Learn about acute tonsillitis signs and symptoms including sore throat, fever, swollen tonsils, difficulty swallowing and white patches. Get expert ENT evaluation and treatment at Patil ENT Hospital, Nashik.
Acute Tonsillitis — Signs, Symptoms & Treatment
Patient-friendly SLO content for Patil ENT Hospital, Nashik
What is Acute Tonsillitis?
Acute tonsillitis is a sudden inflammation and infection of the tonsils at the back of the throat. It can be caused by viruses or bacteria, including Group A Streptococcus. Most sore-throat infections are viral, so antibiotics are not routinely required unless a bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed. (CDC)
Common Signs & Symptoms
- 🔴 Red and swollen tonsils
- 😣 Severe sore throat
- 🌡️ Fever
- 🥤 Pain or difficulty while swallowing
- ⚪ White patches or pus on the tonsils
- 🤕 Headache and body ache
- 👂 Ear pain, particularly in children
- 🫧 Tender/swollen glands in the neck
- 😮💨 Bad breath
- 🤢 Nausea or vomiting, particularly in children
- 😴 Fatigue and weakness
Group A streptococcal infection commonly causes sudden sore throat, fever, painful swallowing, swollen tonsils and enlarged lymph nodes in the front of the neck. (CDC)
Treatment
Treatment depends on whether the infection is viral or bacterial.
For viral tonsillitis:
- Adequate rest
- Plenty of fluids
- Warm salt-water gargles where appropriate
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain/fever when suitable
- Soft or cool foods to make swallowing easier
Most viral tonsillitis improves on its own within several days. (nhs.uk)
For bacterial tonsillitis:
A doctor may perform a clinical assessment and, when indicated, a rapid strep test or throat culture. Confirmed Group A Streptococcal infection is treated with appropriate antibiotics; penicillin or amoxicillin are recommended first-line options in the CDC guidance. (CDC)
Important: Antibiotics should not be started routinely without appropriate medical assessment, because antibiotics do not treat viral infections. (CDC)
When to Seek Urgent ENT Care
Seek urgent medical attention if there is:
- Difficulty breathing
- Inability to swallow saliva or fluids
- Rapidly increasing throat/mouth swelling
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Difficulty speaking
- Severe or rapidly worsening throat pain
These can be warning signs of complications such as a peritonsillar abscess.quincy
Prevention
- Wash hands regularly
- Avoid sharing cups, utensils and personal items
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Avoid close contact with people who have active respiratory infections
- Complete prescribed antibiotic treatment when bacterial infection has been confirmed
🏥 Patil ENT Hospital, Nashik
PATIL ENT HOSPITAL
PATIL ENT HOSPITAL Web Address: 5th Floor, Business Plaza, A Wing, opp. Panchavati Bus Depo, near Go Gas Pump, Adgaon Naka, Panchvati, Nashik, Maharashtra 422003, India Phone: +918452073374
All Cashless Facility Available
Address:
5th Floor, Business Plaza, A Wing, Opp. Panchavati Bus Depot, Near Go Gas Pump, Adgaon Naka, Panchvati, Nashik – 422003, Maharashtra
Contact: 8983388659
Website: Patil ENT Hospital website
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