follicular tonsillitis

tonsillitis /ton·sil·li·tis/ (-li´tis) inflammation of the tonsils, especially the palatine tonsils.

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follicular tonsillitis  tonsillitis especially affecting the crypts.

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follicular tonsillitis

Etymology: L, folliculus, a small bag, tonsilla + Gk, itis, inflammation

inflammation of the tonsils accompanied by a purulent infection of the tonsillar crypts.

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tonsillitis [ton″sĭ-li´tis]

inflammation and enlargement of a tonsil, especially the palatine tonsils. Enlarged tonsils and adenoids need not be a cause for concern unless they become a source of chronic infection or interfere with swallowing or breathing. They may become enlarged in the process of filtering out frequent, mild infections. Also, the adenoids usually grow larger in children until about the age of 5 years, and then they may cease to be troublesome. Tonsils are part of the lymphatic system, which aids the body in fighting off infections and “invasions” of foreign matter. Although their exact purpose is unknown, they are believed to act as filters and fighters of bacteria, guarding the entrances to the throat and nasal passages. Sometimes, however, they are overcome by the invading bacteria and become infected. One form of infection sometimes causing tonsillitis is streptococcal infection of the throat.

Symptoms and Treatment. A mild case of tonsillitis may appear to be only a slight sore throat. Symptoms of acute tonsillitis are inflamed, swollen tonsils and a very sore throat, with high fever, rapid pulse, and general weakness. Swallowing is difficult and the lymph nodes in the neck may become swollen and painful. Occasionally in an attack of severe tonsillitis an abscess may form around the tonsil, a condition called quinsy. Treatment usually consists of administration of antibiotics, with gargles and rest. When tonsillitis is recurrent and troublesome, however, it may be necessary to remove the tonsils surgically (tonsillectomy).

follicular tonsillitis tonsillitis especially affecting the crypts.

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tonsillitis

inflammation and enlargement of a tonsil, especially the palatine tonsils.

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follicular tonsillitis

tonsillitis especially affecting the crypts.

parenchymatous tonsillitis

that affecting the whole substance of the tonsil.

pustular tonsillitis

a variety characterized by formation of pustules.