Tonsillitis is a medical condition where the tonsils, two small glands at the back of your throat, become swollen. These glands are crucial in trapping and fighting off harmful germs, particularly during childhood. Keep reading to learn more about effective treatments and tips for preventing tonsillitis in your daily life.
Feeling that scratchy tickle in your throat? If it hurts to swallow when you wake up, it might be tonsillitis. It’s a good idea to see your healthcare provider. Don’t worry: a little rest and the right medication can have you back to normal quickly.
Most tonsillitis cases are due to viruses, including:
Viral tonsillitis often presents with milder symptoms.
While less common, bacteria can also cause tonsillitis, notably:
Bacterial tonsillitis, especially strep throat, generally results in more severe symptoms.
Generally, tonsillitis is caused by infections with viruses, like the common cold or flu, or bacteria, such as Streptococcus. These pathogens (microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that cause disease in their hosts) lead to inflammation and swelling of the tonsils. Here’s a brief overview of the different types:
Type | Cause | Symptoms | Treatment |
Viral Tonsillitis | Viruses like cold or flu | Sore throat, swollen tonsils, fever, difficulty swallowing | Rest, hydration, over-the-counter pain relievers |
Bacterial Tonsillitis (Strep Throat) | Streptococcus bacteria | Severe sore throat, white/yellow tonsil patches, fever | Antibiotics, pain relief, rest |
Acute Tonsillitis | Viral or bacterial infection | Intense, sudden symptoms | Symptom relief, resolves within a week |
Recurrent Tonsillitis | Multiple acute episodes yearly | Similar to acute symptoms, frequent episodes | Medical evaluation, possibly surgery |
Chronic Tonsillitis | Long-term inflammation | Chronic sore throat, bad breath, swollen lymph nodes | Hygiene, diet changes, potentially surgery |
Viral Tonsillitis:
Bacterial Tonsillitis:
Additional Treatments:
If you:
You might need a tonsillectomy. This surgery removes your tonsils and is done under general anaesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep and won’t feel pain. It takes about 30 to 45 minutes. After removing your tonsils, you’re likely to get fewer throat infections and feel better overall.
Tonsillectomy may be recommended for children experiencing:
Tonsillectomy may be recommended for adults experiencing:
Post-Surgery Care:
Recovery Tips:
Communication with Healthcare Provider:
Most patients recover within 1 to 2 weeks, experiencing some throat and ear pain during this time. Following these guidelines can help ensure a smoother recovery process.
Age-Related Susceptibility:
Exposure to Germs:
Environmental Factors:
Immune System Variability:
Feature | Tonsillitis | Pharyngitis | Strep Throat | Sore Throat |
Location | Tonsils (back of the throat) | Pharynx (throat area behind the mouth) | Throat and tonsils | Throat |
Causes | Viral or bacterial infections | Mostly viral infections, sometimes bacterial | Bacterial infection (Streptococcus) | Viral infections, allergies, dry air, irritants |
Symptoms | Sore throat, swollen tonsils, fever, swollen glands | Sore throat, redness, fever, swollen glands Does not involve swollen tonsils, typically featuring pain | Severe sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, white patches on tonsils | Mild to moderate sore throat, cough, sneezing |
Appearance | Red, swollen tonsils with white or yellow spots | Red, inflamed throat, no specific spots | Red throat with white or yellow spots | Red and swollen throat without spots |
Treatment | Rest, hydration, pain relief, antibiotics if bacterial | Rest, hydration, pain relief, antibiotics if bacterial | Antibiotics, rest, hydration | Hydration, lozenges, over-the-counter pain relievers |
Complications | May lead to breathing difficulties, sleep apnea | Less likely to cause severe complications | Rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation | Usually none; may lead to sinusitis (inflammation of the sinus linings, often causing congestion, pain, and nasal discharge) or ear infections if prolonged |
Visit a doctor for your child’s first instance of tonsillitis. Recurrent tonsillitis that typically resolves at home may not always require a doctor’s visit.
For both children and adults, seek medical advice if:
Immediate medical attention is necessary for:
Don’t hesitate to seek urgent care, as tonsillitis can lead to severe complications like sepsis or breathing difficulties.
Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents diagnosed with tonsillitis can benefit from a flat subsidised rate of SGD 10 for consultation and treatment at polyclinics and Primary Care Network (PHPC) clinics.
Tonsillitis might seem intimidating, but we’re here to guide you through every step. Our collection of before and after photos showcases the transformations our patients have experienced. Book an appointment with us at +65 6950 2869 today 🙂
FAQs
Tonsillitis typically lasts about 7 to 10 days. It can be shorter with antibiotics if caused by bacteria. Rest, fluids, and pain relief can help recovery.
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to cure tonsillitis in just 4 hours. However, to ease symptoms quickly, gargle warm salt water, stay hydrated, rest, and suck on throat lozenges. If symptoms worsen, see a doctor.
Yes, most cases of viral tonsillitis resolve without specific treatments, though supportive care like hydration and rest helps. If your symptoms persist, we recommend seeing a doctor.
Yes, tonsillitis is contagious and can spread through droplets in the air or by sharing food and drinks.
No, kissing should be avoided because tonsillitis can be spread through saliva.
If left untreated, tonsillitis can lead to complications like abscess formation, swollen lymph nodes, and spreading infection.
Tonsils should never be removed at home; surgical removal is done by medical professionals under sterile conditions to prevent complications.
Diagnosis between viral and bacterial tonsillitis requires medical evaluation, including symptoms assessment and possibly a throat swab.
Yes, tonsillitis can be transmitted through oral contact, including oral sex, if pathogens are present.
Norton, Laura, and Angela Myers. “The Treatment of Streptococcal Tonsillitis/Pharyngitis in Young Children.” World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology-head and Neck Surgery, vol. 7, no. 3, July 2021, pp. 161–65, doi:10.1016/j.wjorl.2021.05.005.
Tzelnick, Sharon, et al. “Long‐term Outcomes of Tonsillectomy for Recurrent Tonsillitis in Adults.”The Laryngoscope, vol. 130, no. 2, Mar. 2019, pp. 328–31, doi:10.1002/lary.27928.
Vuralkan, F. Başkan, Nuray Bayar Muluk, and T. Sih. “Tonsillitis.” Airway Diseases, edited by Cemal Cingi et al., Springer, Cham, 2023. doi:10.1007/978-3-031-22483-6_33-1.