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Key Points
- Tonsillitis, often caused by viral or bacterial infections, is an inflammation of the tonsils, common in children, and identified by symptoms like a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and red, swollen tonsils.
- Young children with tonsillitis may also show signs of drooling, refusal to eat, and unusual fussiness.
- Home remedies for managing tonsillitis include drinking warm liquids, eating soft foods and popsicles, avoiding acidic foods and irritants, gargling with salt water, resting the voice, and getting plenty of sleep.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, throat lozenges, and sprays can also help alleviate symptoms of tonsillitis.
- Prevention of tonsillitis involves good hygiene practices such as thorough hand washing and not sharing food or utensils, and if symptoms persist or worsen, a doctor should be consulted.
Your tonsils are two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of your throat, according to the Mayo Clinic. They’re a small part of your immune system and work to catch germs that enter through your nose and mouth. When tonsils become inflamed, it’s called tonsillitis. Viral infections (like the common cold or flu) and bacterial infections (like strep throat) are the most frequent cause of tonsillitis, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms of Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is most common in children between preschool age and mid-teens, according to the Mayo Clinic. They also explain that the common symptoms of tonsillitis include:
- Red, swollen tonsils
- White or yellow coating or patches on the tonsils
- Sore throat
- Difficult or painful swallowing
- Fever
- Enlarged or tender lymph nodes in the neck
- A scratchy, muffled, or throaty voice
- Bad breath
- Stomachache
- Neck pain or stiff neck
- Headache
In young children, the Mayo Clinic notes they may also have the following symptoms:
- Drooling due to difficult or painful swallowing
- Refusal to eat
- Unusual fussiness
What to do if You Have Tonsillitis
1. Drink Warm Liquids
Drinking warm liquids such as tea or soup can help soothe your throat and reduce inflammation, according to Healthline. Adding honey to your warm liquids can also help soothe your throat, they note.
2. Eat Popsicles
Sometimes cool liquids are more soothing than warm ones, so eating popsicles or ice chips can also help soothe your throat and reduce inflammation, according to Medical News Today.
3. Eat Soft Foods
Tonsillitis usually involves a very sore throat and even difficulty swallowing—eating soft foods such as mashed potatoes, oatmeal, or yogurt are good choices to help minimize the pain associated with swallowing, according to Medical News Today.
4. Avoid Acidic Foods
Acidic foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar can irritate your throat and make the symptoms of tonsillitis worse, according to Medical News Today. They recommend that you avoid these foods until your symptoms subside.
5. Avoid Smoking And Other Irritants
Smoking and other irritants such as secondhand smoke, air pollution, or cleaning products can irritate your throat and make the symptoms of tonsillitis worse, according to Medical News Today. If you’re a smoker, they recommend that you quit or cut down at least until your symptoms resolve. Avoid environmental irritants like pollution and chemical fumes as much as possible.
6. Gargle With Salt Water
Gargling with salt water can help reduce inflammation and soothe your throat, according to Healthline. To do this, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, gargle for 30 seconds, and then spit and rinse with regular water.
7. Increasing The Humidity Of Your Home
Increasing the humidity of your home can also help soothe your throat, according to Healthline. To increase your humidity, you can use a humidifier, boil some water on your stovetop, or take a hot shower.
8. Avoid Straining Your Voice
Straining your voice can irritate your throat and make the symptoms of tonsillitis worse, according to Medical News Today. They recommend that you rest your voice by avoiding talking too much or shouting until your symptoms subside.
9. Get Plenty Of Rest
Getting plenty of rest can help your body fight off the infection that is causing your tonsillitis, according to Medical News Today. This means you should consider staying home from work or school.
10. OTC Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with tonsillitis, according to Medical News Today. You should make sure to follow the recommended dosage on the label to avoid overuse.
11. Throat Lozenges
Throat lozenges can be found over-the-counter at many retail pharmacies and even grocery and convenience stores—they can help soothe your throat and reduce inflammation, according to Medical News Today. It’s important to note that lozenges are not suitable for young children.
12. Throat Sprays
Throat sprays can also help soothe your throat and reduce inflammation, according to Medical News Today. They recommend that you look for sprays that contain benzocaine or phenol.
How to Prevent Tonsillitis
The Mayo Clinic notes that tonsillitis is caused by viral or bacterial germs that are contagious. Therefore, the best prevention is to take steps to avoid getting sick. They recommend that you teach your child to:
- Wash his or her hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after using the toilet and before eating
- Avoid sharing food, drinking glasses, water bottles or utensils
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or, when necessary, into his or her elbow
- Wash his or her hands after sneezing or coughing
You should also replace your child’s toothbrush after being diagnosed with tonsillitis, and be sure to consult with your pediatrician about when to send your child back to school after tonsillitis, according to the Mayo Clinic. These steps can help prevent the spread of the virus or bacteria to others.
When to see a Doctor for Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis often resolves within a few days, according to Medical News Today. However, some people may experience continued or worsening symptoms. The Mayo Clinic notes that you should see a doctor if:
- A sore throat with fever
- A sore throat that doesn't go away within 24 to 48 hours
- Painful or difficult swallowing
- Extreme weakness, fatigue, or fussiness
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme difficulty swallowing
- Excessive drooling (in young children)
- Inability to take fluids
- Decreased urine output
Summary
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils that is usually caused by a virus or bacteria that infects the tonsils. It is common in children and may occasionally need to be treated with an antibiotic. Most cases of tonsillitis resolve within a few days, and you can support recovery with:
- Drinking warm liquids
- Eating popsicles
- Eating soft foods
- Avoiding acidic foods
- Avoiding things that can irritate the throat like smoke
- Gargle with salt water
- Avoid straining the voice
- Getting plenty of rest
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers
- Using throat lozenges and sprays for older children and adults
You should see a doctor if your symptoms are severe or last longer than a few days.
Frequently asked questions
What causes tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is often caused by viral or bacterial infections.What are the symptoms of tonsillitis in children?
Symptoms in children include red, swollen tonsils, a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, drooling, refusal to eat, and unusual fussiness.How can tonsillitis be managed at home?
Home remedies include drinking warm liquids, eating soft foods and popsicles, avoiding acidic foods and irritants, gargling with salt water, resting the voice, and getting plenty of sleep.What over-the-counter medications can help with tonsillitis?
Over-the-counter pain relievers, throat lozenges, and sprays can help alleviate symptoms.How can tonsillitis be prevented?
Prevention involves good hygiene practices such as thorough hand washing and not sharing food or utensils.When should a doctor be consulted for tonsillitis?
If symptoms persist or worsen, a doctor should be consulted.How long does tonsillitis usually last?
Most cases of tonsillitis resolve within a few days with the right care and treatment.Can tonsillitis affect eating habits in children?
Yes, young children with tonsillitis may refuse to eat due to the discomfort.
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