What is tonsillitis? Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, the two areas of immune tissue at the back of the throat. It is common in children but can occur at any age. Most acute cases are caused by viruses; some are caused by bacteria, including group A streptococcus.
Symptoms Symptoms may include sore throat, fever, painful swallowing, red or swollen tonsils, white patches, tender neck glands, bad breath and tiredness. Young children may refuse food or fluids. Cough, runny nose and hoarseness are more commonly associated with viral infections, although symptoms alone cannot always identify the cause.
Diagnosis A clinician examines the throat and reviews the symptoms. A rapid strep test or throat culture may be used when bacterial infection is suspected. Testing is important because not every sore throat requires antibiotics.
Treatment Viral tonsillitis usually improves with rest, fluids and appropriate pain or fever relief. Antibiotics are used for confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial infection according to clinical guidance. Patients should complete the prescribed course. Children and adults should avoid sharing utensils and practise hand hygiene to reduce spread.
When is urgent care needed? Seek urgent medical help for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow fluids, drooling, dehydration, severe neck stiffness, rapidly worsening symptoms or marked swelling on one side. A peritonsillar abscess may cause severe one-sided pain, a muffled voice and difficulty opening the mouth and requires prompt treatment.
Recurrent tonsillitis Repeated episodes can affect school, work, sleep and quality of life. Keeping a record of dates, test results, fever, antibiotics and missed school or work helps the ENT specialist assess whether tonsillectomy may be appropriate. The number of episodes is important, but severity and complications also matter.
Prevention Frequent hand washing, avoiding close contact while unwell and not sharing cups or utensils may reduce transmission. Tonsillitis itself may be infectious when caused by a virus or bacterium, although enlarged tonsils are not contagious.
This article is for general education and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tonsillitis usually viral?
Yes. Many acute cases are viral, although bacterial tonsillitis also occurs.
Does every case need antibiotics?
No. Antibiotics are used for bacterial infection, not routine viral illness.
Is tonsillitis contagious?
The virus or bacterium causing it may spread between people.
What is a peritonsillar abscess?
It is a pocket of infection beside a tonsil that can cause severe one-sided pain and requires urgent treatment.
When is ENT assessment useful?
For recurrent episodes, airway obstruction, sleep problems, abscesses or an uncertain diagnosis.
This information is for education only and does not replace medical assessment or treatment by a qualified physician.