Tonsillitis

Have you been dealing with a sore throat and difficulty swallowing? If so, you may be suffering from tonsillitis. In this article, we’ll discuss what causes tonsillitis in Louisville KY, common symptoms, and treatment options.

What is Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the tonsils. Sometimes along with tonsillitis, the adenoids are also swollen. The tonsils are two small oval-shaped organs located at the back of the throat made up of soft tissue. They serve as the first line of defense against viruses and bacteria that enter the body through the nose and mouth. An infection of the tonsils is called tonsillitis and it is usually caused by Streptococcus, or strep, bacteria. Other pathogens that can cause tonsillitis include various viruses and certain bacteria such as Haemophilus influenzae.

Symptoms of tonsillitis may include a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, pain when swallowing, fever, headache, loss of appetite, and fatigue. If you think your child has tonsillitis, you should contact your doctor for an evaluation and diagnosis.

What are the Causes of Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is most often caused by a viral infection, such as the viruses that cause the common cold or flu virus (influenza). However, bacterial infections can also cause tonsillitis, with the most common bacterium being Streptococcus (strep) bacteria. These germs are the most common cause of tonsillitis and, if antibiotic treatment is deemed to be appropriate, white and yellow spots of pus can be seen on the tonsils. Adenoviruses and Epstein-Barr virus may also cause tonsillitis.

What are the Symptoms of Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including a sore throat, fever, headache, earache, feeling tired, loss of voice or changes to your voice, swollen lymph glands in the neck, and difficulty swallowing. Additionally, you may also experience red and swollen tonsils with white or yellow spots of pus on them. Occasionally, people get small hard white particles called tonsil stones (tonsilliths). If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible to receive an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

How is Tonsillitis Diagnosed?

Tonsillitis is usually diagnosed by a physical examination. Your doctor will examine your throat for redness, swelling, or white spots on your tonsils. They may also check for tender lymph nodes on the sides of your neck. Your doctor may also ask you about your symptoms and medical history. For the majority of patients, evaluation for tonsillitis includes physical examination, risk stratification by scoring systems, and in some cases, imaging.

What are the Medical Treatments for Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis caused by a bacterial infection is typically treated with antibiotics. The most common antibiotics prescribed for bacterial tonsillitis are penicillin and amoxicillin, which are taken orally for 10 days. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce pain caused by tonsillitis. In severe cases, doctors may also prescribe prednisolone (an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid medication). Additionally, drinking cold liquids and gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation. It is important to finish all prescribed medications to ensure that the infection is completely eliminated. If the infection is not properly treated, it can lead to serious complications such as rheumatic fever.

What Home Remedies Help for Tonsillitis?

When it comes to treating tonsillitis, there are many home remedies that can help relieve the symptoms and speed up recovery. Drinking warm liquids, such as soup, broth or tea, can help to soothe the irritation caused by swelling and infection. Eating cold foods, avoiding hard foods, gargling with warm salt water, using a humidifier, and refraining from straining the voice are all recommended. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to reduce symptoms of pain and inflammation. Saltwater gargles are also beneficial in reducing inflammation and pain. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to reduce inflammation in the tonsils. Drinking plenty of fluids is important to help flush out toxins and keep the throat lubricated. Rest is also essential for allowing the body to heal. In addition, avoiding smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can help to prevent recurring cases of tonsillitis.

What are the Surgery Options for Chronic or Recurrent Tonsillitis?

Tonsil surgery is a common procedure for adults and children with chronic or recurrent tonsillitis. Surgery involves either partial or total removal of the palatal tonsils (tonsillotomy or tonsillectomy). Tonsillar surgery has been used for decades to treat cases of recurrent and chronic tonsillitis. Recurrent tonsillitis is typically defined as seven episodes of tonsillitis in the preceding year, five episodes in each of the preceding two years, or three episodes in each of the preceding three years.

If an individual experiences frequent and severe attacks of tonsillitis or complications arise, a doctor may suggest a tonsillectomy. Surgery is also recommended when other treatments such as antibiotics have failed to provide relief. A tonsillectomy can provide significant relief from chronic and recurrent cases of tonsillitis and prevent further complications.

What are the Benefits of Tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of your tonsils and can provide significant medical and social benefits for adult patients with recurrent tonsillitis. It reduces the frequency and duration of attacks, as well as the need for antibiotics and other medications. Additionally, it can improve quality of life, reduce time off work or school, and reduce the risk of complications from untreated tonsillitis. Tonsillectomy can also reduce sleep apnea in children with enlarged tonsils.

What are the Risks of Tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are surgical procedures used to remove the tonsils and adenoids respectively. While these surgeries can be beneficial in treating chronic or recurrent tonsillitis, there are some risks and potential complications associated with them. The most common risks are bleeding during surgery, immediately afterward, or delayed. Other risks include pain, infection, voice changes, and swelling. Less common risks include nerve damage, scarring of the throat, difficulty swallowing, and a reaction to the anesthesia. It is important to discuss all possible risks with your doctor before deciding to undergo surgery. Additionally, it is important to know that there are risks associated with untreated tonsillitis, such as airway obstruction, sleep apnea, and infection of the upper respiratory tract. Therefore, it is important to weigh the benefits and risks of surgery carefully before making a decision.

What are the Complications of Untreated Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is a common condition that can affect anyone, but it is especially common in children and adolescents. Left untreated, tonsillitis can lead to serious medical complications. Complications from untreated tonsillitis include middle ear infections (otitis media), quinsy (peritonsillar abscesses), disturbed sleep due to swollen tonsils causing breathlessness, acute oropharyngeal infections, recurrent tonsillitis, sore throat, fever and systemic spread of the infection. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you or your child experiences symptoms of tonsillitis to avoid these potentially life-threatening complications.

Can You Prevent Recurrent Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is an infection that can cause inflammation and swelling in your tonsils. While you can't totally prevent tonsillitis, there are things you can do to reduce your risk. For example, wash your hands often, especially before touching your nose or mouth. Additionally, avoid sharing food, drink, or utensils with someone who has a sore throat or tonsillitis. If you notice signs of a sore throat or tonsillitis, see a doctor as soon as possible to prevent recurrent cases of tonsillitis. Furthermore, drinking plenty of fluids, gargling with salt water, and using a humidifier can help reduce the symptoms of tonsillitis.

How to Get Rid of Tonsil Stones

Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are hardened collections of bacteria and debris that can form in the crevices of the tonsils. They often appear as white or yellowish spots and can cause bad breath, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. Fortunately, there are a few at-home remedies that can help you get rid of them.



A warm saltwater gargle helps to reduce swelling and discomfort while loosening the stones from the tonsils. To make the solution, mix one teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water. Gently gargle the solution in the back of your throat for up to 30 seconds. You can also try using a cotton swab or the back of a toothbrush to press out the stones.

If home remedies are not effective, you may need to see a doctor for further treatment. Possible treatments include laser therapy, antibiotics, or a tonsillectomy. Before making any decisions about surgical treatment, it is important to weigh the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.

Taking care of your tonsils can help prevent future cases of tonsillitis and reduce the chance of developing tonsil stones. Good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily, can help keep bacteria away from the tonsils. Eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of fluids can also help keep your body healthy and fight off infections. If you experience recurrent cases of tonsillitis, your doctor may recommend a tonsillectomy.

When to See a Doctor

It is important to see a doctor if you or your child has symptoms of tonsillitis, as early diagnosis and treatment can lead to a quicker recovery. See a doctor if you experience white pus-filled spots on your tonsils, severe pain that makes it difficult to eat or drink, red and swollen tonsils, sore throat with fever, or symptoms that last longer than four days without any noticeable improvement. A physician can diagnose the condition and provide the necessary treatment to reduce symptoms and prevent complications. In cases of recurrent tonsillitis, a tonsillectomy may be recommended.

Consideration Before Deciding on Tonsillectomy

When considering surgery for chronic or recurrent tonsillitis, it is important to take into account several things. The most common indications for tonsillectomy are sleep-disordered breathing and recurrent tonsillitis. If you've suffered from several infections over the past one to three years, such as strep throat or tonsillitis, you might be a candidate for surgery. Because of this tendency to improve with time, a 12-month period of observation is usually recommended prior to consideration of surgery. In addition, you will need to stop taking anti-inflammatory medicines two weeks before your surgery. This type of medication includes aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

Surgery is considered on an individual basis, and treating physicians need to consider many factors before recommending tonsillectomy. These factors include the number of infections per year (you have more than four tonsil infections over a year, or 5 to 7 over a two-year period), the severity of symptoms and associated complications (such as difficulty swallowing or abscesses), and the patient's overall health and medical history. Pharyngitis, or sore throat, is often caused by infection. Before deciding which surgical method is to be performed, patient characteristics should also be taken into account such as age (the incidence increases with age as well as being more common if the indication for surgery was recurrent tonsillitis) and medical history (for example, if the person has any allergies).

Conclusion

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils that can cause pain, discomfort, and other symptoms. Treatment options vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Medications, such as antibiotics, can be used to treat bacterial infections, while home remedies and lifestyle changes may help relieve symptoms. Tonsillectomy surgery may be recommended for chronic or recurrent cases of tonsillitis. However, it is important to take into account the risks and benefits of the procedure before deciding on surgery. To prevent recurring cases of tonsillitis, it is important to practice good hygiene and take steps to boost your immune system. If you have tonsil stones, they can be removed with a cotton swab or dental instrument. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to see your doctor for an evaluation.

Medical Reviewers

ENT Care Centers | ENT Health Library

Last Review Date: January 2023

Content Reviewers:

• Dr. Jeffrey Nau, MD
• Dr. Joseph J. Creely, MD
• Dr. Bryan Murphy, MD
• Dr. Thomas Higgins, MD, MSPH