Tonsillitis
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Summary
- Tonsillitis is an infection that affects the tonsils at the back of your throat.
- It causes them to become red and swollen, which can be painful.
- Throat sprays, lozenges, antiseptic solutions and antibiotics are used to manage an infection.
Here’s what's included in the price:
Consultation
Answer a few questions about your health so we can get to know you better.
Free 24h delivery
Your treatment delivered in secure packaging, the very next day.
Aftercare
We’ll check in with you regularly to see how your treatment is going.
Tonsillitis
What is tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is an infection that causes inflammation or swelling at the back of the throat, which can be painful or uncomfortable. It’s usually caused by a viral infection, such as the cold or flu, but it can also be the result of a bacterial infection. A lot of the time symptoms will ease within about three to four days, but this can vary in length.
Although tonsillitis in itself isn’t contagious, the viruses and bacteria that cause it are - so it can still spread to others. How long someone is contagious for depends on what germ is causing tonsillitis. Generally speaking, someone can be contagious for 24 to 48 hours before they develop symptoms, and can remain contagious until the symptoms go away. As a result, you should stay at home, use tissues, and wash your hands whenever you cough or sneeze if you have tonsillitis.
Who gets tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is a common condition, and it can affect people of any age group. However it’s most commonly seen in children, with tonsillitis caused by bacteria being most common in children aged 5-15. And adults are more likely to get tonsillitis if they didn't have their tonsils removed as a child, live or work in close proximity to children or have a weakened immune system.
How common is tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is a very common condition. The exact number of people that it affects is not fully known, but it’s thought to affect around one in ten people each year. Research also suggests that recurrent tonsillitis is more common in females than males.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead on March 24, 2023. Next review due on March 24, 2025.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Tonsillitis
What causes tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is usually caused by a viral infection, such as 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:
- A sore throat;
- Recurring problems with swallowing (which can be an issue when it comes to eating and drinking);
- A high temperature (of over 38°C);
- Persistent coughing;
- A headache;
- Nausea or feeling sick;
- Earache;
- Tiredness.
These symptoms can become more severe in some instances. 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.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead on March 24, 2023. Next review due on March 24, 2025.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Tonsillitis
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead on March 24, 2023. Next review due on March 24, 2025.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Reference Popover #ref1
Treated trusted source
Georgalas, C.C., Tolley, N.S. and Narula, A. (2009).
Tonsillitis. BMJ Clinical Evidence, [online] 2009, p.0503. [Accessed 17 Nov. 2021].
Reference Popover #ref2
Treated trusted source
NHS Choices (2019).
Tonsillitis. [online] NHS.
Reference Popover #ref3
Treated trusted source
Thorp, M.A., Isaacs, S. and Sellars, S.L. (2000).
Tonsillectomy and tonsillitis in Cape Town--age and sex of patients. South African Journal of Surgery. Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Chirurgie, 38(3), pp.62–64. [Accessed 27 Mar. 2023].
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead on March 24, 2023. Next review due on March 24, 2025.
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Tonsillitis: Here's what we've got.
Clarithromycin
ClarithromycinThe macrolide antibiotic for a range of conditions. Good option if you have a penicillin allergy.
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Phenoxymethylpenicillin
PhenoxymethylpenicillinRecommended tablet for bacterial tonsillitis. Clears up your symptoms in just a few days.
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Benzydamine Spray
BenzydamineLike Difflam but cheaper. Antibiotic-free treatment for sore throat and tonsillitis.
- Starting from £34.95
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Difflam spray
BenzydamineNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory spray that tackles sore throat and tonsillitis symptoms.
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
