Tonsils play a crucial role in the immune system, especially for children and teenagers. The 2 oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat help fight off infections. Tonsilitis occurs when the tonsils become infected, a painful condition associated with childhood, but it can also affect adults.
What causes tonsillitis?
Both viral and bacterial infections can cause tonsillitis. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. When tonsillitis becomes recurrent, it is thought that the tonsils may have become home to pathogenic bacteria, making the patient more susceptible to another infection whenever the immune system is stressed.
An ENT doctor spends 4 years at college, 4 years at medical school, and then 5 to 7 years after that in a residency program specializing in otolaryngology — head and neck surgery. Our board-certified ENTs pass written and oral exams and participate in continuous education to maintain their certification. When you visit one of our Arizona locations, you can trust you're seeing one of the most qualified specialists in the region and that your care will be second to none.
Diagnosing Tonsillitis
You or your child should see a physician if you or your child are experiencing tonsillitis symptoms, such as a sore throat, fever, difficulty swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes. A doctor will check the throat for redness, swelling, and white or yellow spots on the tonsils and feel the neck for swollen lymph nodes. They will also check for a rash.
Doctors who suspect a bacterial infection may perform a throat culture, using a sterile swab to collect a sample from the back of the throat. A rapid strep test can detect strep bacteria within minutes. If the test is negative, doctors may still order a throat culture to confirm the result.
In some cases, doctors may order blood tests to check for the presence of certain antibodies and rule out other conditions, such as mononucleosis.
Treating Tonsillitis
The treatment approach for tonsillitis depends on its underlying cause and severity. A mild case of tonsillitis does not necessarily require treatment, especially if it’s caused by a virus such as a cold. Whether the cause is a virus or a bacterial infection, home remedies can help alleviate symptoms. These include:
- Increased fluid intake to prevent dehydration, including warm liquids such as broth, tea with honey and lemon, or warm soup
- Gargling with warm salt water to soothe the throat
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and fever
- Sucking on hard candy or throat lozenges
Antibiotics
If your doctor confirms a bacterial infection is the cause of your tonsillitis, you’ll get a prescription for antibiotics. The most common antibiotics prescribed for tonsillitis are penicillin or amoxicillin. It’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if your symptoms disappear before you complete the course.
Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
If you have chronic or frequently recurring tonsillitis, your primary or urgent care doctor will often refer you to an ENT specialist for a tonsillectomy evaluation. Taking out the tonsils removes tissue that has become home to bacteria, often resulting in fewer throat infections in the future.
The adenoids are the same type of tissue as the tonsils but are located at the back of the nose. The adenoids are often removed at the same time as the tonsils, which is called an adenoidectomy. The adenoids usually regress as people grow into adulthood, so many adults undergoing tonsillectomy may not need an adenoidectomy. Your specialist may also recommend a tonsillectomy if you have complications from tonsillitis, such as a peritonsillar abscess—a pus pocket that forms in the throat under the tonsils and may need to be drained. Other reasons for recommending a tonsillectomy are if you need hospitalization because of the severity of your illness or if the infections have caused you to miss 2 or more weeks of school or work.
Recovery from tonsillectomy typically takes about 2 weeks, during which pain management and proper hydration are essential.
Being prepared will help you get the most out of your appointment. Please bring a list of medications you're currently taking and any pertinent test results—such as labs or imaging—to your appointment. Additionally, let your provider know of any drug allergies or medical conditions you have or for which you are being treated and if you've had any prior surgical procedures.
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While tonsillitis can be uncomfortable and disruptive, most cases resolve with appropriate treatment and self-care. However, it’s important to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen, especially if you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing. If your tonsillitis symptoms persist for several days, or you’ve experienced recurrent bouts of tonsillitis, consult an ENT specialist at Valley ENT to explore the best management options for your specific situation.