What is the first treatment tried for tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils and may be caused by a virus or bacteria. A GP can assess the throat, temperature, neck glands, swallowing, and general condition. Viral illness usually settles with rest, fluids, and symptom relief; an antibiotic is considered when the clinical picture supports bacterial infection. Antibiotics do not treat viral tonsillitis and can cause unwanted effects.

Drink regularly, choose soft foods if swallowing hurts, rest, and use pain relief only as directed for your age and health. Arrange a GP consultation if symptoms are severe, persistent, recurrent, or difficult to interpret. If an antibiotic is prescribed, take it exactly as directed and report a rash, facial swelling, or breathing difficulty promptly. Do not use someone else’s medicine.

Get urgent help if you cannot swallow saliva, are struggling to breathe, have rapidly increasing throat or neck swelling, cannot open your mouth normally, or sound unusually muffled. Seek prompt review for dehydration, severe one-sided throat pain, or worsening illness. These features can indicate a complication requiring examination.

Ask whether the pattern suggests a viral or bacterial cause, whether testing is useful, how to control pain safely, and what changes should trigger urgent review.