What is the main symptom of tonsillitis?

The main symptom of tonsillitis is throat pain. Tonsillitis involves the inflammation of the tonsils, which are located at the back of the throat. This inflammation can lead to a sore throat that may range from mild discomfort to severe pain when swallowing or talking. The pain is typically a result of the tonsils becoming enlarged and inflamed, which can irritate surrounding tissues.

While headaches, cramping, and dizziness may occur in conjunction with other illnesses, they are not the primary symptoms of tonsillitis. The hallmark sign is the pain encountered in the throat region, often accompanied by redness and swelling of the tonsils. This direct relationship between the condition of the tonsils and the experience of throat pain underscores why this symptom is recognized as the main one associated with tonsillitis.