Tonsils

The tonsils (palatine tonsils) are two oval-shaped delicate tissue masses situated at the back of the throat (pharynx). Every tonsil is formed out of tissue-like lymph nodes, covered by pink mucosa (like the adjoining mouth lining). Going through the mucosa of every tonsil are pits, called crypts.

The tonsils are a vital part of the lymphatic framework, which assists with battling infections. Nonetheless, removal of the tonsils doesn’t make a person more susceptible to disease. Tonsils differ broadly in size and swell due to infections.

• Acute tonsillitis: It is an infection caused by bacteria or viruses that causes tonsils to swell up and causes a sore throat. They may develop a white pus-filled mass.
• Chronic tonsillitis- It is a persistent infection that the repeated occurrence of tonsillitis can cause.
• Strep throat- It is an infection of the tonsils and throat caused by the streptococcus bacteria. It causes sore throat, neck pain and often a fever.
• Acute mononucleosis- It is caused by a virus and causes sore throat rash, fatigue, swelling in tonsils and even rash and fever.
• Peritonsillar abscess- This infection causes a pouch of pus near the tonsil, displacing it. The pus-filled pouch must be drained urgently.
• Tonsilloliths- Also called tonsil stones, are formed when the debris is trapped and calcified.