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The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Ear nose and throat. Home Ear nose and throat. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Symptoms of tonsillitis Bacteria, viruses and tonsillitis Complications of tonsillitis Treatment of tonsillitis Tonsillectomy Where to get help. Symptoms of tonsillitis The symptoms of tonsillitis include: White or yellow spots of pus on the tonsils Sore throat — although some children complain of pain in their tummy, rather than a sore throat Swollen lymph glands under each side of the jaw Pain when swallowing Fever Bad breath.
Bacteria, viruses and tonsillitis When tonsillitis is caused by bacteria about 15 per cent of all tonsil infections , it is usually a streptococcus bacterium. Complications of tonsillitis Tonsillitis can lead to a number of complications, including: Chronic tonsillitis — infection of the tonsils which does not clear up.
When the adenoids swell up usually when the tonsils are also large , they can block the Eustachian tube, which goes from the back of the throat to the middle ear. If this tube stays blocked most of the time, sticky fluid forms in the middle ear which interferes with hearing. This is called a glue ear Quinsy — if the infection spreads into the tissue around the tonsils, an abscess can form in the throat, also known as a peri-tonsillar abscess.
This causes severe pain and can interfere with swallowing and even breathing. Antibiotics may help, but sometimes an operation is needed to drain the abscess. Treatment of tonsillitis Because most attacks of tonsillitis are caused by viruses, most of the treatment is aimed at helping to relieve the symptoms such as pain and fever.
Tonsillectomy If attacks of tonsillitis become frequent and severe, or cause complications, your doctor might suggest an operation, known as tonsillectomy.
Medical issues to consider before tonsillectomy Before doing a tonsillectomy, your doctor will give you a complete physical check-up. This is usually only the case if you have severe tonsillitis that keeps coming back. Tonsillitis is usually caused by a virus, such as a cold, but it can also be due to a bacterial infection such as strep throat.
Sometimes you can get a pocket filled with pus abscess between your tonsils and the wall of your throat. This is called quinsy. Page last reviewed: 10 February Next review due: 10 February Check if you have tonsillitis Tonsillitis can feel like a bad cold or flu.
The main symptoms in children and adults are: a sore throat problems swallowing a high temperature of 38C or above coughing a headache feeling sick earache feeling tired Sometimes the symptoms can be more severe and include: swollen, painful glands in your neck feels like a lump on the side of your neck white pus-filled spots on your tonsils bad breath What tonsils with pus-filled spots can look like Tonsils with pus-filled spots at the back of the throat.
At least one study has shown that recurrent tonsillitis runs in families. In other words, if you have family members who have recurrent tonsillitis, you are more likely to have it too. It is also known as strep throat. Other bacteria are more likely to be the cause of adult recurrent tonsillitis.
Reasons for recurring strep throat include:. Chronic tonsillitis is more common in adolescents and adults. People who suffer from chronic tonsillitis tend to have ongoing:. If you have an infection with antibiotic-resistant bacteria or an immune system that doesn't work correctly, you may develop chronic tonsillitis. You may also have an increased risk of developing chronic tonsillitis if you have been exposed to radiation. Ultimately, the decision to remove the tonsils depends on multiple factors.
These factors include:. If a bacterial infection is the cause of your tonsillitis, your healthcare provider will prescribe an antibiotic. It's important to take the full course of medication as prescribed to reduce the chances the bacteria will become resistant or come back.
Since the bacteria may be resistant to antibiotics, it may be necessary to try another medication if the first prescription doesn't work. For pain control, you can use over-the-counter medications such as:.
When you first begin treatment for recurrent or chronic tonsillitis, you need to make sure you drink enough liquids. Treating your sore throat will make it easier to drink enough liquid to stay hydrated.
If you have signs of dehydration , you should seek medical attention. Regardless of what is causing your recurrent or chronic tonsillitis, your healthcare provider may also recommend having your tonsils removed. This will likely be the case if you are having five to seven episodes of tonsillitis in a year or you have chronic tonsillitis that doesn't respond to medication.
Choosing to have a tonsillectomy can dramatically reduce the number of times you have a sore throat and need antibiotics in a year.
It will also improve your quality of life, especially if your tonsillitis is affecting work or school attendance. Chronic and recurrent tonsillitis is a medical condition that causes swelling of the pharyngeal tonsils and back of the throat. Sometimes the adenoids and the lingual tonsils swell as well. Recurrent tonsillitis occurs when you have tonsillitis several times a year. Chronic tonsillitis happens when you have an ongoing sore throat, enlarged tonsils, bad breath, and enlarged lymph nodes.
They can be treated with antibiotics, pain relievers, and sometimes surgery to remove the tonsils. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Chronic tonsillitis and biofilms: A brief overview of treatment modalities. J Inflamm Res. Galioto NJ. Peritonsillar abscess. Am Fam Physician. Familial aggregation of tonsillectomy in early childhood and adolescence.
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