Tonsillitis

Overview

Bacterial tonsillitis is mostly caused by a streptococcus infection. Typical symptoms include a very sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever and a feeling of being unwell. Drinking plenty of fluids and staying in bed can provide relief, but antibiotics are often needed to treat severe infections.

Symptoms

Main symptoms

• Sudden and relatively violent onset
• Very sore throat and pain when swallowing
• Fever (can rise suddenly and strongly)
• Swollen and red palatine tonsils

Other symptoms

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and angle of the jaw, painful when pressed
• Impaired speech (owing to the pain)

Complications

• Middle ear infection
• Abscess (formation of pus)
• Blood poisoning (sepsis)
  • The bacteria can spread to the heart valves (endocarditis)
    

Causes and treatment

Causes

• Group A streptococci bacteria
• More seldom caused by viruses (milder progression of the disease)
• As an accompanying disease, tonsillitis can also occur together with:
  • Scarlet fever
  • Measles
  • Flu
  • Glandular fever

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• What is known as a rapid strep test (swab)
• Blood test (signs of inflammation)
  

Possible therapies

• Painkillers
• Antibiotics (for bacteria)
• Operation only in certain situations (removal of tonsils)
  

What can I do myself?

• Gargle with salt water
• Cool throat compresses
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Bed rest
  

When to see a doctor?

• High fever
• Very sore throat and pain when swallowing
• Swelling in the angle of the jaw
• No improvement after 5 days
  

Synonyms

adenoitidis, inflammation of the adenoids, tonsil inflammation, angina tonsillaris, Vincent's angina, streptococcal sore throat