Signs & Symptoms of Chronic Cryptic Tonsillitis

The tonsils, located at the back of the throat on either side, are part of the immune system that help prevent infections and bacteria from entering the body. There are several kinds of tonsillitis, including audult, acute, viral, cryptic and chronic cryptic. Chronic cryptic tonsillitis is a form that comes and goes. Although medication can help, the usual treatment is removal of the tonsils.

Pain

• According to Diseases A to Z, pain occurs as the tonsils become filled with bacteria and viruses that cause infection. It may become difficult to swallow or painful to eat or drink. Breathing can be impaired because the tonsils will swell. Talking may be difficult, as the tonsils are extremely painful and the tongue cannot easily accommodate the swollen tonsils.

Fever

• Diseases A to Z says that fevers can spike to 104 or 105 degrees Fahrenheit as the infection worsens. Fever is the body's effort to kill the infection by heating the body, but it can be uncomfortable and make sleeping difficult. Fever can appear and disappear throughout the illness.

Swelling

• The tonsils swell as they are infected and fill with discharge and secretions from the bacterial and viral agents causing the illness, reports Diseases A to Z. Glands in the neck also will swell, giving the entire neck and throat a swollen appearance.

Discharge

• A yellow, gray or white coating of discharge will coat the tonsils, according to Diseases A to Z. This discharge is a secretion from the bacteria infecting the tonsils and exits via crypts in the tonsils. Sufferers often experience bad breath and a sour taste as a result. Many people who have this purulent discharge also lose their appetites.