Pharyngitis and tonsillitis
Pharyngitis and tonsillitis are infections in the throat that cause inflammation. If the tonsils are primarily affected, it is called tonsillitis. If the throat is primarily affected, it is called pharyngitis. A child might even have inflammation and infection of both the tonsils and the throat. This would be called pharyngotonsillitis. These infections are spread by close contact with other individuals. Bacterial infections are more common during the winter. Viral infections are more common in summer and fall.
Facts about pharyngitis and tonsillitis
- Pharyngitis and tonsillitis are most commonly seen in children between the ages of 6 and 8.
- Children under age 2 rarely develop group A ß - hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS), or strep throat.
What causes pharyngitis and tonsillitis?
There are many causes of infections in the throat. The following are the most common infectious agents:
Viruses
- Adenovirus
- Influenza virus
- Epstein-Barr virus
- Herpes simplex virus
Bacteria
- Group A ß - hemolytic streptococci (GABHS)
- Neisseria gonorrhea
- Haemophilus influenzae Type B
- Mycoplasma
Fungal infections
Parasitic infections
Cigarette smoke