Tonsillitis — Symptoms, Treatment & When to See a Specialist
A painful sore throat, swollen tonsils and a temperature — usually gone in a week. When tonsillitis keeps coming back, a consultant ENT surgeon can assess whether more needs to be done.
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils — the two pads of tissue at the back of the throat — most often caused by a virus, and sometimes by bacteria.
A single bout usually clears within a week with rest, fluids and pain relief. It becomes a problem when attacks keep recurring, disrupting school, work and sleep; that's when an ENT opinion on the options, including whether tonsil surgery is worth considering, can help.
Symptoms of tonsillitis.
Symptoms come on quickly and are often worse in children, who may complain of tummy ache rather than a sore throat.
Why it happens.
Tonsillitis is caught from other people through coughs, sneezes and close contact. Some factors make repeated attacks more likely.
Don't wait for it to settle.
Early assessment helps you get the right treatment sooner. See a specialist if:
Assessed by a consultant ENT surgeon.
Mr Jones takes a history of how often the infections happen, how severe they are and how much time they cost you, then examines your throat, tonsils and neck. Keeping a simple record of each bout — dates, symptoms and any treatment — makes the assessment far more useful.
How tonsillitis is managed.
Most tonsillitis is managed at home; specialist input is about recurrent or unusual cases.
Assessment of recurrent or persistent tonsil problems in adults and children, with a clear recommendation on next steps.
Review after a period of keeping a record of infections, or after treatment.
Rest, fluids, paracetamol or ibuprofen and soothing drinks; antibiotics only help when bacteria are the cause.
If repeated attacks meet the usual criteria, Mr Jones discusses tonsillectomy and explains where it can be carried out — the operation itself isn't performed at the clinic.
Mr Huw Jones is a substantive ENT consultant at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
One consultant for the whole family's throat problems.
You'll hear whether your history meets the criteria for tonsillectomy — and if not, why.
Book an ENT consultation directly.
Consultation £200, follow-up £150.
Is tonsillitis contagious? +
Tonsillitis itself isn't passed on, but the viruses and bacteria that cause it are, through coughs, sneezes, kissing and sharing cups or cutlery. People are usually most infectious while symptoms are at their worst. Hand-washing and not sharing drinks help protect others.
How long does tonsillitis last? +
Most bouts improve within three to four days and clear within a week. If symptoms last longer than a week, keep getting worse, or you can't swallow fluids, get medical advice.
Does tonsillitis go away on its own? +
Usually, yes. Most tonsillitis is viral and settles with rest, fluids and pain relief. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed when a bacterial infection is likely, but they don't help viral tonsillitis.
When are tonsils taken out? +
Tonsillectomy is generally considered when sore throats from tonsillitis are frequent and severe — roughly seven or more significant bouts in one year, five a year for two years, or three a year for three years — or for other problems such as quinsy or enlarged tonsils affecting breathing during sleep. Mr Jones will assess your history against these criteria.
What causes tonsil stones, and how do I get rid of them? +
Tonsil stones form when food debris, mucus and bacteria collect in the small pockets of the tonsils and harden. Gargling with salt water and good oral hygiene often loosen them. Don't dig at them with sharp objects; if they keep coming back or cause discomfort, an ENT surgeon can advise.
Can tonsillitis be dangerous? +
Serious complications are uncommon. The main one is a quinsy — a collection of pus beside the tonsil — which causes severe one-sided pain, difficulty opening the mouth and a muffled voice. Trouble breathing or swallowing needs urgent help: call 999 or go to A&E.
Don't put up with it.
Book an assessment with a consultant and get a clear picture — and a plan.