Tonsillitis

Overview

Strep is more likely with fever, no cough, and swollen neck glands.

Frequent tonsillitis may lead to tonsil removal.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Sore throat with swollen tonsils
• White patches or swollen tonsils

Less common

• Fever
• White patches
• Swollen neck glands

When to get medical care

Causes

Viruses, strep.

Does it spread or run in families?

• Yes, it can spread from person to person.
• How it spreads: coughs, sneezes, or touch.
• Washing hands often and staying home when sick help protect others.

Who is more likely to get it

• Children
• Teens

Possible complications

• Peritonsillar abscess

Diagnosis

A clinician looks at the throat.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Rapid strep test:

Treatment

Soothe the throat.

Self-care

• Gargle with warm salt water
• Drink warm or cold fluids
• Rest
• Use throat lozenges (over age 4)

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To prevent spread:

• Handwashing

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Stay home until you've had no fever for 24 hours without fever medicine and you're feeling better.
• For the next 5 days, wash hands often and wear a mask around others.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most get better in a week.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Should my tonsils come out?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Tonsillitis