ما هو التهاب اللوزتين؟
**What is Tonsillitis?**
**Q: What is tonsillitis?**
**A:** Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils, two small glands located at the back of the throat. Tonsils help trap germs and prevent infection, but they can become infected themselves. When this happens, tonsillitis develops.
**Q: What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?**
**A:** Symptoms of tonsillitis may include:
* Sore throat
* Difficulty swallowing
* Red, swollen tonsils with white streaks of pus
* Hoarseness
* Fever
* Chills
* Headache
* Muscle aches
* Fatigue
**Q: What causes tonsillitis?**
**A:** Tonsillitis is most commonly caused by a viral infection, such as the common cold or flu. It can also be caused by a bacterial infection, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae.
**Q: How is tonsillitis diagnosed?**
**A:** Tonsillitis is typically diagnosed based on a physical examination of the throat. The doctor will look for signs of inflammation, swelling, and pus. A throat swab may also be taken to confirm the diagnosis.
**Q: How is tonsillitis treated?**
**A:** Treatment for tonsillitis depends on the cause of the infection. For viral tonsillitis, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. This may include:
* Over-the-counter pain relievers
* Gargling with salt water
* Rest
For bacterial tonsillitis, antibiotics are prescribed to kill the bacteria. It is important to take the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve, to prevent the infection from recurring.
**Q: Can tonsillitis be prevented?**
**A:** There is no surefire way to prevent tonsillitis, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk, such as:
* Washing your hands frequently
* Avoiding contact with people who are sick
* Getting enough rest
* Eating a healthy diet
* Quitting smoking
**Q: When should I see a doctor for tonsillitis?**
**A:** See a doctor if:
* Your symptoms are severe or do not improve after a few days
* You have a high fever
* You have difficulty breathing
* You have other symptoms, such as a rash or joint pain
**Tonsillitis Treatment Options:**
* Antibiotics (bacterial tonsillitis)
* Tonsillectomy (if tonsillitis is severe or recurrent)
This is a very common condition that can be treated with antibiotics.