Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is infection and inflammation of the tonsils, the two lumps of lymphoid tissue at either side of the throat. It is common in childhood, most frequent in children over two, and affects adults less often. A virus is the usual cause, such as a cold; bacteria, notably the strep throat organism, are responsible in a smaller share of cases. Patients typically have a sore throat, often severe, with red and swollen tonsils, painful swallowing, fever, headache, earache and tender neck glands, and white patches or pus may appear. A pus-filled abscess between the tonsil and the throat wall (quinsy) is the main complication worth naming. Diagnosis rests on examining the throat and neck, with a throat swab for rapid strep testing or laboratory culture. Viral cases settle without medicine and bacterial cases receive antibiotics, while tonsil removal is considered for frequent recurrences.

Seek emergency care for severe breathlessness, blue lips, breathing that does not improve with a reliever inhaler, or confusion. See a doctor for a cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood, fever with chest pain, or wheeze that limits daily activity. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.