What is the difference between bacterial and viral tonsillitis?
Saturday, November 28th, 2009 at
12:41 pm
In the appearence of the throat and other general symptoms.
Thankyou.
Filed under: Tonsillitis Symptoms
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The main difference is that one is caused by bacteria and the other by viruses.
Symptoms and signs differ in the two types.
Bacterial tonsilitis is mainly caused by the bacterium called streptoccocus.
There is high fever ,difficulty in swallowing, and enlarged tonsils sometimes with yellowish patches. The lymph glands at the angle between the lower jaw bone and the neck get enlarged and become painful
In virus tonsilitis yellowish patches do not occur , the fever is not that high, lymph gland enlargement in the neck is not so prominent and not so painful.
For bacterial tonsilitis antibiotics are required.
Viral tonsilitis does not require antibiotics.
I would not think that this could be determined by merely looking since infections of both bacterial and viral origin can both produce symptoms. Really, if you have not seen a doctor you really should.
Another thing that might be of interest to you to look up is "tonsil stones" or "tonsilloliths". This does not mean one has tonsilitis. Only your doctor can determine that. Remember, even fungal infections can affect the throat too. They may take a swab to see what it is.
Peace