Tonsillitis & sore throat
Why it happens, how to ease it at home, and the warning signs to watch for.
You have tonsillitis — inflamed tonsils, usually caused by a virus and sometimes by bacteria. It is painful, but most people get better within about a week. Antibiotics are only needed in some cases.
Your care details
To be completed by the team before you leave.
These mean the airway may be at risk.
- Difficulty breathing, or noisy breathing
- Drooling, or being unable to swallow your own saliva
- Sitting forward and struggling, or unable to speak in full sentences
- Lips or skin looking pale, blue or grey
- A rash that does not fade when you press a glass against it
Come back to the ED or the service named above the same day.
- Severe pain on one side, with swelling pushing the throat across — this can be an abscess (quinsy)
- A muffled, ‘hot potato’ voice
- Not able to open your mouth fully
- Unable to drink, or passing much less urine than usual
- A high fever and feeling very unwell, or not improving after 3 to 4 days
- You are on chemotherapy or medicines that affect your immune system
Regular pain relief is what makes swallowing possible, so take it by the clock rather than waiting for the pain to peak — and take it about 30 minutes before you plan to eat or drink. Follow the dose on the packet or dispensing label for your age and weight. Do not give aspirin to anyone under 16. Check with a pharmacist before taking ibuprofen if you are pregnant, have asthma that is made worse by it, a stomach ulcer, kidney problems, or you are dehydrated. Cool drinks, ice lollies and soft foods are easier than hot drinks. Small amounts often is the aim — passing urine at least every 6 to 8 hours means you are keeping up. If antibiotics were prescribed, finish the course; most sore throats are viral and do not need them.
Caring for yourself
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and fever, if you can take them.
- Drink plenty of cool fluids to stay hydrated, and rest.
- Eat soft, cool foods that are easy to swallow.
- For older children and adults, salt-water gargles, lozenges or a throat spray can soothe.
- Finish the full course of any antibiotics you were given.
What to expect
These are all usual with tonsillitis and not a cause for alarm:
Symptoms usually ease over 3 to 7 days. See your GP if you are getting worse or not improving.