What does tonsillitis look like?

The tonsils sit at the back of the throat and can swell when they are inflamed. A white coating can be mucus, inflammatory material, or part of an infection; its appearance alone cannot identify the cause. Viral infections are common, while bacterial infections such as Strep Throat can also affect the tonsils. A sore throat, fever, earache, or tender neck glands may accompany the visible changes. A clinician may examine your throat and ask about the pattern of symptoms before deciding whether testing is useful.

Drink fluids regularly, choose soft foods if swallowing is uncomfortable, and rest your voice and body. Warm drinks or cool fluids may soothe the throat. Avoid sharing cups, utensils, or toothbrushes while you are unwell, and wash your hands after coughing or sneezing. Do not scrape patches from the tonsils. A GP Consultation can help clarify the cause, and Antibiotic Treatment is used only when a bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed.

Seek urgent medical help if you cannot swallow fluids, are drooling, have trouble breathing, develop rapidly increasing swelling, or cannot open your mouth normally. Arrange a clinical review if symptoms are severe, keep worsening, or do not begin to settle, particularly with persistent fever, one-sided throat swelling, or marked weakness. These features need assessment because a deeper throat infection can require prompt treatment.

Ask whether the tonsil changes fit Tonsillitis, whether a throat test is appropriate, and which symptoms should prompt a return visit. Mention fever, Earache, Sore Throat, or Swollen Glands and tell the clinician when each began.