How is tonsillitis treated?

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils. Viral infections are common and often settle with supportive care. Bacterial infection, including strep throat, may be considered when there is a marked sore throat, fever, swollen glands or pus on the tonsils, but symptoms alone do not always identify the cause.

A clinician may examine your throat and neck and decide whether testing is useful. Antibiotics do not treat viruses. When an antibiotic is prescribed, take it exactly as directed and do not share leftover medicine.

Drink regularly, choose cool or warm fluids according to comfort, rest, and use a suitable pain-relief medicine as advised by a pharmacist or clinician. Soft foods can be easier to swallow. Avoid smoking and avoid close contact while you have a fever or feel unwell.

Arrange a GP consultation if symptoms are severe, keep returning, or do not begin to improve. Ask about testing if bacterial infection is a concern, especially when fever and swollen glands occur without typical cold symptoms.

Get urgent help if you cannot swallow fluids or saliva, have difficulty breathing, develop rapidly increasing swelling, become unusually drowsy, or have severe one-sided throat pain with difficulty opening your mouth. Seek review for persistent fever, dehydration or worsening symptoms.

Ask whether the illness appears viral or bacterial, whether a throat test is needed, which pain relief is suitable for you, and when it is safe to return to school or work.