A sore throat that lasts longer than 48 hours. This is the primary symptom of tonsillitis and one of the first symptoms you will notice. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Difficulty swallowing Ear pain Headache Tenderness around the jaw and neck. A stiff neck.
Children are more likely to experience nausea and stomach pangs when suffering from tonsillitis. If children are too young to express how they feel, you might notice drooling, a refusal to eat, and unusual fussiness. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Gently place the handle of a spoon on the tongue of a sick person and have them say “ahhh” while you shine a light on the back of the throat. [7] X Research source Tonsils infected with tonsillitis are bright red and swollen, and might have white or yellow coating or patching. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Thermometers can be purchased at most drug stores. It generally takes about of minute of placing the tip of the thermometer under your tongue before an accurate reading is present. If you’re taking a child’s temperature, always use a digital thermometer over a mercury one. If your child is under three, you may have to insert the thermometer in the rectum to get a proper reading as children in this age group may lack the ability to hold a thermometer in their mouths. [10] X Research source A normal temperature is anywhere from 97 to 99 °F (36. 1 to 37. 2 °C). Anything higher than this is considered a fever.
Know roughly when your symptoms began, if any over-the-counter pain relievers have improved symptoms, whether you’ve ever been diagnosed with tonsillitis or strep throat before, and if symptoms affect your sleep. These are things your doctor will want to know to help with diagnosis. Ask your doctor about the best course of treatment, how long test results will take, and when you can resume normal activities. [13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
First, there will be a physical exam. Your doctor will look in your throat, ears, and nose, listen to your breathing with a stethoscope, feel your neck for swelling, and check for enlargement of the spleen. This is a sign of mononucleosis, which also inflames tonsils. [15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Your doctor will probably take a throat swab. They will rub a sterile swab over the back of your throat to check for bacteria associated with tonsillitis. Some hospitals have equipment that can get results in minutes while, in other cases, you might have to wait 24 to 48 hours. [16] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Your doctor may order a complete blood cell count (CBC). This provides a count on different types of blood cells, showing what levels are normal and what are below normal. This can indicate whether the infection is caused by a bacterial or viral agent. This is usually only used if the throat swab test is negative and the doctor wants to determine the precise cause of tonsillitis. [17] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
If virus is the cause, at-home care is advised and you can expect to feel better in 7 to 10 days. Treatment is similar to the treatment of any cold. You should get rest, drink plenty of fluids, especially warm liquids, humidify the air and suck on lozenges, popsicles, and other foods that cool the throat. [19] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If the infection is bacterial, you will likely be prescribed a round of antibiotics. Make sure to take all the medication as directed. Failure to do so can result in the infection getting worse or not healing. [20] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If your tonsillitis is frequently occurring surgery to remove the tonsils might be a possibility. Tonsillitis is usually a one day surgery, meaning you will be home the same day you go in. [21] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
If you’ve been sharing food and beverages with others, such as at parties and other get togethers, you could have easily contracted the germs. This heightens your risk and increases the likelihood the symptoms you’re experiencing are related to tonsillitis. Nasal obstructions, those severe enough to cause you to breathe through your mouth, heighten your risk for tonsillitis. Droplets of pathogens pass through the air when an infected person breaths, coughs, and sneezes. Breathing through your mouth increases the risk for tonsillitis. [23] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Smoking can increase your risk as it leads to more frequent mouth-breathing and reduces the body’s capacity to fight disease. Excessive alcohol use lowers the immune system, making you more susceptible to disease. When drinking, people are also looser about drink sharing. This can lead to infection. Any condition that weakens the immune system puts you at greater risk, such as HIV/AIDS and diabetes. If you’ve recently underdone an organ transplant or chemotherapy you may be at greater risk.
Tonsillitis is most common in pre-school years to mid-teenage years. One reason for this is the close proximity of school-aged children that leads to the sharing of disease-causing germs. If you work in an elementary or middle school, you are at an increased risk for tonsillitis. Wash your hands frequently during an outbreak and avoid contact with anyone diagnosed for a 24 hour period. [25] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
