What should you know about minor tonsillitis?

Minor tonsillitis can cause a sore throat, swollen tonsils, discomfort when swallowing, mild fever and tender neck glands. Viral infections are common causes, but bacterial infections such as strep throat can also inflame the tonsils.

The tonsils are areas of immune tissue at the back of the throat. During an infection they may become red, enlarged or coated with white spots. Earache can occur because throat and ear nerves share nearby pathways; it does not by itself show that the ear is infected. A clinician may look at the throat, feel the neck glands and decide whether testing is useful.

Rest, drink cool or warm fluids, and choose soft foods if swallowing is uncomfortable. Gargling with warm salt water may soothe the throat for adults and older children who can gargle safely. Use age-appropriate pain relief only as directed on the label or by a clinician. Wash hands, avoid sharing cups, and stay home while feverish or feeling unwell. Do not start leftover antibiotics; they do not treat viral infections and the choice depends on assessment.

Arrange a GP Consultation if symptoms are severe, keep returning, interfere with drinking, or are not settling. Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, drooling, inability to swallow fluids, a muffled voice, severe one-sided swelling, neck stiffness, dehydration or marked drowsiness. Fever with a spreading rash or rapid deterioration also needs prompt review. Antibiotic Treatment may be appropriate when a bacterial cause is diagnosed or strongly suspected.

Ask whether the pattern suggests viral tonsillitis or strep throat, whether a throat test is needed, how to manage pain, and when it is safe to return to school or work.