What should you know about catarrhal tonsillitis?

The tonsils may look red and swollen, while the throat feels scratchy or painful. A blocked or runny nose, cough, hoarse voice, mild fever, swollen glands, or earache can occur because nearby tissues are inflamed. This pattern is often linked with a viral respiratory illness, but symptoms alone cannot identify the cause. Strep throat is a different bacterial condition that may need testing and specific treatment. The presence of a sore throat does not by itself show which infection is responsible.

Rest, drink regularly, and choose soft foods if swallowing hurts. Warm or cool drinks may soothe the throat; avoid smoke and other irritants. Use age-appropriate pain or fever medicine according to the label or a clinician’s advice. Do not start leftover antibiotics, because they do not treat viral infections and an unsuitable medicine can cause harm. A GP consultation can help when symptoms are severe, persistent, recurrent, or difficult to distinguish from strep throat.

Get urgent help for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, a muffled voice, severe one-sided throat pain, difficulty opening the mouth, or rapidly increasing neck swelling. Seek prompt advice for dehydration, a persistent high fever, worsening symptoms, or a child who is unusually sleepy. Earache with fever or reduced hearing also deserves assessment.

Ask whether the tonsils need examination or a throat test, whether antibiotics are indicated, and how to manage pain safely. Mention the duration of symptoms, fever, swallowing ability, breathing, repeated episodes, and any medication allergies.