Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the glands of the throat, which are called the tonsils. The tonsils are a pair of soft tissue masses located at the rear of mouth on each side of the throat. The tonsils are different than the uvula. The uvula is the conic projection of tissue that hangs down from the roof of the mouth. Inflammation of the tonsils results in a sore throat. Tonsillitis can be caused by either viruses or bacteria. Most cases of tonsillitis resolve in a few days without antibiotic medication.

Because most attacks of tonsillitis are caused by viruses, most of the treatment is aimed at helping to relieve the symptoms such as pain and fever. Paracetamol can help and the person should rest. Most children with tonsillitis do not feel well and it hurts them to swallow. Try cool drinks (cold drinks can hurt), ice blocks and ice cream. Tonsillitis in humans can be monitored and controlled to some extent with a rigorous reporting and testing system, an option that requires a good interaction between the public health sector and the corresponding veterinary sector.