Tonsillitis

What is tonsillitis?

The tonsils are two soft patches of tissue located on either side of the throat, and tonsillitis is a condition in which the tonsils become inflamed. This may occur due to a viral or bacterial infection and may be a one-time illness or a chronic or recurrent condition.

Tonsillitis symptoms

If you have tonsillitis, you may experience a range of throat-related symptoms including:

• Swelling or inflammation of the throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Tenderness and swelling in the lymph nodes
• Fever
• Redness in the throat
• Yellow or white patches in the throat
• Blisters or ulcers on the tonsils
• Ear pain
• Bad breath
• Hoarseness or voice loss
• Stiff neck

Is tonsillitis contagious?

Tonsillitis is not contagious, but the underlying infection, whether viral or bacterial, is likely to be contagious.

What’s the difference between strep throat and tonsillitis?

While it is possible to have tonsillitis while also having strep throat, the two conditions are separate. Tonsillitis is often caused by an underlying infection whereas strep throat is an infection caused by a certain bacteria, group A Streptococcus bacteria. If you are seeking medical treatment due to inflamed tonsils, your doctor will likely test you for strep throat, among other underlying infections that can lead to tonsillitis.

Tonsillitis treatment

Treatment for tonsillitis involves identifying and treating the underlying viral or bacterial infection. Most people who have tonsillitis will be prescribed a period of rest and recovery similar to the treatment for a cold or flu. If the infection is bacterial, your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics as well as medication that can help soothe the throat. A tonsillectomy or tonsil removal surgery may be prescribed if tonsillitis is chronic or recurring.

What is a tonsillectomy?

A tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils. Your doctor may prescribe this if swollen tonsils are affecting your sleep and breathing or if you have had multiple recurrent infections over the course of a year.

Tonsil removal surgery is performed under general anesthesia, allowing the patient to undergo the procedure without feeling or awareness. Surgeons use specialized surgical tools to remove tissues and stop bleeding at the site. After surgery, patients often experience discomfort in the area for up to two weeks, fever and swelling, and will be prescribed medication to help the area heal. Postsurgical patients are expected to rest, consume fluids and take medications for up to two weeks following the procedure.