Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
التهاب اللوزتين
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, usually due to a viral or bacterial infection, causing sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever. Most cases are viral and improve with supportive care, while bacterial ones need an antibiotic. Tonsillectomy is considered when severe inflammation recurs.
What is Tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, two masses of lymphatic tissue at the back of the throat that form part of the immune system and help fight infections entering through the mouth and nose. When infected, they swell and redden and swallowing becomes painful.
Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by viruses similar to those causing colds; these need no antibiotic and improve within days. A portion of cases is caused by bacteria, most notably streptococcus (the cause of strep throat), which need diagnosis and antibiotic treatment to avoid complications. Distinguishing between the two types is therefore important to avoid overusing antibiotics.
Tonsillitis is very common in children but can affect any age. Most cases are mild and managed at home with rest, fluids, and pain relievers, with a doctor's visit for severe or recurrent symptoms. In cases of severe recurrence that affects a child's life and schooling, the doctor may suggest tonsillectomy as a definitive solution after careful assessment.
Symptoms
- Sore throat and pain and difficulty swallowing.
- Red, swollen tonsils that may show white patches.
- Fever and headache.
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.
- Voice change and bad breath.
Causes
- Viral infection (the most common).
- Bacterial infection, especially streptococcus.
- Spread through respiratory droplets from an infected person.
Diagnosis
- Clinical examination of the throat and neck.
- A throat swab or rapid test to detect streptococcus.
- A blood test when needed to rule out other causes.
Treatment
Viral
- Rest, fluids, pain relievers, fever reducers, and salt-water gargling.
Bacterial
- An antibiotic by prescription, and the full course must be completed.
Severe recurrence
- Tonsillectomy may be considered after the doctor's assessment.
This content is educational and does not replace medical advice; antibiotics are prescription-only.
Complications
- A peritonsillar abscess in severe cases.
- Spread of infection or breathing difficulty with severe swelling.
- Rheumatic fever if strep infection is left untreated.
Prevention
- Frequent handwashing.
- Avoiding sharing utensils and food with infected people.
- Covering the mouth when coughing and sneezing.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for severe sore throat, high fever, or marked difficulty swallowing, and go to the emergency department for difficulty breathing or opening the mouth or drooling. Book an appointment with an ENT specialist or pediatrician on ClinicsJo.