Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which comprise two tissue masses at the back of the throat. These are oval-shaped pads of tissue on each side that are part of the body’s immune system that helps to filter out bacteria and viruses entering through the mouth and nose. As a result, tonsils become inflamed or infected, leading to conditions like tonsillitis that causes swollen tonsils, presence of white patches on the tonsils, sore throat, trouble with swallowing and tender lymph nodes which may require medical attention. In this article, we’ll explore the possible causes of tonsillitis.
How is Tonsillitis Caused?
The following are the causes of tonsillitis:
- Bacteria: The most common bacteria causing tonsillitis is Streptococcus pyogenes belonging to group A streptococcus which causes strep throat. Other bacteria like Haemophilus influenza, Moraxella catarrhalis, Staphylococcus aureus and other strains of streptococcus bacteria are also reported to cause tonsillitis.
- Virus: A virus damaging the tonsils is one of the major causes of tonsillitis. Various kinds of viruses that cause tonsillitis include adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, enterovirus, cytomegalovirus and the Epstein-Barr virus, and other viruses which attack the tonsils at the back of the throat. It is advised to stay in a clean and dust-free environment to avoid any damage to tonsils, especially children who can easily get affected.
- Age– Children aged 5 to 15 years are more prone to getting affected by this infection because their body is still adapting to immune system changes occurring due to exposure to new viruses and bacteria.
- Exposure to Germs– Constant exposure to germs and bacteria also increases a person’s chances of getting affected by swollen tonsils. So it is advisable to maintain a cleaner and germ-free environment to avoid such infections.
Don't mix up tonsillitis with tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, the main symptom of which is bad breath. So, what causes tonsil stones? They are formed when materials and debris get stuck in your tonsils and harden. The trapped material can include calcium, food, bacteria, or fungi.