encourage rest.

• Provide adequate fluids.

• Provide comforting foods and beverage.

• Prepare a saltwater gargle.

• Humidify the air.

• Avoid irritants. Keep your home free from smoke

• Pain relievers (analgesics)

• For strep throat, antibiotics

• Surgical removal of the tonsils