This blog has been reviewed and approved by Dr Robert Lee, a dental professional of 35 years
Tonsilitis is a common illness that happens through an infection of the tonsils, two pads of tissue at the back of your throat. During tonsilitis, your tonsils become sore and swollen, your lymph nodes can become inflamed, and swallowing is more difficult than usual.
Common viral infections often cause tonsilitis, but it is also possible to contract bacterial tonsilitis. As a result of this, it is important to get diagnosed as soon as you can so you can receive the correct treatment for the infection.
Although it may be uncomfortable, contracting tonsilitis is usually not a cause for concern. Tonsil infections are common, especially in children, and can come and go relatively quickly, or persist and reoccur over the space of a few months. If you’re interested in learning about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of tonsilitis, then keep reading and find out all you need to know.
Causes of Tonsilitis
Your tonsils act as filters for your throat and body and are often seen as your immune system’s frontline. As a result, tonsils are often prone to infection. There are two main causes of tonsilitis: bacterial and viral. Tonsilitis is predominantly caused by viral infections, meaning bacterial tonsilitis is a slightly rare variant of the disease.
The most common way for the virus, or bacteria, to enter your system is through direct contact with germ carriers. Infectious droplets from sneezing, coughing and even speaking are typical ways in which tonsilitis can be passed from person to person, meaning it is easy to contract the disease if you’re around a sick person.
Generally, only those displaying symptoms of the disease are contagious, but this isn’t always the case. Tonsilitis can also be passed on by everyday items such as toothbrushes, or even by pets and farm animals in rare cases.
What are the Symptoms of Tonsilitis?
Tonsilitis’ symptoms vary slightly depending on whether you are suffering from viral or bacterial tonsilitis. Some common viral tonsilitis symptoms include:
A sore throat
Red, swollen tonsils
A fever and headache
Difficulty swallowing
Swollen glands
A stiff neck
Bacterial tonsilitis manifests similarly but will see the tonsils secrete discharge known as specks which causes bad breath. Children may also experience some abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting if their infection is bacterial.
If these symptoms occur and disappear in 2 weeks or less, you are most likely suffering from acute tonsilitis, the name given to a tonsil infection that does not reoccur. It is possible however that your symptoms and infection will resurface shortly after a period of no illness at all – this is called recurrent tonsilitis. If reoccurrences turn into constant symptoms, then you are suffering from chronic tonsilitis. For both conditions, you should see a doctor.
Tonsilitis Home Remedies
As its name suggests, bacterial tonsilitis is treated by a course of antibiotics that are prescribed after diagnosis by your doctor. Viral tonsilitis has no set method of treatment, but there are several easy home remedies for tonsilitis which alleviate its symptoms, including:
Painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol are useful to alleviate fevers or pains in the throat.
Sage or Thyme tea gargles can help soothe your throat and ease the pain of infection.
Neck wraps such as scarves keep your neck and throat protected from the cold and keep your muscles warm and not tense.
Calf Wraps can be used to reduce fever without medication. You can make a simple wrap by soaking 2 tea towels in a mixture of lemon juice or vinegar and lukewarm water. Wrap these around the leg from ankle to knee then wrap a dry tea towel around them.
Lozenges, saltwater gargles, and lots of fluids also help with tonsilitis pain and recovery from the infection.
Tonsilitis Prevention
There are several ways in which you can prevent tonsilitis, most of which revolve around maintaining a good level of personal hygiene, these include:
Regularly washing your hands to get rid of bacteria or germs you have picked up.
Keeping a safe distance from people suffering from tonsilitis to minimise the risk of spread by drip infection.
Not sharing cutlery, toothbrushes, or food items to ensure germs don’t enter directly into your mouth.
If you’re looking to reduce the risk of your child spreading tonsilitis to others, then there are a few more steps you can take such as:
Keeping them at home throughout their sickness.
Checking in with their doctor about a timeline for them to return to school.
Teaching them the importance of washing their hands and using tissues to blow their nose.
Tonsilitis can be uncomfortable, but there are several easy ways to make sure your symptoms aren’t severe, and your infection isn’t passed on. By following our guide, you can minimise the risk of spread, and learn quick at-home fixes for some of tonsilitis’ more unpleasant symptoms.
FAQs about Tonsilitis
How to get rid of tonsilitis overnight?
Unfortunately, you cannot get rid of tonsilitis overnight. Taking painkillers, keeping well hydrated, and using calf wraps may help alleviate your symptoms temporarily, but you will have to wait longer than a day for the infection to clear.
Can you cure tonsilitis without antibiotics?
Bacterial tonsilitis should be treated with antibiotics. Viral tonsilitis cannot be treated with antibiotics and should clear up without external medicines provided you take care of your body and stay well hydrated.
How to treat tonsilitis at home?
The best home remedies for tonsilitis include typical painkillers such as paracetamol, sage or thyme tea gargles, neck wraps, and calf wraps.
When do I see the doctor after getting tonsilitis?
You should see a doctor if you think you have tonsilitis to determine whether it is a bacterial or viral variant of tonsilitis, and therefore whether you need antibiotics. Seeing a doctor also means you can learn about the best treatment for tonsilitis for you.
