What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is when your tonsils become infected and swollen. Your tonsils are at the back of your throat on each side of your mouth. They help babies build up immunity to germs, but after the first year of life become unnecessary.

Tonsillitis is more common in children and can occur repeatedly or occasionally. Acute tonsillitis can last four to six days.

What causes tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is caused by germs (either viruses or bacteria). The tonsils become red, swollen and painful. Occasionally, pus may also be seen on the tonsils.

Tonsillitis may also be part of glandular fever.

What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?

Sore throat, fever, muscle aches and swollen glands on either side of the neck.

What does treatment involve?

Visit the doctor

Although most cases of tonsillitis are caused by a virus and cannot be treated with antibiotics, it is still important that the child with a sore throat visits the doctor. One of the germs that cause tonsillitis (Streptococcus) can also cause rheumatic fever or inflammation of the kidneys.

Rest

Children and adults need rest to recover from tonsillitis.

Pain relief

Paracetamol for children, or paracetamol or aspirin-based products for adults, may help relieve the pain and temperature. Do not give children under 16 years aspirin as it may cause Reye's syndrome - a serious condition. If unsure of any product, ask your pharmacist for individual advice. Take pain relief products as directed on the product label.

Antibiotics

Sometimes your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. It is important to complete the course of the antibiotic to stop it returning, or creating any other health problems.

Diet

Make sure plenty of fluids are drunk, especially if there is fever. Do not worry if your child has not eaten much for a few days, as long as they are drinking. Offer cold drinks, sips of ice to suck or ice blocks. Jelly and ice cream may be appreciated. Children and the older adults should be taken to the doctor if they have not managed to drink anything for 15 hours.

Gargle

A gargle with warm salt water can be used to relieve sore throats, remove secretions and promote healing.

Try to gargle with water as warm as you can stand it. Mix one cup of warm water with one to two tablespoons of salt and stir until it is dissolved. Take a mouthful and gargle for as long as you can before spitting the mouthful out. Repeat another three times - you don't have to use the whole cup.

Surgery to remove the tonsils

Some people who have frequent bouts of tonsillitis will require an operation to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy).

After the operation there is usually some slight oozing of blood which quickly stops. The patient will have a sore throat for several days. Bleeding can occur after the operation and your doctor should be told, especially if it happens more than 24 hours after the operation. You should also tell your doctor if there is any ear discomfort or a fever that lasts longer than three days.

The patient should stay at home for two to three weeks after the operation and stay away from anyone who might bring infections.

For further information and support talk to your doctor or practice nurse.

Written by Anna Mickell RCpN. Reviewed by everybody, February 2005.