Answered by SecondMedic Expert
Otolaryngologist · Ear Nose Throat
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils, two oval-shaped pads at the back of your throat. Common symptoms of tonsillitis include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever and chills, swollen lymph nodes in your neck area, bad breath (halitosis), headache or earache, bad taste in mouth, white spots or pus on the tonsils' surface. You may also feel tired and develop a cough.
If you experience any of these symptoms for more than two days it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible so they can diagnose the condition and provide appropriate treatment. Treatment usually includes antibiotics. In more severe cases where medications aren't effective enough surgical removal of part or all of your tonsils called a tonsillectomy may be necessary to treat chronic infections caused by enlarged tonsils blocking passage through the throat causing breathing difficulties at night.
