Tonsillitis Symptoms, Treatment, Causes & More

Tonsillitis Signs & Symptoms

A sore throat is often the main symptom of tonsillitis. If symptoms feel like a cold, such as a runny or blocked nose, sneezing & coughing, a virus is most likely the cause. A sore throat, plus sudden, severe fever & swollen lymph nodes, without cold symptoms, is more likely to be a bacterial infection, which means you should see a doctor, & probably require a strep test & a course of antibiotics.

Common Signs & Symptoms of Tonsillitis include:

• Red, swollen tonsils with pus
• Raw, bleeding patches on the tonsils
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fever
• Bad breath
• Nasal congestion & runny nose
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Headache
• Abdominal pain

Bacterial infections will show symptoms, including a sore throat, with at least two of the following:

• A fever of 38.3°C (101°F) or higher
• White or yellow coating on the tonsils
• Swollen, tender tonsils
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• A rash
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Severe difficulty swallowing
• Pain on only one side of the throat

Diagnosis of Tonsiliitis

A doctor will examine the throat to see if the tonsils are red & swollen, with spots or sores. These are signs &U symptoms of tonsillitis. A rapid strep test may be conducted, & a throat culture taken, if streptococcus bacterial infection is suspected. Expect some questions regarding recent health & longer-term history of past throat infections. If tonsillitis occurs frequently, choice of treatment may include removal of the tonsils. There may also be a test for mononucleosis. Mononucleosis, or glandular fever, is a common illness caused by a virus, spread by saliva. Often seen in teens & young adults, it causes a bad sore throat, swollen neck glands, & a fever.

Tonsiliitis Treatment

Viral, acute tonsillitis caused by a virus will usually go away on its own within ten days. Throat pain can be alleviated by drinking plenty of fluids such as warm teas over-the-counter pain medicine, & other home treatments, as listed below. If your tonsillitis is bacterial, antibiotic treatment may be recommended. Medcare, & many other medical professionals, only suggest surgery to remove tonsils (tonsillectomy) when serious tonsil problems are apparent. These include recurrent infection (chronic tonsillitis) or long-lasting infections that do not heal & hinder everyday activities.

Tonsillectomy

Surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) is a fairly common procedure, particularly for children, but isn’t performed as often as it used to be. Tonsillectomy might be considered when serious complications, recurrent infections, or chronic infections that do not respond to treatment & interfere with normal daily activities are present. For some children, tonsillectomy can greatly improve quality of life. Children most likely to benefit from tonsillectomy are those who have:

• Seven or more episodes of tonsillitis in a year.
• Five or more episodes a year for the past two years.
• Three or more episodes a year for the past three years.

Tonsillectomy is more likely when some of these episodes result in missing school, trouble sleeping, or suffering from other issues, such as:

• Tonsillitis lasting longer than three months, despite medication
• Obstructed air passages
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty talking because of nasal obstruction
• Tonsils that bleed heavily

Home Remedies for Tonsillitis

Home treatments such as drinking warm tea & taking over-the-counter pain medicine may help relieve discomfort. Home treatment can ease sore throats, & symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, & coughing.

Home Remedies for Tonsillitis Include:

• Regular gargling with warm salt water (in children aged eight or older)
• Drinking warm liquids (whichever feels better)
• Eating flavored ice pops, such as popsicles
• Getting plenty of rest
• Using a vaporizer or humidifier in the bedroom
• Using throat lozenges
• Using throat sprays & gargles

Foods to Eat when You have Tonsillitis

Most tonsillitis sufferers naturally tend to favour soft, liquid & cold foods. These include:

• Soup
• Pasta
• Scrambled or boiled eggs
• Mashed potato or other root vegetables
• Porridge
• Soft boiled vegetables & stewed fruits
• Ice cream
• Frozen yogurt
• Smoothies

Mint chewing gum can have a soothing effect on a sore throat. Harder foods – which may cause irritation or scratch an already sensitive throat, are best avoided, such as:

• Chips/crisps
• Acidic fruit juices & soda
• Alcohol & coffee
• Crusty bread
• Crackers
• Dry cereal
• Toast
• Raw carrots & apples
• Spicy or especially rich foods