ENT · Ear, nose and throat

Tonsillitis

Understand tonsil infection, its course and warning signs of an abscess.

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Understand

Tonsillitis is infectious inflammation of the tonsils on each side of the throat.

Sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, swollen glands, tiredness and sometimes white patches are common.

It is usually viral, although some cases are bacterial, including streptococcal infection.

Diagnosis uses the symptoms and examination of the throat and neck glands.

A throat swab or rapid test may look for bacteria; blood tests sometimes help when symptoms persist.

It often improves within three to four days; severe recurrent disease may warrant surgical assessment.

Rest, fluids, pain relief and local measures help; antibiotics are used only for selected bacterial infections.

Seek advice if symptoms last a week, recur or make drinking and eating difficult.

Rapid worsening, mouth or throat swelling, altered voice, inability to swallow, open the mouth or breathe is an emergency.

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.