Tonsillitis is common in children up to the age of about ten, but can occur at all ages. It is usually caused by a virus, but about one-third are actually caused by bacteria. It is not possible to tell the difference between viral causes and bacterial causes without doing tests. One nasty and relatively common complication of tonsillitis is the development of an abscess in the tissues around the tonsil, and this is known as a peritonsillar abscess, or quinsy.

Pus collects around the tonsil and might go on to spread over the roof of the mouth and to the neck, chest and lungs. Symptoms can include swelling of the face and neck, problems with opening the mouth, a fever, and very bad smelling breath.

In extreme cases an abscess might block the airway causing breathing problems, and this will then be considered a life-threatening emergency.

Although they are rare and tonsillitis on its own is not usually considered a serious illness, peritonsillar abscesses are often caused by a type of bacteria called Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci and it is best to be aware that they can occur. Antibiotics must be prescribed and a small operation is also usually necessary to drain the pus out of the abscess.

My sister had tonsils. It was really painful after that is removed. She cannot able to open her mouth.

Tonsillectomy can be painful thing especially after the even but it is well worth it for the end of that horrible tonsillitis that lows so many people low as the cold an cough season comes upon us.

If the problem go on too long after the op or if they are not the problems that you were told to look out for, and seem to be worse, the you should immediately go back to the doctor and check that everything is OK.