What Is Tonsillitis? A Medical Professional in Tampa, FL, Explains

What Is Tonsillitis Tampa FLThe tonsils – two oval-shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat – can become inflamed due to a viral or bacterial infection, such as streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus), the bacterium that causes strep throat.

As part of the immune system, the tonsils serve as the first line of defense against germs that enter the body through the mouth and nose. For this reason, the tonsils are vulnerable to inflammation and infection, especially in children whose immune systems have not yet fully developed. Usually, after an initial exposure to a pathogen, the body creates antibodies that help fight off future infections later.

What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?

In addition to a sore throat, some common signs of tonsillitis include:

  • Swollen, red tonsils
  • White or yellow patches on the tonsils
  • Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Bad breath
  • Fever
  • Headaches

How is tonsillitis treated?

Appropriate treatment for tonsillitis can vary depending on the underlying cause of the inflammation. For this reason, if the symptoms are severe or persist for more than 48 hours, it’s important to see a physician who can provide an accurate diagnosis.

A bacterial infection such as strep may require antibiotic treatment. However, most cases of tonsillitis are caused by viral infections, which are not treated with antibiotics. In fact, antibiotic treatment is not only unnecessary for a viral infection, but it can also breed resistance, which means that the antibiotics may not work later if needed. Most viral infections resolve on their own, and the goal of treatment is to improve comfort in the meantime. Some potentially effective approaches include:

  • Getting plenty of rest
  • Soothing the throat by drinking warm tea with honey and lemon, gargling with salt water, or sucking on lozenges
  • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers

Years ago, surgery to remove the tonsils was commonly performed to treat tonsillitis. Today, however, surgery is usually considered only if bacterial tonsillitis recurs frequently, doesn’t respond to other treatments, or leads to complications, such as sleep disruption, difficulty breathing, or an infection that spreads into surrounding tissues.

If you would like to consult with a physician about your tonsillitis symptoms, contact or visit South Tampa Immediate Care. No appointments are necessary at our walk-in clinic, where you can be seen and treated any day of the week.