Tonsillitis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
Tonsillitis is inflammation of your tonsils. Tonsils are the lumps of tissue on both sides of the back of your throat. Tonsils are part of your immune system. They help you fight infections. Tonsillitis may be caused by a bacterial or a viral infection. Recurrent tonsillitis is tonsillitis that happens at least 5 times in 1 year. Chronic tonsillitis lasts 3 months or longer.
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have trouble breathing because your tonsils are swollen.
Return to the emergency department if:
- You are not able to eat or drink because of the pain.
- Your voice changes.
- You have increased swelling or jaw pain, or you have trouble opening your mouth.
- You have a stiff neck.
- You have not urinated in 12 hours or are very weak or tired.
- You have trouble sleeping and wake up trying to catch your breath.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- Your pain gets worse or does not get better after you take pain medicine.
- Your sore throat is not better after you have finished antibiotic treatment.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Antibiotics help treat a bacterial infection.
- Steroids may be given for a short time to relieve swelling.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Rest when you feel it is needed:
Slowly start to do more each day.
Drink liquids as directed:
You may need to drink more liquid than usual to help prevent dehydration. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
Gargle with warm salt water:
This may help decrease throat pain. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Ask how often you should do this.
Prevent tonsillitis:
Bacteria and viruses that lead to tonsillitis can spread through coughing, sneezing, or touching. The following can help prevent infections:
- Wash your hands often. Wash your hands several times each day. Wash after you use the bathroom, change a child's diaper, and before you prepare or eat food. Use soap and water. Rinse with warm, running water for several seconds. Then dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Use hand sanitizer that contains alcohol if soap and water are not available. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands first.
- Cover a sneeze or cough. Use a tissue that covers your mouth and nose. Throw the tissue away immediately. If you do not have a tissue, use the bend of your elbow. Then wash your hands well or use a hand sanitizer.
- Prevent person-to-person spread of germs. Do not share food or drinks with anyone. Return to work, school, or other activities as directed. Your provider may want you to wait until your fever is gone for at least 24 hours.
- Ask about vaccines you may need. Vaccines help protect you from some bacterial and viral infections. Get the influenza (flu) vaccine as soon as recommended each year, usually in September or October. Get a COVID-19 vaccine and recommended boosters. Get a pneumonia vaccine, if recommended. The pneumonia vaccine is usually recommended every 5 years. Your provider will tell you which other vaccines you need, and when to get them.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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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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