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Where exactly are your tonsils located?
The tonsils (palatine tonsils) are a pair of soft tissue masses located at the rear of the throat (pharynx). Each tonsil is composed of tissue similar to lymph nodes, covered by pink mucosa (like on the adjacent mouth lining).
What should your tonsils normally look like?
Normal tonsils are usually about the same size and have the same pink color as the surrounding area. On their surfaces are little depressions, called crypts, which may appear deep and contain pus-filled pockets or tonsil stones.
Where are tonsils located from outside?
The palatine tonsils are located at the back of the throat. One tonsil is located on the left side of the throat and the other is located on the right side. The tonsils play a role in protecting the body against respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.
What do inflamed tonsils look like?
Inflamed tonsils look red and swollen, and may be covered with a yellow or whitish coating or spots. Someone with tonsillitis may have: a sore throat, which can be mild to severe. white spots or pus on the tonsils.
Why is one of my tonsils swollen?
Tonsillitis describes inflammation of one or more tonsil. The tonsils are located at the back of the throat, and a virus or bacterium usually causes the infection and inflammation. An infection in just one tonsil can cause pain on one side. It may also cause a fever, trouble swallowing, and noisy breathing.
Why are my tonsils so naturally big?
Enlarged tonsils can be a sign of infection or irritation from things like smoke or polluted air. Some people just naturally have larger tonsils. In other cases, there’s no known cause. Tonsillar hypertrophy is particularly common in children, though it can also affect adults.
What do swollen tonsils look like?
Common signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include: Red, swollen tonsils. White or yellow coating or patches on the tonsils. Sore throat.
What does infected tonsils look like?
Can you see your own tonsils?
You can normally see your tonsils by opening your mouth wide and looking in a mirror. They are the two fleshy lumps that you can see at the sides and back of the mouth.
What causes tonsils to be inflamed?
Your tonsils act as filters, trapping germs that could otherwise enter your airways and cause infection. They also make antibodies to fight infection. But sometimes, they get overwhelmed by bacteria or viruses. This can make them swollen and inflamed.
What causes tonsil inflammation?
The tonsils are lymph nodes in the back of the mouth and top of the throat. They help to filter out bacteria and other germs to prevent infection in the body. A bacterial or viral infection can cause tonsillitis. Strep throat is a common cause.
What causes tonsils to swell?
What does inflamed tonsils feel like?
bad breath. swollen, painful glands (which feel like lumps on the side of your neck) pus-filled spots on your tonsils that look white.