What CAUSES Tonsil Stones and How to Prevent Them

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat — one tonsil on each side. Signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include swollen tonsils, sore throat, difficulty swallowing and tender lymph nodes on the sides of the neck.

Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by infection with a common virus, but bacterial infections also may cause tonsillitis.Surgery to remove tonsils, once a common procedure to treat tonsillitis, is usually performed only when tonsillitis occurs frequently, doesn’t respond to other treatments or causes serious complications.

Common signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include:

  • Red, swollen tonsils
  • White or yellow coating or patches on the tonsils
  • Sore throat
  • Difficult or painful swallowing
  • Fever
  • Enlarged, tender glands (lymph nodes) in the neck
  • A scratchy, muffled or throaty voice
  • Bad breath
  • Stomachache
  • Neck pain or stiff neck
  • Headache

In young children who are unable to describe how they feel, signs of tonsillitis may include:

  • Drooling due to difficult or painful swallowing
  • Refusal to eat
      • Unusual fussiness
        • It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis if your child has symptoms that may indicate tonsillitis.
        • Call your doctor if your child is experiencing:
        • A sore throat with fever
        • A sore throat that doesn’t go away within 24 to 48 hours
        • Painful or difficult swallowing
        • Extreme weakness, fatigue or fussiness
          • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tonsillitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378479