Tonsillitis

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is swelling of the tonsils, with or without infection. The tonsils are the two masses of tissue in the back of your throat. You have one tonsil on each side of your throat. Your tonsils are part of your immune system. They help keep bacteria (germs) from entering your body through your mouth. Recurrent tonsillitis is when you have many episodes of tonsillitis in one year. Chronic tonsillitis is when you have a sore throat that lasts three months or longer.

What causes tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis may be caused by a virus, such as the respiratory syncytial virus. This virus may cause respiratory symptoms, such as coughing or a lung infection. Tonsillitis also may be caused by bacteria. Group A streptococcus is the most common bacterium that causes tonsillitis. This bacterium also causes strep throat. Tonsillitis can spread from person to person through close contact, such as kissing or sharing a glass. A person may carry germs that cause tonsillitis, but not get sick. A carrier can give it to other people and make them sick.

What are the signs and symptoms of tonsillitis?

Signs and symptoms of tonsillitis may include the following:

• Severe (very bad) sore throat.
  
  
• Red, swollen tonsils.
  
  
• Painful swallowing.
  
  
• Fever (increased body temperature) and chills.
  
  
• Bad breath.
  
  
• White spots on the tonsils.

How is tonsillitis diagnosed?

Your doctor will examine your throat and ask about your symptoms. You may have the following tests:

• Throat culture: This is a test that may help caregivers learn which type of germ is causing your illness. A throat culture is done by rubbing a cotton swab against the back of your throat.
  
  
• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.

How is tonsillitis treated?

Treatment may decrease your signs and symptoms. Treatment also may lower the number of times that you get tonsillitis in a year. Ask your caregiver about these and other treatments you may have:

• Medicines:
  
  
  • Antipyretics: This medicine is given to decrease a fever.
    
    
  • Pain medicine: Caregivers may give you medicine to take away or decrease your pain.
    
    
    • Do not wait until the pain is severe to ask for your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it.
      
      
    • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling a caregiver when you want to get out of bed or if you need help.
    
    
  • Antibiotics: Antibiotics are germ killing medicines used to treat tonsillitis caused by germs called bacteria. Take antibiotics as ordered by your caregiver, even if you feel better. Do not stop using your antibiotics without asking your caregiver first. This may not allow the medicine to kill the bacteria fully.
  
  
• Tonsillectomy: This is surgery to remove your tonsils. You may need surgery if you have chronic or recurrent tonsillitis. Surgery is also done if antibiotics are not getting rid of your tonsillitis. Surgery may lower the number of sore throats you get.

What are the risks of tonsillitis?

Swelling in your throat may make it hard for you to breathe. This may cause you to have trouble sleeping. You may wake up trying to catch your breath. An abscess (pus pocket) may form around your tonsils. If you have a tonsillectomy, you may have increased bleeding after surgery. You also may have throat pain for 2 to 3 weeks. Even with treatment, your tonsillitis may return. Without treatment, your signs and symptoms may get worse.

How can I manage my tonsillitis?

• Drink plenty of fluids, such as water. Ask your caregiver how much you should drink.
  
  
• Do saltwater gargles. This is when you gargle saltwater in your mouth and spit it out. Ask your caregiver how often you should do this.

Where can I find more information about tonsillitis?

Contact the following:

• American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
  1650 Diagonal Road
  Alexandria , VA 22314-2857
  Phone: 1- 703 - 836-4444
  Web Address: http://www.entnet.org
  

When should I call my caregiver?

Call your caregiver if:

• Your pain is not better after taking pain medicine.
  
  
• Your sore throat is not better after you have finished antibiotic treatment.

When should I seek immediate help?

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You have heavy bleeding after your surgery.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing because your tonsils are swollen.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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