In this article
- Viruses cause most acute tonsillitis
- Suspected strep may need clinical assessment or testing
- Record frequency and severity when episodes recur
Assessment and treatment
- Fluids, rest and appropriate pain relief
- Antibiotics only when bacterial infection is sufficiently likely or confirmed
- ENT review for recurrent or obstructive disease
At a glance
Definition: Viral or bacterial inflammation of the tonsils can cause sore throat, fever and painful swallowing.
Key takeaways
- Viruses cause most acute tonsillitis
- Suspected strep may need clinical assessment or testing
- Record frequency and severity when episodes recur
Clinical steps
- Fluids, rest and appropriate pain relief
- Antibiotics only when bacterial infection is sufficiently likely or confirmed
- ENT review for recurrent or obstructive disease
Red flags: Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, inability to swallow saliva, difficulty opening the mouth or rapidly increasing one-sided swelling.
Quick FAQ: When should I see an ENT specialist?
Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, inability to swallow saliva, difficulty opening the mouth or rapidly increasing one-sided swelling.
How I assess this in clinic
I first clarify duration, severity, whether symptoms are one-sided or bilateral, and their effect on daily life. I then perform a focused ENT examination and compare the findings with viruses cause most acute tonsillitis.
Endoscopy or audiometry is not required for everyone. I advise endoscopy when the nose, sinus, throat or voice box needs direct assessment, and audiometry/tympanometry when hearing or middle-ear function is in question.
A common misconception is that every ENT problem needs an antibiotic or an operation. Treatment should instead follow the diagnosis, functional impact, examination findings and evidence-based indications.
Do not wait when: Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, inability to swallow saliva, difficulty opening the mouth or rapidly increasing one-sided swelling.
For patient education; not a substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment.