Tonsillitis: Symptoms & Signs (Acute Tonsillitis, Subacute Tonsillitis, Chronic Tonsillitis)

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Alternate Names : Acute Tonsillitis, Subacute Tonsillitis, Chronic Tonsillitis

There are three forms of tonsillitis:

acute, with rapid onset of significant symptoms

subacute, with a slow onset of less obvious symptoms

chronic, with intermittent symptoms that persist over time

Symptoms of acute tonsillitis include:

the rapid onset of severe sore throat that worsens over time

moderate to high fever

red, enlarged tonsils that may or may not have pus on the surface or in the pits

swollen or tender lymph nodes below the jaw

Symptoms of subacute tonsillitis can last from 3 weeks to 3 months, and include:

somewhat enlarged tonsils

foul-smelling, pasty, infected material that collects inside the pits on the tonsils

fluctuating mild to moderate sore throat

foul taste in the mouth

mildly swollen, tender lymph nodes

Symptoms of chronic tonsillitis include:

enlarged, mildly red tonsils that are scarred with large pits

slightly enlarged lymph nodes that are not usually tender

sore throat that comes and goes

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Tonsillitis: Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors		Tonsillitis: Diagnosis & Tests

Author: William Stevens, MD
Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed: 08/09/01

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