Tonsillitis treatment

A clinician may look at the tonsils, throat and neck glands, and ask about fever, swallowing, cough and recent illness. Viral tonsillitis often needs comfort measures while the immune system clears it. Bacterial infection, including Strep Throat, may require a prescribed antibiotic after assessment. Antibiotics do not treat viruses and should not be borrowed, shared or saved for later.

Drink regularly, rest, and use soft foods if swallowing hurts. A pharmacist can advise on suitable pain relief and how to use it safely with your other medicines. If an antibiotic is prescribed, take it exactly as directed and report a troubling reaction promptly; do not stop or change it without advice. Replace shared toothbrushes only if a clinician recommends it, and reduce close contact while you have fever or feel acutely unwell.

Seek urgent medical help for breathing difficulty, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, dehydration, a muffled voice, or swelling that is much worse on one side. Contact a GP Consultation service when pain is severe, symptoms recur, fever persists, or treatment is not helping. New or worsening Earache can also warrant assessment.

Ask what cause is suspected, whether testing is needed, which medicines are safe for you, and what improvement should prompt a follow-up visit.