What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?

The tonsils at the back of the throat may look enlarged, red, or coated with white spots. Throat pain can make eating, drinking, or speaking uncomfortable. Fever, headache, tiredness, bad breath, and tender [Swollen Glands](/symptoms/swollen-glands/) in the neck may accompany the infection. Children may drool, refuse food, vomit, or sound hoarse. Viruses commonly cause tonsillitis, but bacteria such as the cause of [Strep Throat](/conditions/strep-throat/) can also be responsible; appearance alone cannot tell them apart.

Drink regularly, rest, and choose cool or soft foods if swallowing is sore. Use suitable pain or fever relief according to the label or a clinician’s advice. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can help determine whether testing is needed. [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/) is useful for selected bacterial infections, not routine viral illness.

Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, inability to swallow saliva, drooling, severe dehydration, a muffled voice, or swelling that is clearly worse on one side. Arrange prompt assessment for persistent fever, repeated episodes, worsening pain, or an [Earache](/symptoms/earache/) with severe throat symptoms. Emergency symptoms should not be managed by waiting for a routine visit.

Ask whether this is [Tonsillitis](/conditions/tonsillitis/), strep throat, or another infection; whether a swab is appropriate; and how to manage [Difficulty Swallowing](/symptoms/difficulty-swallowing/). Ask which symptoms should trigger urgent review.