What do regular tonsils look like

Although everyone experiences pain differently, in almost all cases tonsillitis causes throat pain or irritation, such as a sore throat, difficult or painful swallowing, enlarged glands in the neck, and a scratchy voice where you may feel more strain than usual to talk. Antibiotics, the typical treatment for tonsillitis caused by bacterial infections, are not recommended in these cases, however, unless someone is experiencing symptoms of tonsillitis.

Whether tonsillitis has been caused by a virus or bacteria, it can easily spread from person to person because such infections are contagious. This is more likely when someone has an active infection, Clark says. Tonsillitis caused by a bacterial infection, such as Streptococcus pyogenes group A streptococcus , the same bacteria that causes strep throat , is highly contagious. People with strep spread the bacteria by coughing and sneezing, which sends tiny droplets through the air that contain the bacteria.

The infection can then be spread by any of the following ways: 5. But sore throats are fairly common and can happen several times in a cold season. And Clark adds that you should seek urgent care such as an emergency room if these symptoms are present:. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Health Topics. Health Tools. Reviewed: January 9, Medically Reviewed. A doctor can usually tell it's tonsillitis by asking about your symptoms and looking at the back of your throat. This is usually only the case if you have severe tonsillitis that keeps coming back. Tonsillitis is usually caused by a virus, such as a cold, but it can also be due to a bacterial infection such as strep throat.

Sometimes you can get a pocket filled with pus abscess between your tonsils and the wall of your throat. This is called quinsy. Page last reviewed: 10 February Next review due: 10 February Check if you have tonsillitis Tonsillitis can feel like a bad cold or flu. Tonsils are the oval-shaped organs found at the back of your throat.

They help protect your body from microbial infections. Holes in the tonsils, or tonsillar crypts, have an increased risk of developing infection or tonsil stones. Holes in the tonsils are a normal part of your anatomy. They give your immune system an early idea of what your body is ingesting by mouth. Sometimes, the tonsils may swell and the crypts can become blocked due to inflammation or scar formation from another condition.

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils. Bacterial infections may also be the culprit. This condition is particularly common in school-age children and people who work with them. This condition can cause your tonsils to become swollen, and can lead to obstruction of the tonsillar crypts.

Strep throat is a highly contagious infection caused by a streptococcus bacterium. Strep throat should be treated as soon as possible to avoid complications like kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever.

The telltale symptom that sends most people to the doctor is the unrelenting scratchy sore throat, which often comes on quickly.

Some people will have swollen tonsils that are red, with white patches or streaks of pus on them. Poor oral hygiene can provide a breeding ground of bacteria that can cause infection and tonsillitis. This can cause the tonsils to become swollen, inflamed, and infected. Other signs of poor oral hygiene often include frequent bad breath, plaque buildup or coating on the tongue or teeth, and recurrent cavities. They can also cause further infection in the tonsils, making the holes in the tonsils worse.

Smoking and vaping wear down your immune system while simultaneously causing inflammation. This leaves you susceptible to bacterial and fungal infection, as well as inflammation in the tonsils.