{"id":1068,"date":"2016-02-02T10:30:56","date_gmt":"2016-02-02T15:30:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=1068"},"modified":"2023-09-05T16:34:24","modified_gmt":"2023-09-05T20:34:24","slug":"is-it-tonsillitis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/is-it-tonsillitis\/","title":{"rendered":"What is tonsillitis?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When something in your body doesn\u2019t feel right, you\u2019re probably acutely aware. Maybe you have a sore throat and you eat a few lozenges to soothe your symptoms. Or perhaps you take a few <\/span>ibuprofen<\/span><\/a> to help with a headache. But what does it mean when you have a cluster of symptoms that worsens and lasts longer than you thought they would (or should)? For some, it could indicate a case of tonsillitis.<\/span><\/p>\n

A range of illnesses include a <\/span>sore throat<\/span><\/a>, congestion, or even chills. To know if it\u2019s tonsillitis causing your symptoms, read on to learn the most common indicators\u2014and their treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is tonsillitis?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Tonsillitis<\/span><\/a> is an infection that causes inflammation of the tonsils, two pieces of tissue that are located in the back of the throat. Individuals typically experience symptoms that are more severe than simply a common cold such as swollen lymph nodes or fever.<\/span><\/p>\n

While this condition might sound quite serious at first, in reality, tonsillitis is a fairly common illness. It most commonly affects children. Though some adults can experience this condition, it\u2019s often mistaken for a simple sore throat or another type of infection. If left untreated, <\/span>tonsillitis can last between four and 14 days<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Image<\/p>\n

What causes tonsillitis?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Viral or bacterial infections can cause tonsillitis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most cases of tonsillitis are <\/span>viral infections<\/span><\/a>. Many viruses can cause tonsillitis, including the same virus that\u2019s responsible for Epstein-Barr virus, also known as mononucleosis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But, some can be caused by a bacteria\u2014most commonly Streptococcus pyogenes (also known as Group A Strep), the same culprit behind strep throat (streptococcal pharyngitis) and, when left untreated in certain populations, scarlet or rheumatic fever.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tonsillitis is very contagious, meaning you can catch it easily. It is passed from person to person through close contact, sneezing, or coughing. As germs leave an infected person\u2019s body, they enter your nose and mouth, and can cause illness if your immune system doesn\u2019t fight them off. If you\u2019re sick, it\u2019s important that you take steps to avoid infecting others\u2014like staying home, covering coughs or sneezes, or wearing a mask. Or, if someone you know is currently sick, it\u2019s smart to keep your distance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Mononucleosis treatments and medications<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Tonsillitis symptoms<\/span><\/h2>\n

The most common symptoms of tonsillitis include:<\/span><\/p>\n