Located in the back of the throat, the tonsils help retain bacteria that are inhaled during inspiration to protect the body. Tonsillitis is a throat infection that primarily involves the tonsils. Although it is a disease mostly caused by viruses and bacteria, tonsillitis can also be caused by a fungal or parasitic infection, as well as by cigarette smoke.
Steps
Step 1. Pay attention to the symptoms
Symptoms can include:
- A sore throat that lasts beyond a couple of days. This is the primary symptom of tonsillitis.
- Difficulty swallowing, earache, headache, jaw pain.
- Fever or chills.
- Changes or loss of voice.
- Stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are less common.
Step 2. Look in your mouth to see your tonsils
- Usually, infected tonsils are painful, swollen and irritated. If you have tonsillitis, your tonsils are likely to be larger than normal.
- White spots or pus on the tonsils indicate the presence of possible tonsillitis.
Step 3. Make an appointment with your doctor if you think you have tonsillitis
- The doctor will give you a throat swab for a cultural exam.
- Normally the doctor will be able to undergo a quick test right in his office, determining the possible bacterial nature of your infection.
- If the test is negative, part of the secretions collected will be sent to a laboratory for further analysis.
- If the test is positive, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to fight the bacterial infection.
- If the infection is not bacterial, antibiotics will not be able to help you, which is why your doctor will not prescribe them. Your doctor will give you alternative instructions for treating your symptoms. In cases of more severe tonsillitis it may be necessary to undergo a tonsillectomy or surgical removal of the tonsils.
Advice
- During the winter months, bacterial infections of the throat and tonsils are more common, while viral infections are more frequent during the summer.
- When your body fights an infection it needs massive doses of rest and fluids. You can take over-the-counter acetaminophen pain relievers if you wish.
- Certain cold foods, such as popsicles, can relieve a sore throat.
- If there is pus on the tonsils, it could be a tonsil stone rather than tonsillitis.
Warnings
- Many tonsillitis can be infectious and spread through direct contact or air.
- Tonsillitis most commonly affects children between the ages of 6 and 8, but anyone who has not had tonsil removal surgery can have tonsillitis.
