Tonsillitis

What is the term Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an infection of the throat. This infection causes the tonsils to become red, tender, and swollen. Tonsils are tissues in the back of your throat. If bacteria caused your infection, antibiotic medicine will be given to you.

Sometimes, symptoms of this infection can be treated with the use of medicines that lessen swelling (steroids). If your tonsillitis is very bad (severe) and happens often, you may need to get your tonsils removed (tonsillectomy).

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
  • If you were prescribed an antibiotic, take it as told by your doctor. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.

Eating and drinking

  • Drink enough fluid to keep your pee (urine) clear or pale yellow.
  • While your throat is sore, eat soft or liquid foods like:
    • Soup.
    • Sherbert.
    • Instant breakfast drinks.
  • Drink warm fluids.
  • Eat frozen ice pops.

General instructions

  • Rest as much as possible and get plenty of sleep.
  • Gargle with a salt-water mixture 3–4 times a day or as needed. To make a salt-water mixture, completely dissolve ½-1 tsp of salt in 1 cup of warm water.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If there is no soap and water, use hand sanitizer.
  • Do not share cups, bottles, or other utensils until your symptoms are gone.
  • Do not smoke. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

  • You have large, tender lumps in your neck.
  • You have a fever that does not go away after 2–3 days.
  • You have a rash.
  • You cough up green, yellow-brown, or bloody fluid.
  • You cannot swallow liquids or food for 24 hours.
  • Only one of your tonsils is swollen.

Get help right away if:

  • You have any new symptoms such as:
    • Vomiting.
    • Very bad headache.
    • Stiff neck.
    • Chest pain.
    • Trouble breathing or swallowing.
  • You have very bad throat pain and you also have drooling or voice changes.
  • You have very bad pain that is not helped by medicine.
  • You cannot fully open your mouth.
  • You have redness, swelling, or severe pain anywhere in your neck.

Summary

  • Tonsillitis causes your tonsils to be red, tender, and swollen.
  • While your throat is sore, eat soft or liquid foods.
  • Gargle with a salt-water mixture 3–4 times a day or as needed.
  • Do not share cups, bottles, or other utensils until your symptoms are gone.
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