What are the signs and Symptoms of Tonsillitis?

• Fever and chills
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Difficult or pain during swallowing
• Swollen and red tonsils
• White patches on the tonsils
• Enlarged and tender glands in the neck
• Change of voice
• Abdominal pain in children

What are the causes of Tonsillitis?

Bacterial infections – Especially Group A streptococci, but many others.

Viral infections – Epstein-Barr virus that causes Infectious Mononucleosis and many others.

Who are at Risk for Tonsillitis?

• School-age children are particularly prone to Tonsillitis.
• Contact with a case of Tonsillitis.

When to see a Doctor in Tonsillitis?

• Sore throat more than 48 hours
• Fever above 103 F (39 C)
• Difficulty in Swallowing
• Swollen or painful tonsils
• Sore throat is accompanied by abdominal pain and vomiting
• Stiff neck or feel weak
• Drooling of saliva in case of a child
• Sudden onset of pain and inflammation
• Tender lymph nodes in your neck
• Lack of nasal congestion

What are the Tests to Diagnose Tonsillitis?

• ENT Examination
• Throat swab
• Complete blood cell count

What are the Complications of Tonsillitis?

• Sleep apnea
• Abscess
• Rheumatic fever (Infection of the heart)
• Nephritis (Infection of kidney)

How to Treat Tonsillitis?

• Antibiotics – Oral penicillin for at least 10 days.
• Surgery – Removing the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be recommended when other treatments don't work; the problem has been recurring frequently or there is complication.

What are the Home Remedies in Tonsillitis?

• Drink warm and soothing fluids like hot tea, soup etc
• Sat water gargle with warm salt water.
• Take pain killers for pain but avoid aspirin
• Rest your voice
• Suck on a throat lozenge or hard candy
• Use honey and lemon
• Avoid smoke and other air pollutants.
• Humidify the air

How to Prevent Tonsillitis?

• Frequent hand washing is the best way to prevent all kinds of infections, including tonsillitis.
• Use a tissue during coughing or sneezing.
• Don't share drinking glasses or eating utensils.
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.