What should you know about suppurative tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis causes swollen, irritated tonsils at the back of the throat. Suppurative tonsillitis may show white or yellow material on the tonsils alongside a sore throat, fever, swollen neck glands, bad breath or earache. Most people with tonsillitis notice throat pain, but appearance alone cannot distinguish a bacterial infection from a viral one. Strep throat is one possible bacterial cause.

A clinician may inspect your throat, feel the neck glands and consider a swab or other assessment. Trouble opening the mouth, a muffled voice or swelling mainly on one side can suggest a complication around a tonsil and needs prompt review.

Arrange a GP consultation when pain is severe, fever persists, swallowing is difficult, or symptoms are not improving. Sip fluids, choose soft foods, rest, and avoid sharing cups or utensils. Pain relief may help if it is suitable for you and used according to the label. Antibiotics help selected bacterial infections, not viral tonsillitis; take them only when prescribed and follow the directions.

Wash hands regularly and avoid close contact while you have fever or feel acutely unwell. A clinician can explain when you can return to work, school or normal activities.

Seek urgent help if you cannot swallow saliva, are drooling, have noisy or difficult breathing, develop rapidly increasing mouth or neck swelling, or cannot open your mouth normally. Prompt assessment is also needed for dehydration, severe one-sided throat pain, a muffled voice, or a child who is unusually sleepy or struggling to drink.

Ask whether the appearance suggests bacterial or viral tonsillitis, whether testing is useful, how to control pain and fever, and which symptoms would mean urgent reassessment. If antibiotics are prescribed, ask how to take them and what improvement to expect.