Tonsillitis and Adenoid Infection
John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
- Tonsillitis and adenoids infection facts
- What are the tonsils and adenoids?
- What is the purpose of the tonsils and adenoids?
- What are the symptoms of tonsillitis or an adenoid infection?
- Is tonsillitis contagious?
- What are common problems affecting the tonsils and adenoids?
- How are tonsillitis and adenoid infection diagnosed?
- How is tonsillitis and adenoid infection treated?
- When should the tonsils and/or adenoids be removed?
- Patient Comments: Tonsillitis - Symptoms
- Find a local Ear, Nose, & Throat Doctor in your town
Tonsillitis and adenoid infection facts
- Tonsils and adenoids are composed of tissues that are similar to the lymph nodes or glands.
- Acute tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils caused by one of several possible types of bacteria or viruses.
- Chronic tonsillitis is a persistent infection of the tonsils and can cause tonsil stone formation.
- Symptoms of tonsil or adenoid infection include sore throat, fever, bad breath, difficulty swallowing, and swollen glands in the front of the neck.
- Peritonsillar abscess is a collection of pus behind the tonsils.
- Obstruction to breathing by enlarged tonsils and adenoids may cause snoring and disturbed sleep patterns.
- Bacterial infections of the tonsils and adenoids are treated with appropriate antibiotics. Viral infections are not.
- Tonsillitis and adenoid infections are diagnosed with a history and physical exam. A rapid strep test may be ordered in cases of tonsillitis suspected to be bacterial.
- Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are indicated as follows: (1) in persons with repeated or persistent infections; (2) when serious complications of infection occur; and (3) when enlargement of the tonsils and adenoids causes breathing, swallowing, or dental problems.
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