Tonsillitis symptoms

Tonsillitis occurs when there is an infection to the tonsils. The condition is often identified by a sore throat. The symptoms of tonsillitis may occur randomly or may slowly become more prominent. It is a condition that is most common in younger children but can affect adults as well. However, the age of the individual will play a role on what caused the condition.

Common Symptoms of Tonsillitis
Some of the common symptoms of tonsillitis include a sore throat, swelling and redness of the tonsils, and possibly colored (yellow, gray) coating of the tonsils. It is also possible that the throat may become slightly swollen or slight redness. The swelling and redness of the throat is explained by an enlargement of the lymph nodes, which occurs naturally in the body to help fight the infection of the tonsils.

Common Symptoms of Tonsillitis in Infants
The symptoms that are experienced by those that have tonsillitis will vary depending on the age of the individual. For babies, it is common to notice symptoms such as drooling, having difficulties swallowing, and having difficulties eating. This is mostly due to the fact that the swelling is severe enough to have major affects on the child.

As infants and younger children cannot explain the symptoms that they have, it is common to notice moderate to severe frustration as a result of the symptoms that they are experiencing. Snoring and wetting the bed are both common symptoms of tonsillitis in infants and younger children. The child may also experience a fever, stomachache, earache, or headache as a result of the condition.

Common Symptoms of Tonsillitis in Adults
Tonsillitis is not as common in adults as it is in younger children but it is still a possibility. If an adult experiences tonsillitis then the symptoms will be a bit different then they would for a younger child with tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is more commonly caused in adults by having an unhealthy diet. The main difference in symptoms would be that adults would also experience sleeping problems such as insomnia or waking up in the middle of their sleep.

If tonsillitis is experienced by an adult then it is likely that the symptoms will be much more severe then they would for a younger child. The tonsil infection will often spread in the adult and make its’ way to the ear. It is also common for adults with tonsillitis to experience a rheumatic fever. Infection of organs in the body such as the heart could occur as a result of the infection spreading.

Other Symptoms of Tonsillitis
There are some symptoms that are less common but may still be experienced by anyone that has tonsillitis. These symptoms include vomiting, constipation, and roughness of the tongue. Some of the much more severe symptoms of tonsillitis that are considered extremely rare include having problems opening your mouth and foul breath.

The cause of the infection can also play a role in the symptoms that may be experienced. If tonsillitis were related to a virus that you are experiencing then it would be logical that you would experience influenza symptoms. In this case, you may experience symptoms such as complete body aches and nasal problems. Influenza symptoms could become more prominent as the infection progresses if a virus was the cause of the infection.

If tonsillitis were related to bacteria then the symptoms should be experienced right away. In this case, you may experience symptoms such as a high fever, redness of the face, and an outbreak of rashes on the skin.

While infants and younger children are at most risk of developing tonsillitis, it is still a condition that could affect adults as well. It is important that you know all of the symptoms of the condition so you can detect it right away and start treating it accordingly. It may be difficult to identify the condition in your child, as there is no verbalization of the symptoms. It may also be difficult to identify the condition in any adults, as the symptoms are often associated with other health issues such as the flu. However, if you notice a few of the symptoms of tonsillitis in you or your child then you should get the condition diagnosed and start treating it immediately.

Last updated on Jul 24th, 2011 and filed under Dental Health. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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