What should you know about dexamethasone for tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis causes inflamed tonsils, often with sore throat, fever, swollen glands or earache. Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that calms swelling; it does not decide whether the illness is viral or bacterial. Strep throat is one possible cause, so examination and testing may guide treatment.

A steroid can sometimes make swallowing easier, but it may also disturb sleep, affect mood or blood sugar, and make infection harder to judge. Its use depends on the person’s symptoms and medical history.

Rest, sip fluids regularly, choose soft foods, and use recommended pain or fever relief according to the label. Do not share dexamethasone or use an old prescription. If antibiotic treatment is prescribed, complete it as directed unless the prescriber tells you otherwise.

A GP consultation can clarify whether swollen tonsils need testing, prescription treatment, or monitoring. Mention trouble swallowing, repeated episodes, allergies and current medicines.

Seek emergency help for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, severe dehydration, a muffled voice, or rapidly worsening swelling. Prompt assessment is also needed for severe one-sided throat pain, difficulty opening the mouth, persistent fever, or a child who is unusually sleepy or hard to wake.

Ask whether the tonsillitis appears viral or bacterial, whether dexamethasone is suitable for the swelling, whether antibiotics are needed, and how to recognise a complication.