What is Tonsillitis ?
Tonsillitis is when the tonsils become infected and swollen. The tonsils are small glands at the back of your throat that help your body fight germs. When they become inflamed, you may feel pain when swallowing, notice redness in your throat, or see white or yellow patches on the tonsils. The condition can affect people of any age, but it is more common in children and teenagers.
Symptoms associated with Tonsillitis
You may notice a range of symptoms when you have tonsillitis. They can appear one at a time or develop together:
- Sore throat – your throat may feel scratchy or painful
- Pain or difficulty when swallowing – eating or drinking can be uncomfortable
- Red or swollen tonsils – the back of your throat may look inflamed
- White or yellow spots on the tonsils – small patches of pus can appear on the surface
- Swollen glands in your neck – the lymph nodes may feel tender or enlarged
- Fever or chills – your body may feel hot or shivery as it fights infection
- Bad breath – bacteria and inflammation can cause an unpleasant smell
- Earache – pain may spread from your throat to your ears
- Tiredness – your body can feel run down while recovering from infection
These symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may impact you for a few days or longer depending on the cause.
Causes of Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is most often caused by an infection. The tonsils react when viruses or bacteria enter your body through your mouth or nose.
Common causes include:
- Viral infections – such as the common cold, flu, or other respiratory viruses
- Bacterial infections – most often caused by streptococcal bacteria (strep throat)
You can catch these infections through close contact with someone who is unwell, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or nose. Frequent infections can lead to repeated bouts of tonsillitis.
How is Tonsillitis Diagnosed?
A doctor will start by asking about your symptoms and examining your throat. They will look at the tonsils for redness, swelling, or patches. They may also feel the glands in your neck and check your temperature.
If a bacterial infection is suspected, a throat swab may be taken to test for bacteria such as streptococcus. In some cases, a blood test may be used to rule out other illnesses. This helps decide whether antibiotics are needed or if the infection is likely to clear on its own.
What Treatments are there for Tonsillitis?
Treatment depends on what is causing the infection and how severe your symptoms are.
Common options include:
- Self-care – rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and using throat lozenges or warm drinks can ease discomfort
- Pain relief – medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and fever
- Antibiotics – prescribed if the infection is caused by bacteria and not likely to clear on its own
- Surgery – if you have repeated infections or ongoing problems with breathing or swallowing, removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be recommended
Most cases improve within a week, but treatment can help you recover more comfortably and reduce the risk of complications.
When to Seek Medical Help
You should get medical advice if your symptoms do not improve after a few days or are getting worse. Seek help straight away if you:
- Have difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Cannot keep fluids down
- Develop severe pain on one side of the throat or neck
- Have a high fever that does not reduce with pain relief
- Notice swelling that makes it hard to open your mouth
Prompt assessment can help prevent complications and make sure you get the right treatment.
Why go private with Mid-Ulster Clinic for Your Tonsillitis Treatment?
Getting the right care for tonsillitis can ease your symptoms sooner and help prevent it from coming back. Choosing private treatment means you can be seen quickly and receive advice that suits your situation. Here’s what we offer:
- Fast access to appointments without long waiting times
- Consultations with experienced doctors who manage throat and gland infections
- Careful examination of your symptoms, with throat swabs or blood tests if needed
- Treatment plans based on the cause of your tonsillitis and your medical history
- Support if you have repeated infections or need to consider surgery
- A comfortable, private setting where you can discuss your concerns
We’re here to help you recover and feel more at ease. Book an appointment today.
- Medically Reviewed
