When it comes to tonsillitis, the telltale signs and symptoms usually point towards one thing: inflamed and irritated tonsils. Here are some of the most common ones:
Throat woes:
Sore throat: This is the hallmark symptom, often described as a scratchy, painful feeling, especially while swallowing.
Difficulty swallowing: Painful swallowing is a frequent companion to a sore throat, making it hard to enjoy even a glass of water.
Tonsil trouble:
Red, swollen tonsils: Look in the mirror or have someone check your throat with a flashlight. Swollen, reddened tonsils are a visible sign of infection.
White or yellow patches: Pus-filled bumps or white patches on the tonsils can indicate a bacterial infection.
Fever and chills:
Fever: An elevated temperature, often exceeding 100.4°F (38°C), is a common response to the body fighting off infection.
Chills: Feeling shivery and cold despite having a fever is another common symptom.
Other telltale signs:
Swollen lymph nodes: Tender and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck can indicate the immune system is working hard to fight the infection.
Earache: The proximity of the tonsils to the Eustachian tubes can sometimes cause ear pain alongside throat discomfort.
Bad breath: The inflammation and bacteria buildup can lead to unpleasant breath.
Scratchy or muffled voice: A hoarse or muffled voice due to the swollen throat tissues is another potential symptom
