Overview
Tonsillitis is infection of the tonsils — the two glands at the back of the throat — causing sore throat, painful swallowing and fever, most commonly in children and young adults. Most cases are viral and settle on their own; bacterial cases respond to antibiotics a clinician prescribes.
Symptoms
- Sore throat and painful swallowing
- Red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with white spots
- Fever
- Swollen, tender neck glands
- Headache
- Bad breath
- Voice changes or refusal to eat in children
Causes & risk factors
- Viral infections (most cases)
- Streptococcal bacterial infection
- Close contact with infected people
- School-age children most affected
Treatment & self-care
Rest, warm fluids, salt-water gargles and paracetamol-type relief manage viral tonsillitis, which clears within about a week; doctors prescribe antibiotics when a bacterial cause is likely. Repeated severe episodes year after year may justify surgical removal of the tonsils after ENT review. Complete any antibiotic course fully.
See a doctor urgently if
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing saliva — emergency
- Severe one-sided throat pain with muffled voice (possible abscess)
- Sore throat with rash or dark urine
- Fever beyond three days or repeated episodes