Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is infection and inflammation of the tonsils, the two pads of tissue at the back of the throat. Most episodes are caused by viruses and settle in a few days; some are caused by bacteria such as streptococcus. It is most common in children and young adults. A child or adult who has frequent, severe attacks, or whose large tonsils cause snoring and pauses in breathing at night, may benefit from having the tonsils removed.
Find a ENT SpecialistMedically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Sore throat and pain on swallowing
- Red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches
- Fever
- Swollen, tender glands in the neck
- Bad breath
- Loud snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep (enlarged tonsils)
- In young children: drooling, refusing food, or tummy ache
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if a sore throat lasts more than a few days, is severe, or keeps returning. See an ENT surgeon if you or your child has many attacks a year, attacks that disrupt school or work, or snoring with pauses in breathing. Go to an emergency department for difficulty breathing, being unable to swallow saliva, drooling, a muffled voice, or severe pain on one side with difficulty opening the mouth, which can be a quinsy (an abscess beside the tonsil).
Treatment options
- Rest, fluids and paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Antibiotics, usually penicillin, when a bacterial cause is likely
- Drainage of a quinsy
- Tonsillectomy for recurrent severe tonsillitis or breathing problems during sleep
- Adenotonsillectomy in children whose adenoids are also enlarged
What it costs on Mezo
Published cash prices for the operations used to treat this condition. Your own quote follows an examination.
Common Questions
Does every sore throat need antibiotics?
No. Most sore throats are viral and get better within a week without antibiotics. Taking them unnecessarily causes side effects and resistance. A doctor can judge from your symptoms, and sometimes a throat swab, whether a bacterial cause is likely.
How many attacks justify removing the tonsils?
A widely used guide is seven or more significant attacks in one year, five a year for two years, or three a year for three years, with the illness disrupting normal life. Breathing problems during sleep are another strong reason.
Will removing the tonsils weaken my child's immunity?
No. The tonsils are a small part of the immune system, and studies have not shown that removing them leaves children more prone to serious infection.
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