Tonsilitis

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is a common condition in which the tonsils become infected. The medical name for tonsilitis is ‘tonsillopharyngitis’, but most of us call it a ‘sore throat’.

The most common symptom of tonsilitis is throat pain. Tonsil inflammation can also cause difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes and a fever. If tonsilitis is caused by bacteria, a family medicine doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat is, and it usually clears up after a week.

What are our tonsils?

Our tonsils are two lumps of soft tissue found at the back of the throat. They play a part in our immune system by trapping germs that could make us unwell. If they become infected, the tonsils become swollen and sore.

What are the signs and symptoms of tonsillitis?

The symptoms of tonsillitis often come on quickly, and usually begin with a sore throat. Other symptoms may include:

• Difficulty or pain when swallowing
• Tonsils and throat that appear red and swollen
• White spots on the tonsils
• A covering on the tonsils that may be yellow, grey or white
• Fever
• Lymph nodes (found on the sides of the neck) that are swollen.

In some cases, tonsillitis can cause complications such as:

• Tonsil stones
• Tonsillar cellulitis
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Peritonsillar abscess

If bacterial tonsillitis is not treated, it may increase the risk of developing:

• Rheumatic fever
• Scarlet fever
• Poststreptococcal reactive arthritis (joint pain and swelling)
• Kidney inflammation.

What causes tonsilitis?

Tonsilitis can be caused by an infection that is either viral (caused by a virus) or bacterial (caused by bacteria).

Most cases of tonsillitis are viral, caused by viruses that are similar to those causing a cold or flu. Viral tonsilitis usually causes milder symptoms than bacterial tonsilitis.

Bacterial tonsillitis is caused by bacteria such as Group A Streptococcus. It is sometimes referred to as ‘strep throat’ and usually causes more severe symptoms. It is possible to have strep throat without tonsilitis (it affects the throat and not the tonsils).

How common is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is very common in children but can also affect adults. It is highly contagious because the viruses and bacteria that cause it can be easily spread between people.

Tonsillitis can be spread by coming into close contact with someone who is unwell, or being exposed to infected particles that are coughed or sneezed into the air.

It can also be caught by kissing or sharing food and drink with a sick person or touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth or nose.

Am I at risk of getting tonsilitis?

Anyone can catch tonsilitis, but the following may be more at risk:

• Children aged 5 to 15
• Those who are regularly exposed to lots of germs, such as people who work in schools or busy buildings

How is tonsillitis diagnosed?

To diagnose tonsillitis, your doctor will:

• Discuss symptoms with you in detail, such as any sign of a fever, aches, cough etc. to rule out other causes.
• Perform a physical examination, looking inside your throat as well as your nose and ears for further infections, and feeling the lymph nodes or any swelling.

If tonsilitis is confirmed, they will then need to find out if it is caused by a virus or bacteria, as the treatment is different for each. A cotton swab will be used to take a sample of cells from the back of the throat, which is then examined in a laboratory to look for the presence of Group A Streptococcus bacteria. If the result is positive, strep throat is confirmed. If negative, then viral tonsillitis is confirmed.

How is tonsillitis treated?

Bacterial tonsillitis can be treated with antibiotics such as penicillin. Always follow your doctor’s advice on how and when to take the antibiotics and always finish the full course, otherwise the infection could get worse. Viral tonsilitis will not respond to antibiotics.

The symptoms of tonsilitis can be alleviated by taking over the counter pain relief. Drinking warm liquids, taking throat lozenges and gargling warm salt water can also help.

Some people have recurring tonsilitis, and a tonsillectomy may be recommended, which is surgery to remove the tonsils.

 

Family Medicine

Our family medicine physicians are uniquely trained to treat multiple members of the family and a wide range of conditions, caring for men and women of all ages.

Learn More