TONSILLITIS
Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils at the back of
the mouth. A sore throat is the common symptom. In addition, you may
also have a cough, fever, headache, feel sick, feel tired, painful
swallowing, and swollen neck glands. Pus may appear as white spots
on the enlarged tonsils. Symptoms typically get worse over 2 to 3 days
and then gradually go, usually within a week
What is the treatment for tonsillitis? 
- Not treating is an option as many tonsil infections are mild and
soon get better
- Have plenty to drink. It is tempting not to drink very much if
it is painful to swallow. You may become mildly dehydrated if you
don't drink much, particularly if you also have a fever. Mild dehydration
can make headaches and tiredness much worse
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen ease pain, headache, and fever. To keep
symptoms to a minimum it is best to take a dose at regular intervals
as recommended on the packet of medication rather than 'now and then'.
For example, take paracetamol four times a day until symptoms ease
- Aspirin gargles may ease the soreness. Dissolve some soluble aspirin
in water and gargle for 3 to 4 minutes. You can do this 3 to 4 times
a day. Spit out the aspirin after gargling. (You should not give
aspirin to children under 16)
- Other gargles, lozenges, and sprays that you can buy at pharmacies
may help to soothe a sore throat. However, they do not shorten the
illness. They tend to be expensive, and may do little extra to ease
symptoms than the above measures
Do I need an antibiotic?
Usually not. Most bouts of tonsillitis are due to viruses, although
some are due to bacteria. Without tests, it is usually not possible
to tell if it is a viral or bacterial infection. Antibiotics kill
bacteria, but do not kill viruses. However, an antibiotic is not
thought to make much difference even if bacteria cause the tonsil
infection. Your immune system usually clears throat and tonsil infections
within a few days, whether caused by viruses or bacteria. Also, antibiotics
can sometimes cause side-effects such as diarrhoea, rash, and stomach
upsets. An antibiotic may be advised if the infection is severe,
if it is not easing after a few days, or if your immune system is
not working properly (for example, if you have had your spleen removed
or if you are taking chemotherapy, etc)
Occasionally, tonsillitis is due to an uncommon cause such as glandular fever. See a doctor if symptoms are severe, or if they do not ease within 3 to 4 days
What about having my tonsils taken out?
Removing the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be an option if you have frequent
and severe bouts of tonsillitis. That is, five or more infections
over a year. Also, when each infection is severe enough to affect
normal life (such as needing time off work or studies). The value
of tonsillectomy is uncertain - throat infections are not prevented
if the tonsils are removed, however, for some people, the number
and severity of throat infections may be reduced after tonsillectomy
Source: Adapted with permission from a © document supplied by EMIS and PIP
NHS
Direct 0845 46 47 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
