Tonsillitis
What are the symptoms of Tonsillitis?
- Difficulty swallowing
- Ear pain
- Fever, chills
- Headache
- Sore throat - lasts longer than 48 hours and may be severe
- Tenderness of the jaw and throat
- Voice changes, loss of voice
What causes Tonsillitis?
The tonsils are lymph nodes in the back of the mouth and top of the throat. They normally help to filter out bacteria and other microorganisms to prevent infection in the body.
They may become so overwhelmed by bacterial or viral infection that they swell and become inflamed, causing tonsillitis. The infection may also be present in the throat and surrounding areas, causing inflammation of the pharynx. The pharynx is in the back of the throat, between the tonsils and the voicebox (larynx).
Tonsillitis is extremely common, particularly in children.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if:
- A sore throat lasts longer than 48 hours
- New symptoms develop
- Symptoms get worse
- You have other symptoms with the sore throat
Diagnosis
The health care provider will look in the mouth and throat for swollen tonsils. The tonsils are usually reddened and may have white spots on them. The lymph nodes in the jaw and neck may be swollen and tender to the touch.
Tests that may be done include:
- Rapid strep test
- Throat swab culture
Treatment options
If the cause of the tonsillitis is bacteria such as strep, antibiotics are given to cure the infection. The antibiotics may be given once as a shot, or taken for 10 days by mouth.
If antibiotic pills are used, they must be taken for the entire amount of time prescribed by the doctor. DO NOT stop taking them just because the discomfort stops, or the infection may not be cured.
Rest to allow the body to heal. Fluids, especially warm (not hot), bland fluids or very cold fluids may soothe the throat. Gargle with warm salt water or suck on lozenges (containing benzocaine or similar ingredients) to reduce pain.
Over-the-counter medications.
Some people who have repeated infections may need surgery to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy).
