How does tonsil look like

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. 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. The symptoms you may experience when you have tonsillitis can include the following: 1 Red, swollen tonsils A white or yellow coating or spots on the tonsils Sore throat Difficult or painful swallowing Fever Enlarged, tender glands lymph nodes in the neck A scratchy, muffled, or throaty voice Bad breath An altered sense of taste Stomachache, especially in younger children Stiff neck Headache For very young children who may not be able to describe the symptoms they are experiencing, look for these characteristics: Fever Drooling due to difficult or painful swallowing Refusal to eat Unusual fussiness.

In most cases, tonsillitis will go away on its own in about five to seven days, Clark says. Clark suggests calling your care provider if you are experiencing any of these symptoms: Fever of at least degrees F or Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking. Sneezing and coughing can pass the tonsillitis-causing virus or bacteria from one person to the next. Call your doctor right away if your condition gets worse; for example, if you have a hard time breathing or swallowing. Also talk to your doctor if your fever comes back or if you're not feeling better in a couple of days.

Reviewed by: Steven M. Andreoli, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Tonsillitis? What Causes Tonsillitis? Tonsillitis is usually caused by a virus such as: adenovirus the flu Epstein-Barr virus mono Bacteria also can cause it, most commonly group A streptococcus strep throat.

How Is Tonsillitis Diagnosed? How Is Tonsillitis Treated? How Can I Feel Better? Symptoms are often more severe. Streptococcus can also infect other parts of the throat. Bacterial tonsillitis can lead to complications. However, this is rare and usually occurs in young children. Viral tonsillitis does not usually lead to complications.

The infection may spread to other parts of the body and cause complications, including:. The tonsils and adenoids play a role in helping the body fight infection, but they can become enlarged and require treatment.

Learn more. Tonsil cysts may cause no symptoms and are generally no cause for concern. But a doctor should rule out other, similar health issues. Learn more here. Tonsil stones are hard stones that form in the tonsils. They do not always produce symptoms, but some people may experience bad breath, a sore throat….

Bacteria and viruses usually cause swollen tonsils. Learn more about treatments and home remedies that reduce pain and swelling when the tonsils…. While tonsillitis may be a very common condition in children, it can also affect adults.

Learn what causes tonsillitis in adults and how to treat it…. All you need to know about tonsillitis. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.

Tonsillitis is a common infection of the tonsils. Share on Pinterest A person with tonsillitis may experience a sore throat when swallowing.