What should you know about differential diagnosis of tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis may cause a sore throat, enlarged or coated tonsils, fever, difficulty swallowing, and swollen neck glands. Viral infections can add cough, runny nose, or hoarseness. Strep throat is a bacterial cause that may produce sudden throat pain, fever, tender swollen glands, and inflamed tonsils without typical cold symptoms. Earache can occur because throat inflammation shares nearby nerve pathways, but ear pain can also have a separate cause. Examination and, when appropriate, a throat swab help guide the diagnosis.

Arrange a GP consultation if throat pain is severe, lasts beyond a few days, keeps returning, or makes eating and drinking difficult. Rest, drink fluids, and use suitable pain relief according to the label or a clinician's advice. Antibiotic treatment is useful only when a bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed; do not use leftover antibiotics or share them. Complete a prescribed course unless your clinician changes the plan.

Get urgent help for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, a muffled voice, severe one-sided throat swelling, inability to open the mouth normally, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Seek prompt care for dehydration, persistent high fever, or marked weakness.

Ask whether the appearance suggests viral tonsillitis or strep throat, whether testing is needed, how to manage pain, and which warning signs require urgent review.