Tonsillitis: What You Need to Know
Tonsillitis is when your tonsils, the soft tissue at the back of your throat, get swollen and irritated. This happens because of an infection, usually caused by viruses or bacteria. It spreads easily, especially through coughing, sneezing, or sharing food and drinks.
Common Symptoms
- Sore throat and trouble swallowing
- Swollen, red tonsils (sometimes with white or yellow spots)
- Fever
- Bad breath
- Headache
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Scratchy or muffled voice
What Causes It?
- Viruses like the common cold
- Bacteria, especially Streptococcus (which causes strep throat)
- Close contact with an infected person
- Sharing food, drinks, or utensils
How Is It Diagnosed?
Doctors check your throat, feel your neck for swollen lymph nodes, and may do tests like a throat swab or blood test.
Treatment Options
- Viral Tonsillitis: Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use pain relievers like ibuprofen.
- Bacterial Tonsillitis: Requires antibiotics.
- Severe or Chronic Cases: Surgery to remove tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be needed.
Possible Complications
- Breathing issues
- Sleep problems
- Infection spreading to other parts of the body
- Rheumatic fever (a rare but serious condition that affects the heart and joints)
Prevention Tips
- Wash your hands often
- Avoid close contact with infected people
- Don’t share food, drinks, or utensils
What to Eat and Avoid
Good foods: Warm broths, mashed potatoes, soft fruits, rice, and lukewarm teas. Avoid: Hard, crunchy foods, spicy meals, and very hot drinks.
Tonsillitis is common and usually goes away within a week, but if symptoms last longer or get worse, it’s best to see a doctor.
