Tonsillitis

If you have tonsillitis, you may feel like you have a bad cold or the flu. Symptoms of tonsillitis  vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms include:

• red, swollen tonsils

• a sore throat

• soreness when swallowing 

• difficulty swallowing 

• high temperature

• headache

• nausea

• earache

• fatigue

In severe cases of tonsillitis, symptoms can also include:

• neck pain or stiffness

• swollen, sore glands in your neck

• bad breath

• white patches or pus-filled spots on your tonsils

• a muffled voice

Your tonsils sit at the back of your mouth, right at the top of your throat. They are your immune system's first line of defence, and so are particularly vulnerable to becoming infected.

In most cases, tonsillitis is caused by a viral infection like the cold or flu virus, but it can also be caused by a bacterial infection such as Group A Streptococcus. Bacterial tonsillitis is commonly called strep throat. 

The viruses and bacteria that cause tonsillitis are highly contagious and are often passed on through:

• close contact with someone who’s ill

• inhaling airborne particles after a sick person sneezes or coughs

• kissing

• sharing utensils, food or drink

• touching a contaminated surface and then touching your nose or mouth

Our ENT specialists can diagnose tonsillitis at your initial consultation by examining your throat and looking for redness, swelling and/or white spots on your tonsils. They may also examine your neck, ears and nose to look for other signs of infection. They’ll also ask you about your symptoms and how long you've had them.

If a bacterial infection is suspected, your consultant may take a sample of secretions from the surface of your tonsils using a long cotton swab.

There’s no vaccine or medication that can prevent tonsillitis, but you can reduce your risk of developing it by:

• washing your hands regularly 

• avoiding close contact with people with colds, flu, sore throats and tonsillitis 

• not sharing personal items, such as utensils, with anyone who has a cold, flu, sore throat or tonsillitis

Complications from tonsillitis are very rare. The most common complication of tonsillitis is the formation of an abscess (an area of pus) between your tonsils and the wall of your throat. This is called quinsy. Quinsy can be very serious and needs immediate medical attention because of the risk of blocked airways. 

Symptoms of quinsy include: 

• a severe sore throat that quickly gets worse

• swelling inside the mouth and throat

• difficulty speaking

• inability to swallow

• difficulty breathing

• difficulty opening your mouth

In most cases, tonsillitis will resolve on its own after 3 or 4 days with good self-care. To help treat your symptoms at home, make sure you:

• get plenty of rest and sleep

• drink plenty of cold and warm drinks to soothe your throat and stay hydrated

• suck on throat lozenges

• take over-the-counter pain killers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen

• gargle warm salty water (not recommended for children) 

If you have bacterial tonsillitis, you’ll need to take prescribed antibiotics for a few days. It’s important that you complete the course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms get better. 

If you have severe, recurring tonsillitis, your ENT specialist may talk to you about having your tonsils removed (tonsillectomy). They’ll explain the procedure and talk you through whether this is the right option for you.

At Welbeck, our ENT specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.