What causes tonsillitis?
Nov 28, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
The main causes of tonsillitis include viral and bacterial infections, decreased immunity, spread of inflammation from adjacent organs, environmental irritants, and the impact of unhealthy lifestyle habits. As part of the immune barrier, the tonsils are susceptible to various factors that can trigger inflammation. If symptoms such as persistent sore throat, fever lasting more than 3 days, or difficulty swallowing occur, prompt medical attention is recommended.
The main causes of tonsillitis include viral or bacterial infections, decreased immunity, spread of inflammation from adjacent organs, environmental irritants, and the impact of unhealthy lifestyle habits. As an immune barrier, the tonsils are susceptible to various factors that can trigger inflammation. If symptoms such as persistent sore throat, fever lasting more than 3 days, or difficulty swallowing occur, prompt medical attention is recommended.
1. Viral or bacterial infection: Pathogens such as influenza virus, adenovirus, or hemolytic streptococcus invade through the respiratory tract and multiply in the tonsillar crypts, causing mucosal congestion and swelling. This is the most common direct cause of tonsillitis.
2. Decreased immunity: Excessive fatigue, staying up late, and malnutrition can reduce overall immunity, weakening the tonsils' defensive function and making them vulnerable to pathogen invasion, thus increasing the risk of inflammatory episodes or recurrence.
3. Spread of inflammation from adjacent organs: Inflammation in the nasal cavity, sinuses, or pharynx, if not promptly controlled, may spread via the mucous membranes to the tonsils, leading to secondary infection and inflammation.
4. Environmental irritation: Prolonged exposure to dusty or smoky polluted environments, or frequent contact with cold air and irritating gases, can damage the tonsillar mucosa, reduce its resistance, and increase the risk of infection.
5. Impact of unhealthy lifestyle habits: Long-term smoking and alcohol consumption, excessive intake of spicy foods, or poor oral hygiene allow food debris to accumulate and bacteria to grow, continuously irritating the tonsils and promoting inflammatory responses.
To prevent tonsillitis, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth twice daily and rinsing mouth after meals; avoid spicy, irritating foods as well as tobacco and alcohol; maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid staying up late; engage in moderate exercise to boost immunity; stay away from polluted environments, and use appropriate respiratory protection when outdoors to minimize irritation to the tonsils.
