Tonsillitis (angina tonsillaris) is usually accompanied by quite typical symptoms. First of all, the swollen, enlarged palatine tonsils and pus aPus on the tonsils are noticeable. Depending on the trigger of the inflammation and the stage it has reached, the tonsils may also be red, with small white spots (in this particular case also called “speckles”) or large whitish coatings.
The symptom that most patients experience first is pain. This occurs mainly when a person swallows or opens their mouth wide, such as when they yawn. Normally, the symptom/pain of tonsillitis is easily localized, but sometimes it can radiate, preferably into the ears.
Due to the inflammation, lymph nodes are also often swollen, especially those in the jaw angle. These nodes are movable and can also cause pain! Because of the enlarged tonsils and lymph nodes, patients often find it difficult to swallow.
In addition, general symptoms such as tiredness, fatigue and exhaustion, reduced performance, but also headaches or even fever can be associated with tonsillitis. In some cases, the voice sounds husky or there is a bitter aftertaste after food intake, and in some cases salivation is also increased. The difference is chronic tonsillitis, which often lacks all the acute symptoms mentioned above.
It is more characterized by general symptoms such as fatigue and lack of concentration. Swallowing difficulties are less pronounced, but what often occurs is a bad taste in the mouth and bad breath. The lymph nodes here are permanently swollen without hurting.
On the ground of a chronic tonsillitis, however, acute tonsillitis can of course always break out, which then also brings the typical symptoms. Important differential diagnoses of tonsillitis, since they are accompanied by the same or at least very similar symptoms, are scarlet fever, Pfeiffer’s glandular fever (mononucleosis), an inflammation caused by herpes viruses, and diphtheria. These all require different treatments and should therefore always be clarified if tonsillitis is suspected.
Symptoms of tonsillitis in infants
In addition to these typical symptoms in adults, there are some peculiarities in toddlers. Swelling of the tonsils can be problematic here, as it can affect breathing. This is less the case in adults due to the more generous anatomical conditions. An important first indication of tonsillitis in an infant is refusal to eat and drink. In addition, a symptom in infants can be a reddened face with a recessed mouth.
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