Carrier state is a condition in which a pathogen can be cultured but is not causing symptoms in the host. Chronic tonsillitis is an ill-defined entity, which may be associated with foci of bacteria deep in tonsillar tissue. It is characterized by persistent signs and symptoms of low-grade infection, including sore throat, malaise and abnormal tonsillar appearance. It may be acute or chronic. Despite continued respiratory effort, the airway above the larynx intermittently closes during sleep, resulting in cessation of airflow.
Peritonsillar abscess is pus in the peritonsillar space.
It may be preceded by peritonsillitis. Peritonsillitis is inflammation of the tissue surrounding the tonsils. It may be a precursor to peritonsillar abscess. Pharyngitis refers to generalized inflammation of the throat, which may be bacterial or viral in origin. Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsillar tissue, which may be viral or bacterial in origin.