Tonsillitis in one tonsil: what to know

Tonsillitis is inflammation of tissue at the back of the throat. A viral illness can affect one side more noticeably than the other, while bacterial infection such as Strep Throat may also be involved. You may notice a red or enlarged tonsil, a white coating, tender neck glands, fever, earache, or a sore throat. One-sided symptoms do not identify the cause by themselves.

Drink fluids in small, frequent sips and choose soft foods if swallowing hurts. Rest, avoid smoke and other throat irritants, and use only medicines suitable for you according to a clinician or pharmacist. A GP Consultation can help distinguish a viral illness from an infection needing testing or treatment. Do not start leftover Antibiotic Treatment, because antibiotics do not treat viral causes and the wrong medicine may delay the right assessment.

Arrange prompt medical care if the one-sided swelling is getting worse, pain makes drinking difficult, or you have a persistent fever or increasing swollen glands. Seek urgent help if you cannot swallow saliva, have trouble breathing, develop a muffled voice, cannot open your mouth normally, or the swelling pushes the uvula to the opposite side. These signs can indicate a deeper infection around the tonsil.

Ask whether the appearance suggests a viral illness or Strep Throat, whether a throat test is useful, which pain relief is appropriate for you, and what change should prompt urgent review. Mention how long the symptoms have lasted and whether you have had repeated episodes.