What should you know about bad tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, often during a viral throat infection, though bacteria such as those causing Strep Throat can also be involved. A person may have a sore throat, fever, swollen glands in the neck, muffled voice, unpleasant breath or earache caused by shared nerve pathways. White patches do not by themselves identify the cause. A clinician may examine your throat and decide whether testing or treatment is appropriate.

Take frequent sips of cool or warm fluid, choose soft foods, rest, and avoid smoke. Gargling with warm salty water may soothe an older child or adult who can spit it out safely. Use paracetamol or ibuprofen only if suitable for you and follow the label directions; do not give aspirin to children. Antibiotic Treatment helps bacterial infections when prescribed, but it does not treat viral tonsillitis. Do not share utensils or drinks while ill.

Get emergency help if you cannot breathe, cannot swallow saliva, are drooling, or develop rapidly increasing swelling. Seek prompt assessment for severe one-sided throat pain, a voice change, difficulty opening the mouth, dehydration, persistent fever, or symptoms that are worsening. A GP Consultation can assess the tonsils, hydration and possible complications, including an abscess near a tonsil.

Ask whether your symptoms fit viral Tonsillitis or possible Strep Throat, whether a throat test is needed, and which pain-relief medicines are safe for you. Ask how much fluid to aim for and when you can return to school or work.