J03: Acute tonsillitis

Acute tonsillitis is an infection that inflames the tonsils, which are two small glands located at the back of your throat. The condition is most commonly caused by either a viral or bacterial infection, with the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes often implicated in bacterial tonsillitis. The primary method of transmission is person-to-person contact, particularly through droplets in the air from coughing or sneezing. Major symptoms of acute tonsillitis include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and swollen, tender lymph nodes on the sides of the neck. Additionally, fever, headache, and fatigue may occur. Disease progression varies; some individuals may experience symptoms for only a few days while others might suffer for up to two weeks. Without treatment, acute tonsillitis can sometimes lead to complications including middle ear infection, rheumatic fever, or an abscess near the tonsils, known as a peritonsillar abscess. In severe or recurrent cases, tonsillectomy (the surgical removal of the tonsils) may be considered.