There are two lymph nodes, or tonsils, near the base of the throat, one on each side; they serve as a barrier to disease and aid in keeping you healthy. Tonsillitis is an inflammation or infection of the tonsils itself. Tonsillitis affects people of all ages but most often affects kids. It is often diagnosed in kids between 4 and 12. The infectious agents that cause tonsillitis are contagious and they include many different types of common viruses and bacteria. Streptococcal bacteria are a common cause of tonsillitis. Strep throat may cause tonsillitis, which can cause significant consequences if left untreated.

Causes
The cause of tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils. It can be caused by a virus, a bacterial, or a fungus. These infections may begin at any age, but it's common for children and young adults to acquire this illness. Tonsillitis can be caused by the following:

• Common viruses like the common cold, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.
• Bacteria like streptococci (strep throat), Haemophilus influenzae and other Gram-negative organisms.
• Fungus like candida species or aspergillus species.
Tonsillitis is usually caused by bacteria that attach to the tonsils and begin to grow in them, causing an infection. One can spread these bacteria spread through sneezes and by touching infected surfaces.

Types of Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis has four main forms: acute, subacute, chronic and post-tonsillectomy.

1. Acute Tonsillitis
Acute tonsillitis is a sudden onset of strep throat, also called pharyngitis. This form of tonsillitis is typically short-lived and causes minor symptoms to the throat, such as soreness or pain. The strep bacteria can spread rapidly through the body and might cause severe complications, including pneumonia and endocarditis.

2. Subacute Tonsillitis
Subacute tonsillitis is a long (over six weeks) case of strep throat. This form of tonsillitis causes persistent soreness or pain in the throat but no physical enlargement of the tonsils.

3. Chronic Tonsillitis
Chronic tonsillitis is a long-lasting (over six months) case of strep throat, otherwise known as a chronic sore throat. This form of tonsillitis causes severe inflammation, swelling and lots of pain in the throat.

4. Post Tonsillectomy Tonsillitis
Post-Tonsillectomy Tonsillitis follows a surgical procedure in which a person's tonsils are removed. This form of tonsillitis can be caused either by the surgery or the body's response to it.

Signs and Symptoms
If you are experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms, visit your doctor immediately:

• Sore throat
• Acute fever or chills
• Swollen glands in the back of your mouth (lymph nodes)
• Bad breath
• A tender lump in the neck, below the jaw, or at the base of your skull (posterior cervical spine)
• A white coating on your tonsils (plaque) or a greenish discoloration around it (postauricular lymphadenitis)
• A hard and swollen tonsil
• Choppy breathing with noisy breathing or snoring (tachypnea)
• Swallowing food or liquid with difficulty, pain, or difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Speech difficulties or hoarseness are caused by swelling in the tissues of your throat (croup).
• Earache, ear pain and a blocked feeling in the throat (globus sensation).
• Toothache, gum pain, or sore throat caused by swollen tonsils around your wisdom teeth (peritonsillar abscess).
• Restlessness and irritability with crying, whining and crankiness in children.
• Headache or pressure in the head (frontal headache).

Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of tonsillitis. The usual treatment is for the symptoms, like pain management and fever relief. One can treat tonsillitis with either antibiotic or non-antibiotic medications. Non-antibiotic treatments may include:

• Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• You can take over-the-counter cough medications to ease throat irritation and cough.
• Oral medication with disinfectants and anti-inflammatory medications. Tooth treatments and pain relievers from a dental centre in Ottawa can also help tooth complications arising from tonsillitis.
Antibiotics or even a tonsillectomy may be necessary for really severe instances of tonsillitis. People with tonsillitis who get dehydrated may also benefit from intravenous fluids. While the throat is recovering, pain relievers may be helpful.

Complications
Complications of tonsillitis can include shortness of breath, heart infection, or an eye infection. Tonsillitis can also cause severe dehydration and a sore throat causing difficulty swallowing and breathing.
Tonsillitis is usually caused by bacteria that attach to the tonsils and begin to grow in them, causing an infection. Visit the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre Ottawa for effective and efficient dental treatments and help you manage pain and anxiety from toothache due to tonsillitis. Contact us today!