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Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)Toggle: English / SpanishServices at Maryland GeneralA complete list of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services at MGH.Tonsillitis - OverviewDefinition of Tonsillitis:Tonsillitis is inflammation (swelling) of the tonsils. See also:
Causes, incidence, and 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 germs to prevent infection in the body. Strep throat is one cause of tonsilitis. The tonsils may become so overwhelmed by a bacterial or viral infection that they swell and become inflamed, causing tonsillitis. The infection may also be present in the throat and areas around it, causing inflammation of the pharynx. The pharynx is in the back of the throat, between the tonsils and voicebox (larynx). See: Pharyngitis Tonsillitis is very common, especially in children.
ReferencesWetmore 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. Del Mar CB, Glasziou PP, Spinks A. Antibiotics for sore throat. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008:(3):CD000023. Chan TV. The patient with sore throat. Med Clin North Am. 2010. 94:923-943. Related ArticlesThe 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.  |
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