Viral infections are the most common cause of tonsillitis, but both bacterial and viral infections can cause tonsillitis. A common bacterial cause is Streptococcus (strep) bacteria.
Common viral causes include:
- Adenovirus
- Rhinovirus
- Influenza virus
- Epstein-Barr virus
- Parainfluenza virus
- Enterovirus
The main symptom of tonsillitis is a sore throat. Inflammation and swelling of the tonsils can also occur, sometimes this can be severe enough to block the airways.
Other common symptoms include:
- Redness of the tonsils
- White or yellow pus spots on the tonsils
- Pain when swallowing
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Ear pain
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing through the mouth
- Swollen glands in the neck or jaw area
- Fever, chills
- Bad breath
In children symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
