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Tonsillitis
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Tonsillitis is an inflammatory condition of the tonsils due to bacteria, allergies or respiratory problems. When inflamed, tonsils become swollen and red with a grayish or yellowish coating on its surface. Tonsillitis usually begins with a sudden sore throat and painful swallowing. Tonsillitis causes tonsils and throat tissues to swell obstructing air from passing in and out of the respiratory system. The tonsils infection is common in children and teenagers but rare in adults.
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Tonsillitis is inflammation of tonsils -the lymph nodes in the back of the mouth. Tonsillitis usually resolves within few days after the start of antibiotic treatment. Tonsillectomy may be recommended... for recurring episodes of sever tonsillitis -especially if antibiotic treatments are ineffective. Excessive swelling of tonsils can result in significant respiratory distress for patients suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Pulmonary Insufficiency, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
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Tonsillitis usually has no long term effects if it is detected and treated promptly. If it is not treated it can lead to other medical conditions such as rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation, or abscesses that could block a child's breathing passage.
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Tonsillitis usually resolves within a few days with rest and supportive care.Treating the symptoms of sore throat and fever will make the patient more comfortable. If fever persists for more than 48 hours... or is higher than 102°F, the patient should be seen by a doctor. If antibiotics are prescribed to treat an infection, they should be taken as directed for the complete course of treatment, even if the patient starts to feel better in a few days. Prolonged symptoms may indicate that the patient has other upper respiratory infections, most commonly in the ears or sinuses. An abscess behind the tonsil (a peritonsillar abscess) may also occur. In rare cases, a persistent sore throat may point to more serious conditions, such as rheumatic fever or pneumonia.
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Tonsillitis occurs most commonly in children. Tonsillitis is extremely common in children under 10 years of age. Young children are more susceptible to tonsillitis than adolescents and adults because their immune responses are less developed. Tonsillitis ... becomes less common as children grow because the tonsils shrink with age. Among infants and preschool-aged children, viral tonsillitis is more frequent, while older children and adults are more likely to have bacterial tonsillitis. The tonsils can also become enlarged when an individual is infected with mononucleosis.
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Tonsillitis is caused by viruses or bacteria that cause the tonsils to swell and become inflamed. A mild or severe sore throat is one of the first symptoms of tonsillitis. Symptoms can ... include fever, chills, tiredness, muscle aches, earache, pain or discomfort when swallowing, and swollen glands in the neck. Very young children may be fussy and stop eating. When a doctor or nurse looks into the mouth with a flashlight, the tonsils may appear swollen and red. Sometimes, the tonsils will have white or yellow spots or flecks or a thin coating.
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Tonsillitis