The tonsils are two pieces of tissue on either side of the throat, near the roof of the mouth, according to Texas Pediatric Surgical Associates. They are made up of lymph tissue, which are involved in antibody production and help fight infection. When tonsils get swollen, there is often an infection in the body, but definitive diagnosis is necessary to effectively treat the underlying cause.
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is a viral or bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the tonsils, according to MayoClinic.com. Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A streptococcus, is the most common bacteria that causes tonsillitis, notes Mayo Clinic website. Symptoms of tonsillitis include not only swollen tonsils, but also white or yellow patches on the tonsils, a sore throat, trouble swallowing, tender lymph nodes in the neck, and fever. Diagnosing strep throat involves a throat swab and blood test, and treatment may include warm liquids, throat lozenges, rest, ibuprofen to control fever and using a humidifier. If the infection is bacterial, antibiotics are typically prescribed. For recurrent tonsillitis infections that are resistant to antibiotics, MayoClinic.com states that surgery may be necessary to remove the tonsils.
Mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis, commonly known as "mono," is an infection that can cause swollen tonsils and lymph nodes, fever, fatigue, severe sore throat, and enlargement of the spleen or liver. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the Epstein-Barr virus causes the majority of mono infections and is typically transmitted through infected saliva, though it can also be transmitted through infected blood. Along with a physical examination, a blood test is used to get a definitive diagnosis of mono. The infection is usually treated with bed rest, increased fluid intake and pain relievers to lower a fever, and if necessary, corticosteroids are prescribed to reduce inflammation of the tonsils, UMMC explains.
Strep Throat
Strep throat, another infection caused by the bacteria group A streptococcus, causes a throat infection. MayoClinic.com notes that symptoms include throat pain; trouble swallowing; and swollen tonsils with white pus, rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. Strep throat can be spread through droplets in the air when an infected individual sneezes or coughs or by sharing food and drinks with someone who is infected. The germs can also be spread by touching a surface such as a doorknob or table that has bacteria on it. Diagnosis of the infection usually involves a physical examination, a throat culture, a rapid antigen test or a rapid DNA test, and antibiotics are the standard treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Resting, increasing fluid intake, using a humidifier in the house and gargling with warm saltwater can also increase physical comfort while infected with strep throat.
