Because the respiratory tract is a series of cavities (sinuses, lungs etc.), connected by air passages, viruses can spread from the nose to the sinuses and throat and into the middle ear trachea, larynx, bronchial tubes and lungs. Secondary infections spreading to these locations can cause complications, some quite serious.
Acute inflammation of the tonsils is usually caused by a bacteria although it is sometimes also due to a virus. Most doctors take a throat culture before prescribing antibiotics. Tonsillitis can usually be diagnosed by the red and inflamed condition of the tonsils and by swollen glands and tenderness under the neck and jaw. The condition is often accompanied by a feeling of being ill, by pain on swallowing and by an extremely sore throat, a headache, fever and chills.
However, tonsillitis is primarily a disease of child* hood, hence the treatment just described may not be possible. If symptoms persist longer than two days, consult a physician.
*149\30\4*
