Tonsillitis occurs when you get an infection in your tonsils. Tonsils are the two small lumps of soft tissue, one on either side at the back of your throat. If you open your mouth in front of the mirror and stick out your tongue you can see your tonsils.
Part of your immune system, tonsils help trap germs that make you sick. When you have an infection in your tonsils, they get swollen and sore, and swallowing may be painful. Tonsillitis is also known as tonsillopharyngitis, but most people call it a sore throat. [1]
The infection is more common in children, but it can happen to anyone no matter the age. Tonsillitis rarely occurs to children under the age of three. It is a very common condition and said to affect a person at least once in their lifetime.
There are different ways to identify tonsillitis, most common of which is a very sore throat. It can also cause you to feel fatigued or weak, like you have a flu or a bad cold. People with tonsillitis may experience other symptoms, keep reading to learn the symptoms, causes and treatments for the condition.
Types of Tonsillitis
There are three types of tonsillitis:
- Acute tonsillitis: These symptoms usually last three or four days but can extend to two weeks.
- Recurrent tonsillitis: This is when your tonsillitis is recurring, probably during a certain season or time of the year.
- Chronic tonsillitis: This is when your tonsillitis lasts for a long period and symptoms worsen.