Tonsils infections symptoms include sore throat, fever, redness and swelling of the tonsils. These symptoms may last a few days or longer, depending on the type of infection. Most people with tonsillitis get better within a week without treatment, but if you don’t, see your doctor.
Your doctor might ask you about your symptoms and do a check of your throat or mouth. They might also ask you about your diet and whether you’ve been sick recently. They might also take a sample of your secretions from your tonsils with a special test called a throat swab.
Bacterial infections cause most cases of tonsillitis. These bacteria are often called streptococcus.
These bacteria can cause a very severe form of tonsillitis called strep throat. This is very serious and needs to be treated by your doctor, who will prescribe antibiotics. If you have strep throat, you will need to take these antibiotics for a while.
Viral infections usually cause only milder forms of tonsillitis. These can be a bit more painful and cause a sore throat, but they’re usually not as bad.
You’ll need to rest, drink plenty of fluids and take painkillers if you have a virus. This will help your body heal quicker and make the symptoms less painful.
Home remedies can help relieve your symptoms at home, and you might be able to try some of these remedies before going to the doctor. These home remedies include gargling with salt water, sucking on throat lozenges and swallowing cold drinks.
Cool-mist humidifiers can help reduce pain and inflammation by adding moisture to dry air. You can also try sucking on ice chips or popsicles to relieve pain and soothe the throat.
Your doctor will usually diagnose a bacterial infection of the tonsils from your symptoms and look at your throat. Your doctor will also take a sample of your secretions to test for streptococcus. They’ll check to see if there’s any inflammation around the tonsils. They might also give you an injection of a penicillin or amoxicillin to treat the infection.
Antibiotics can help you feel better and stop the infection from getting worse, but they also have some side effects. You will need to take them for several days, so you should see your doctor as soon as you feel well enough to return.
Over-the-counter painkillers are a good choice for treating mild cases of tonsillitis, as they will help ease your throat discomfort and make the symptoms less painful. Your doctor might advise you to use acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Warm tea, milk or juice can also be helpful. The hot liquid helps to loosen and wash away the mucus that forms in your throat. A warm drink will also help you sleep better, which can make your symptoms go away faster.
If you have chronic or recurrent strep throat, your doctor might recommend having your tonsils removed surgically, known as a tonsillectomy. This surgery is usually done on young children, but adults can also have their tonsils removed if they have lots of strep throat and it interferes with their everyday life.
