Tonsillitis is a common infection of the tonsils, usually caused by viruses or bacteria. Tonsillitis can occur just once (acute tonsillitis), or frequently (recurrent tonsillitis). They usually present with severe sorethroat, high fever and swollen neck nodes. Associated symptoms include bad breath and ear pain.
On examination the tonsils are swollen, red and often covered in a white exudate. Sometimes, there are tender neck nodes too.
Treatment
- Pain Relief – oral analgesia such as Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Arcoxia. If the sorethroat is severe, intramuscular (IM) or intravevous (IV) pain relief may be necessary
- Antibiotics – usually given orally. May be given intravenously if infection is severe and/or oral antibiotics do not resolve the infection.
- Hydration –fluids are important to recovery. Oral intake of at least 2L a day for adults. Intravenous fluids are used if oral intake is insufficient.
- Corticosteroids – prescribed when swelling of the tonsils, surrounding throat tissue is significant.