Tonsillitis

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is an infection that causes inflammation or swelling at the back of the throat, leading to pain or discomfort. It’s often caused by a viral infection, like a cold or flu, but it can also be the result of a bacterial infection. While symptoms usually improve within three to four days, the duration can vary.

Although tonsillitis itself isn’t contagious, the viruses and bacteria that cause it are – so it can still spread to others. The contagious period depends on the specific germ. Generally, you can be contagious for 24-48 hours before symptoms appear and remain contagious until symptoms subside. To prevent spreading, stay home, use tissues, and wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.

Who gets tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis can affect anyone, but it’s most common in children, especially those aged 5-15. Adults are more likely to get it if they didn’t have their tonsils removed as a child, live or work near children, or have a weakened immune system.

How common is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is very common. While the exact number of people it affects is unknown, it’s thought to affect around one in ten people each year.^[1] Research also suggests that recurrent tonsillitis is more common in females than males. ^[2]

What causes tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is usually caused by a viral infection like a cold or flu. It can sometimes be caused by bacterial infections like strep throat as well, but this is a lot more rare.

What are the symptoms of tonsillitis

The symptoms of tonsillitis can vary from person to person, though typically the most common symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fever (above 100.4°F)
• Persistent coughing
• Headache
• Nausea
• Earache
• Fatigue

These symptoms can become more severe in some instances.^[1] When this occurs you may experience:

Swollen, painful glands in your neck (this could feel like a lump on the side of your neck)
White, pus-filled spots on your tonsils
Bad breath

Can tonsillitis lead to other problems?

Tonsillitis can cause further problems, although it’s quite rare. In some instances it can cause another infection. When this occurs it can prevent you from being able to treat tonsillitis properly. If this is the case, and tonsillitis keeps coming back (or it’s getting harder to treat), then it’s more than likely that your clinician will recommend that your tonsils be removed.

Sometimes tonsillitis can lead to you developing an abscess between your tonsils and the wall of your throat, called a quinsy.