Tonsillitis refers to inflammation of the tonsils. It is usually caused by either a viral or a bacterial illness.
Tonsillitis affects children, adolescents, and young adults.
The symptoms of tonsillitis are:
- A sore throat and pain while swallowing
- earache
- High temperature (fever over 38C/100.4F)
- Coughing
- headache
The symptoms usually disappear within 3 to 4 days.
Your GP may examine your throat if necessary and ask some questions about symptoms. A throat swab may be required to confirm a diagnosis. Results usually take up to a week.
They may prescribe antibacterials if bacteria cause your tonsillitis. White pus-filled patches on the tonsils characterize a bacterial infection. There may also be no cough or swollen lymph glands.
Your GP may suggest a test for glandular disease if you have severe tonsillitis in an adult or teenager.
The Tonsils
Tonsils are small glands located on either side of the throat. They act as a barrier to infection and help fight germs in young children.
The tonsils can stop the spread of infection when they become infected.
The tonsils shrink and become less significant as a child’s immunity develops. The body can fight off infection in most people without tonsils.
The tonsils should only be removed if serious or repeated tonsillitis episodes (see below).
What is the cause of tonsillitis?
Most tonsillitis cases are caused by viral infections, such as those that cause the common flu and influenza.
Some cases are also caused by a bacterial strain called group A Streptococcus.
This type of infection spreads quickly. To avoid spreading the disease to others, you should:
- Please stay away from public areas, like work, school, or nursery, until your doctor says it is safe to return (usually when the symptoms have subsided).
- Coughing and sneezing in a tissue, then throwing the tissue away.
- Washing hands before eating and after using the toilet, and, if you can, after coughing or sneezing, is recommended.
Learn more about the causes of tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis Treatment
You can reduce symptoms of tonsillitis by:
- Take paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain relief
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Resting well is important
If bacteria cause your tonsillitis, you might be prescribed a short course of oral antibiotics.
In the hospital, intravenous (directly into a vein given) antibiotics may be required if oral antibiotics do not work to treat bacterial tonsillitis.
Chronic tonsillitis
Tonsillitis usually clears up within a week. Some children and adults may have tonsillitis that lasts longer or keeps returning. It is called chronic tonsillitis, and surgery may be required.
Tonsillectomy is only recommended when:
- You’ve experienced several episodes of severe tonsillitis in a short period
- Repeated attacks disrupt normal activities
Learn more about the treatment of tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis can lead to complications.
Tonsillitis complications are rare and usually occur only if the infection is bacterial. These complications are generally caused by the disease spreading into another part of your body.
The following are possible complications of tonsillitis:
- A middle-ear infection (otitis media) is when bacteria infect the inner ear and eardrum fluid.
- The abscess between the tonsil and the throat wall is called a quinsy.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnoea is when the walls of the throat relax while sleeping, causing breathing problems and poor sleep.
Other rare complications occur only if the underlying infection is not treated. These include:
- Scarlet fever is a skin condition that results in a pink-red rash.
- Rheumatic fever is a widespread inflammatory condition that causes joint pain, rashes, and jerky movements.
- Glomerulonephritis is an infection of the kidneys’ filters, which can cause nausea and vomiting.
