Tonsillitis is an infection that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) of the tonsils.
Tonsillitis is a common condition in children, teenagers and young adults.
The tonsils are 2 small glands that sit on either side of the throat. In young children, they help to fight germs and act as a barrier against infection.
When the tonsils become infected, they stop it spreading further into the body.
As a child’s immune system gets stronger, the tonsils become less important and usually get smaller. In most people, the body is able to fight infection without the tonsils.
Complete our self-help guide to check your symptoms and find out what to do next.
The symptoms of tonsillitis include:
Symptoms usually get better within 3 to 4 days.
If your GP practice is closed, phone 111.
If needed, your GP will examine your throat and ask you some questions about your symptoms. They may take a swab of your throat to check if its caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It’ll usually take a few days to get your results.
If you develop severe tonsillitis as a teenager or adult, your GP may recommend a blood test for glandular fever.
There’s no specific treatment for tonsillitis. It usually gets better on its own within a week.
Always read the leaflet that comes with your medicine before taking it. Follow the recommended dosage instructions. If you’re not sure which treatments are suitable for you or your child, speak to a pharmacist for advice.
If test results show that your tonsillitis is caused by a bacterial infection, a short course of oral antibiotics may be prescribed.
If oral antibiotics do not help and your symptoms are getting worse, your GP may refer you to hospital for antibiotics to be given into a vein (IV antibiotics).
A small number of children and adults have tonsillitis for longer, or it keeps returning. This is called chronic tonsillitis and surgery may be needed.
Surgery to remove the tonsils (a tonsillectomy) is usually only recommended if:
Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by a viral infection, such as cold or flu.
Some cases can also be caused by a bacterial infection, typically a strain of bacteria called group A streptococcus bacteria.
Tonsillitis itself isn’t contagious, but the infections that cause it are.
Complications of tonsillitis are rare and usually only occur if it’s caused by a bacterial infection. They’re usually the result of the infection spreading to another part of the body.
Possible complications of tonsillitis include:
Other complications of tonsillitis are very rare. They usually only occur if an underlying bacterial infection is left untreated.
Last updated:
05 March 2024