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Tonsillitis
Khan Academy
Related terms:
nasopharyngitis
pharyngitis
retropharyngeal abscess
Disease or Syndrome
tonsillitis Audio
ton·sil·li·tis [ ton-suh-lahy-tis ]
Subclass of:
Pharyngitis
Also called:
Tonsil Inflammation
Definitions related to tonsillitis:
  • Inflammation of the tonsillar tissue.
    NCI Thesaurus
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Inflammation of the tonsils, especially the PALATINE TONSILS but the ADENOIDS (pharyngeal tonsils) and lingual tonsils may also be involved. Tonsillitis usually is caused by bacterial infection. Tonsillitis may be acute, chronic, or recurrent.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
  • Tonsils are lumps of tissue at the back of the throat. There are two of them, one on each side. Along with the adenoids, tonsils are part of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system clears away infection and keeps body fluids in balance. Tonsils and adenoids work by trapping the germs coming in through the mouth and nose. Tonsillitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the tonsils. Sometimes along with tonsillitis, the adenoids are also swollen. The cause of tonsillitis is usually a viral infection. Bacterial infections such as strep throat can also cause tonsillitis. Tonsillitis is most common in children over age two. Almost every child in the United States gets it at least once. Tonsillitis caused by bacteria is more common in kids ages 5-15. Tonsillitis caused by a virus is more common in younger children. Adults can get tonsillitis, but it is not very common. Although tonsillitis is not contagious, the viruses and bacteria that cause it are contagious. Frequent handwashing can help prevent spreading or catching the infections.
    MedlinePlus
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
  • Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat - one tonsil on each side. Signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include swollen tonsils, sore throat, difficulty swallowing and tender lymph nodes on the sides of the neck.
    Mayo Clinic
    Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
  • Acute tonsillitis is an acute infection of the parenchyma of the palatine tonsils. This definition does not include tonsillitis as part of infectious mononucleosis, although tonsillitis may occur in isolation or as part of a generalized pharyngitis. The clinical distinction between tonsillitis and pharyngitis is unclear in the...
    Epocrates
    Athenahealth, Inc., 2019
  • Tonsillitis, inflammatory infection of the tonsils caused by invasion of the mucous membrane by microorganisms, usually hemolytic streptococci or viruses. The symptoms are sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, fever, malaise, and enlarged lymph nodes on both sides of the neck. The infection lasts...
    Encyclopedia Britannica
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.

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