Tonsillitis

1. Epidemiology: It is a very common condition, most frequent in children aged 5-10 years and young adults between 15 and 25 year

2. Pathophysiology: Inflammatory infection of the tonsils caused by invasion of the mucous membrane by microorganisms, usually hemolytic streptococci or viruses

3. Diagnosis: Throat culture to determine if the infection viral or bacterial, physical exam, complete blood count

4. Adaptive Response: Activation of anti-bodies and cell meditated response to bind to the foreign antigen

5. Clinical Presentation: Sore throat, mild fever, difficulty swallowing, foul breath, tender cervical lymph nodes

6. Risk Factors: Young age (rarely under the age of two), frequent exposure to germs, seasonal

7. References: Huether, S. E., & McCance, K. L. (2017). Understanding pathophysiology (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby