Tonsillitis: What It Feels Like and What to Do

Has your throat been raw, swollen, or full of white spots? That could be tonsillitis — an infection of the tonsils that makes swallowing painful and sometimes gives you a fever. Most cases get better in a few days with simple care, but some need testing or antibiotics. This page tells you how to spot tonsillitis, what helps at home, which drugs doctors use, and when to seek medical help.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Common signs are sore throat, red swollen tonsils, white patches or pus, fever (often over 38°C / 100.4°F), swollen neck glands, and bad breath. Kids might drool, refuse to eat, or have trouble breathing when the tonsils are very big. A doctor usually checks your throat and may do a rapid strep test or throat culture to see if the cause is Streptococcus bacteria — the kind that needs antibiotics.

Viral infections cause many cases and won’t improve with antibiotics. Bacterial cases, especially strep throat, usually do. If you have repeated infections, your doctor may review how often they happen and whether surgery is an option.

Treatment: Home Care and Meds

Start with simple things: rest, drink warm fluids, use lozenges or honey (for kids over 1 year), and avoid irritants like smoke. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen help with pain and fever. Gargling warm salt water a few times a day can loosen mucus and ease discomfort.

If a test shows strep, common antibiotics include amoxicillin or penicillin. For people allergic to penicillin, doctors may use azithromycin or, in some situations, a cephalosporin like cefixime — but only after checking allergies and local guidelines. Always follow the prescription and finish the course so the infection doesn’t return.

Watch for complications: a growing painful lump near the tonsil could be a peritonsillar abscess, which needs urgent care. Also, untreated strep can rarely lead to problems like rheumatic fever, so testing and treatment matter.

For frequent or severe tonsillitis that affects breathing, sleep, or daily life, your doctor might discuss tonsillectomy. Common surgical criteria include several documented infections over a year or complications from repeated infections.

Prevent repeat infections by washing hands often, not sharing utensils, and staying home when sick. If your symptoms get worse instead of better after a few days, or if you have trouble breathing, severe neck swelling, or dehydration, seek medical care right away.

Want quick help deciding what to do now? If you have a high fever, can’t swallow fluids, drooling, or noisy breathing, go to the ER. Otherwise call your clinic for a rapid strep test or telemedicine visit — many offices can guide you without a long wait.