To treat tonsillitis, the approach depends on whether it is caused by a viral or bacterial infection:
Self-care and Home Treatments (for viral or mild cases)
- Get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection.
- Drink plenty of fluids, including cool drinks and warm liquids like tea, to soothe the throat.
- Gargle with warm salt water several times a day (mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, gargle, then spit out) to reduce throat pain and inflammation (not recommended for young children).
- Eat soft, cool foods such as ice cream, jelly, or popsicles to numb throat pain.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen to reduce pain and fever (do not give aspirin to children under 16).
- Throat lozenges containing anesthetics, antiseptics, or anti-inflammatory agents can help soothe the throat but should be avoided in young children due to choking risk.
- Use a humidifier or inhale steam to keep the throat moist and relieve discomfort.
- Avoid straining your voice to prevent further irritation.
These measures usually help symptoms improve within a week
Antibiotic Treatment (for bacterial tonsillitis)
- If tonsillitis is caused by a bacterial infection, especially group A streptococcus (strep throat), a doctor will prescribe antibiotics such as penicillin, usually taken for 10 days.
- It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve quickly to prevent complications and reinfection
When Surgery is Considered
- Tonsillectomy (surgical removal of tonsils) may be recommended if tonsillitis is recurrent or chronic.
- This is a common procedure but involves general anesthesia and some risks. Discuss with your doctor if this is appropriate
When to See a Doctor
- Symptoms last longer than a week.
- Frequent throat infections occur.
- Severe pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing, high fever, or other complications arise.
- Signs of bacterial infection that may require antibiotics
In summary, most tonsillitis cases improve with rest, hydration, pain relief, and home care. Antibiotics are reserved for bacterial infections, and surgery is an option for recurrent cases.
