TONSILLITIS

Sore throats often involve the tonsils. These are the pair of rounded tissues on either side of the back of the throat. The tonsils help fight infections, but they can become infected themselves. Acute tonsillitis goes along with many throat infections, including strep throat. It is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 10. It usually lasts 4 to 6 days. However, tonsillitis can become a chronic or recurring problem in children or adults.

Acute tonsillitis begins with a mild to severe sore throat. Other symptoms may include:

red, swollen tonsils
white or yellow coating on the tonsils
uncomfortable or painful swallowing
swollen, tender neck glands
fever
earache
breathing through the mouth and
bad breath

Tonsillitis can be caused by strep bacteria or viruses. Identifying if strep germs are present helps determine what treatment is needed. A person with tonsillitis should go to a healthcare provider for a throat culture to check for strep throat. This is especially important for children. If the tonsillitis is caused by strep bacteria, then treatment will require antibiotics. It is very important to finish all antibiotic pills, even if symptoms go away.

If a virus, such as mononucleosis, causes the tonsillitis, then the treatment would not include antibiotics because antibiotics do not work on viral infections. Instead, for children age 18 or younger, medication other than aspirin is used, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), to relieve pain or reduce fever. Aspirin or medicines that have aspirin in them should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age. Taking aspirin is a risk for a serious illness called Reye's syndrome. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. NSAIDs should be avoided by anyone who has been diagnosed with asthma, ulcer disease, or a bleeding disorder. Taking NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding with trauma, dental work, surgery, or if taking blood thinners (anticoagulants). Acetaminophen should not be taken by anyone with known liver or kidney disease. Do not drink alcohol when taking more than 1 dose of acetaminophen.

In addition to following the provider's medication recommendations, it is important to get plenty of rest. Drink liquids every hour or so, even if it hurts to swallow. Eat soft foods, such as ice cream, soup, or pudding. It also helps to gargle with warm salt water.

Chronic tonsillitis produces recurrent sore throats. There are often small plugs of pus that emerge from small dents in the tonsils. These may be the size of rice, have a foul odor, and may occur with no other symptoms. Sometimes, the person coughs them out without realizing they are from the tonsils. In severe cases, an abscess develops or the tonsils become quite large, obstructing the airway or making swallowing impossible.

Recurring episodes of tonsillitis each year may be a reason for removing the tonsils by surgery. This is a relatively simple procedure, requiring only a short general anesthesia. But it does take about 2 weeks for recovery after the surgery.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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