Tonsillitis: symptoms and care

The tonsils are tissues on either side of the throat that help the immune system. Their inflammation is called tonsillitis. Viruses are the most common cause, although some bacteria also cause infection. Enlarged tonsils and an infection are not the same thing.

The clinician asks about symptom duration, previous episodes and medicines, then examines the throat and neck. A throat swab or other tests may be needed. Antibiotics do not work against viruses; a clinician selects appropriate treatment for bacterial infection.

If you can swallow, keep taking fluids, rest and choose soft foods you tolerate. Ask a clinician or pharmacist about pain or fever medicine suitable for the person’s age and health. Do not give children lozenges, herbal products or aspirin without appropriate advice.

Repeated infections or enlargement affecting breathing or swallowing need ENT assessment. Surgery is not the answer to every sore throat; the impact of episodes, benefits, risks and alternatives should be discussed together.

Get same-day assessment if unable to drink or becoming markedly worse. Breathing difficulty, inability to swallow saliva or drooling, rapidly increasing throat swelling or inability to open the mouth require emergency care; call 112 for breathing difficulty. Do not try to manage these signs with gargles at home.