What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is an infection or inflammation of the tonsils that is caused by bacteria or a virus. The tonsils are in the back of the throat and are part of the immune system. Tonsillitis typically lasts from a few days up to a couple of weeks.

Tonsillitis caused by a virus usually goes away on its own. Tonsillitis caused by the bacteria that causes strep throat is treated with antibiotics. You and your child's doctor may consider surgery to remove the tonsils if your child has complications from tonsillitis or repeat infections. This surgery is called tonsillectomy.

The main symptoms of tonsillitis are a sore throat and swollen tonsils. Symptoms may also include a fever, a congested or runny nose, swollen lymph nodes, a headache, and trouble swallowing.

If your tonsillitis is caused by bacteria, you may need treatment with antibiotics. Tonsillitis caused by a virus usually goes away on its own. Treatment includes self-care at home, such as taking over-the-counter pain medicine. Surgery to remove the tonsils may be recommended if you've had problems such as repeat infections or obstructive sleep apnea.

Your doctor will look at your throat to see if you have red and swollen tonsils with spots or sores. These signs can mean that you have tonsillitis. Your doctor may do a rapid strep test along with a throat culture. These will show if the tonsillitis is caused by streptococcus bacteria.

• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Gargle with warm salt water several times a day to help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water.
• Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. No one younger than 20 should take aspirin. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.
• Be careful when taking over-the-counter cold or flu medicines and Tylenol at the same time. Many of these medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Read the labels to make sure that you are not taking more than the recommended dose. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• Try lozenges or an over-the-counter throat spray to relieve throat pain.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids may help soothe an irritated throat. Drink warm or cold liquids (whichever feels better). These include tea, soup, ice, and flavored ice pops (such as Popsicles).
• If you smoke, try to quit. If you can't quit, cut back as much as you can. Smoking can interfere with healing. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Use a vaporizer or humidifier to add moisture to the area where you sleep. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine.
• Get plenty of rest.

Tonsillectomy is surgery to remove the tonsils. It's generally used for children who have repeated infections, especially when they interfere with daily life. It may also be done to treat snoring and sleep apnea caused by large tonsils. But it should only be done after you and your doctor carefully think about your child's medical history and overall health.

Tonsillectomy may also be done for problems such as a peritonsillar abscess or cancer.

Tonsillitis is spread through the air in droplets when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. You may then become infected after breathing in these droplets. Or you may get infected when the droplets get on objects or parts of your skin that come in contact with your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Tonsillitis is usually caused by a virus. For example, it can be caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold. It can also be caused by the same bacteria that cause strep throat. Viruses and bacteria are usually passed by close contact with an infected person.

Tonsillitis is an infection or inflammation of the tonsils. The tonsils are areas of lymph tissue on both sides of the throat, above and behind the tongue. They are part of the immune system, which helps the body fight infection. Tonsillitis often goes away on its own after 4 to 10 days.