What causes tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis refers to the inflammation of the tonsils. It is usually caused by viruses or by bacterial infection. When viral infection is the cause, tonsillitis usually resolves without any treatment but rest, fluids, and pain medication as needed. Tonsillitis caused by bacterial infection is very frequently the result of strep bacteria. Tonsillitis caused by strep, or strep throat, is usually accompanied by fever. The tonsils appear swollen and may be coated in a white infectious substance or have white spots. Sometimes strep throat can cause extreme headaches and glands under the jaw may be swollen or sore. Strep throat must be treated with antibiotics. Lingering strep throat can progress to the very serious scarlet fever or to rheumatic fever, which can damage the heart. Strep is now often diagnosed within minutes at a doctor’s office through a rapid strep test. Those who experience the above symptoms, especially extreme sore throat accompanied by fever, should not hesitate to see a
