
	3D Medical Animations Close This information is provided by an independent source. Merck & Co. does not endorse and is not responsible for the accuracy of the content, or for the practices or standards of non-Merck sources. This information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. A licensed healthcare professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. The manufacturer of a product generally has the most complete information about that product. How to use How to use The world's largest library of 3D medical animations developed and copyrighted by Blausen Medical Communications. The Human Atlas figures rotating model, labeled slides, and printable text in addition to animated videos. Shows a video of the selected health topic. Controls play, pause, and restart of the video. Shows a summary of the selected health topic. Controls to scroll the text. Shows a 3 D model of the video. Controls to rotate the model. Shows slides from the video. Controls to change slides.

You are trying to load Blausen Medical's Human Atlas.

Either you do not have the newest version of Adobe Flash®, or you have JavaScript disabled.

To use Blausen's Atlas software, you must ensure you have these capabilities.

Health Resources

MedlinePlus®

Resource Library

A.D.A.M. Main Index

This information is provided by an independent source. Merck & Co., Inc. is not responsible for this content. Please discuss any and all treatment options with your healthcare professional. The manufacturer of a product generally has the most complete information about that product.

•	Encyclopedia Home
•	Diseases A-Z
•	Read Spanish version

Images

Lymphatic system

Throat anatomy

Care Points

•	Tonsil and adenoid removal ...

•	Sore throat
•	Pharyngitis
•	Common cold
•	Dehydration
•	Peritonsillar abscess
•	Abscess
•	Rheumatic fever
•	Heart disease
•	Acute kidney failure
•	Post-streptococcal GN

More Features

•	Printer-friendly version

Tonsillitis

Definition

Tonsillitis is inflammation (swelling) of the tonsils.

Causes

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 inflammation of the pharynx. The pharynx is in the back of the throat, between the tonsils and the voicebox (larynx). See: Pharyngitis

Tonsillitis is extremely common, particularly in children.

Symptoms

Difficulty swallowing
Ear pain
Fever, chills
Headache
Sore throat - lasts longer than 48 hours and may be severe
Tenderness of the jaw and throat
Voice changes, loss of voice

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will look in the mouth and throat for swollen tonsils. The tonsils are usually reddened and may have white spots on them. The lymph nodes in the jaw and neck may be swollen and tender to the touch.

Tests that may be done include:

Treatment

This version of the Encyclopedia has no treatment information. Please discuss any and all treatment options for your condition with your healthcare professional.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Tonsillitis symptoms usually improve 2 or 3 days after treatment starts. The infection usually is cured after treatment is completed, but some people may need more than one course of antibiotics.

Complications of untreated strep tonsillitis may be severe. Children with tonsillitis related to strep-throat or pharyngitis should generally be kept home from school or daycare until they have been on antibiotics for 24 hours. This helps reduce the spread of illness.

Possible Complications

Blocked airway from swollen tonsils
Dehydration from difficulty swallowing fluids
Kidney failure
Peritonsillar abscess or abscess in other parts of the throat
Pharyngitis - bacterial
Pharyngitis - viral
Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis
Rheumatic fever and related cardiovascular disorders

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if:

A sore throat lasts longer than 48 hours
New symptoms develop
Symptoms get worse
You have other symptoms with the sore throat

References

Wetmore RF. Tonsils and adenoids. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 380.

Review Date: 12/1/2008
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Search MerckSource

Sign In