Which statement best describes tonsillitis?

• A. The inflammation and swelling of the palatine tonsils; treatment involves antibiotics.
• B. Inflammation of the adenoids causing nasal obstruction.
• C. A chronic skin condition.
• D. A type of autoimmune joint disease.

Answer: (A)

Inflammation and swelling of the palatine tonsils is tonsillitis. The palatine tonsils are the pair of lymphoid tissues at the back of the throat, and when they become inflamed from viral or bacterial infection they swell and can cause a sore throat and fever. Antibiotics are used when a bacterial cause is suspected or confirmed (most commonly group A Streptococcus), though many cases are viral and managed with supportive care like fluids, rest, and pain relief. The other statements describe conditions that affect different structures or are unrelated (inflammation of the adenoids causing nasal obstruction, a chronic skin condition, and an autoimmune joint disease).