You should aware that Tonsillitis is not usually a serious condition but it can be very uncomfortable and on rare occasions lead to a hospital visit.
Here are all the information on the illness, symptoms and what to do if you think you have the infection.
What is tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils.
It is usually caused by a viral infection or, less commonly, a bacterial infection.
The tonsils are two small glands that sit on either side of the throat.
In young children they help to fight germs and act as a barrier against infection.
When the tonsils become infected they isolate the infection and stop it spreading further.
As children grow up and their immune system develops and gets stronger, the tonsils shrink.
Most people are able to fight infections without the tonsils, but removal of the tonsils is only recommended if they’re causing problems.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom of tonsillitis is a sore throat, with white, pus-filled spots.
The tonsils will be red and swollen and your throat may be painful – making swallowing difficult.
Other symptoms include a high temperature, coughing, headache, earache, loss or voice or changes to your voice, feeling sick and tired and swollen, painful glands in your neck.
The symptoms usually get better after three to four days.
If you have tonsillitis caused by a viral infection, your symptoms may be milder.
If it is caused by a bacterial infection then the symptoms will be more severe, and you may have bad breath.
What to do if you have tonsillitis?
There is no specific treatment and most cases get better within a week without treatment.
But there are things you can do to speed up recovery.
Make sure you have plenty to eat and drink.
Over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, can relive a sore throat.
Antibiotics can be prescribed if the illness is caused by a bacterial infection.
In rare occasions removal of the tonsils is necessary, if tonsillitis is persistent.
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