Tonsillitis happens when the tonsils, the two lymph nodes at the back of your throat, become swollen and inflamed. It’s usually caused by either a viral or bacterial infection, leading to symptoms like a sore throat, trouble swallowing, fever, headache, fatigue, and sometimes a white coating on the tonsils. While tonsillitis itself isn’t contagious, the germs that cause it often are.
How you treat tonsillitis depends on what’s causing it. If a virus is responsible, treatment generally focuses on easing symptoms. For bacterial tonsillitis, antibiotics might be necessary to clear the infection. While tonsillitis can affect anyone, it’s more commonly seen in children aged 5 to 15.
Doctors categorize tonsillitis by its cause—viral or bacterial—and by how long the symptoms last. This helps them decide on the best treatment. Symptoms typically appear suddenly and can last from a few days to about two weeks. Acute tonsillitis has short-term symptoms, while chronic tonsillitis symptoms can linger for weeks to months.
Viral infections are the main cause of tonsillitis, although bacterial infections account for 15-30% of cases. The germs can spread through respiratory droplets from actions like coughing or sneezing, or from sharing utensils and drinks. Some factors could raise your risk of getting tonsillitis.
To diagnose tonsillitis, healthcare providers perform a physical exam and may use tests like a throat swab culture or a rapid antigen test to identify bacteria. Treatment varies with the cause: over-the-counter pain relievers, throat lozenges, and rest are common for viral tonsillitis, while antibiotics are needed for bacterial cases.
If tonsillitis keeps occurring or becomes chronic, a doctor might suggest removing the tonsils through a procedure called a tonsillectomy. This surgery is considered if you have frequent episodes or if it affects your ability to work or attend school.
You can manage tonsillitis symptoms at home by resting, staying hydrated, and eating soft foods. Although you can’t always prevent tonsillitis, maintaining good hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection.
Usually, tonsillitis clears up with rest or medication without leading to other issues. It is important to follow medical advice and consult your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen. While tonsillitis itself isn’t contagious, the infections causing it often spread through contact with respiratory droplets. Strep throat, a bacterial infection, and tonsillitis can have similar symptoms, and a throat swab can determine the cause. Viral tonsillitis often clears up on its own, but severe or persistent symptoms, often linked to bacterial infections, need medical attention to avoid complications.
