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Tonsillitis
DefinitionTonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils. (See also sore throat.)
Pictures & Images
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
The tonsils are lymph nodes in the back of the mouth and top of the throat. They normally help to filter out bacteria and other microorganisms to prevent infection in the body. They may become so overwhelmed by bacterial or viral infection that they swell and become inflamed, causing tonsillitis. The infection may also be present in the throat and surrounding areas, causing pharyngitis.
Tonsillitis is extremely common, particularly in children.
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• Definition
• Tonsillitis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Tonsillitis Symptoms & Signs
• Tonsillitis Prevention
• Tonsillitis Diagnosis & Tests
• Tonsillitis Treatment
• Tonsillitis Prognosis
• Tonsillitis Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Abscess
• Acute Kidney Failure
• Common Cold
• Dehydration
• Heart Disease
• Peritonsillar Abscess
• Pharyngitis
• Post-Streptococcal GN
• Reye's Syndrome
• Rheumatic Fever
Surgery & Procedures
• Tonsillectomy
Other Topics
• Fever
• Headache
• Hoarseness or Changing Voice
• Sore Throat
• Swallowing Difficulty
Review Date : 5/6/2003
Reviewed By : Jason Newman, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Washington, DC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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