Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils. It is a type of pharyngitis. Symptoms may include sorethroat , fever, trouble swallowing, and signs include enlarged tonsils often with a white coating (exudate) and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.

Treatment efforts involve improving symptoms and decreasing complications. Paracetamamol and ibuprofen can be used to help with pain. Staying hydrated is the most important aspect of avoiding hospital admission. If a bacterial infection is suspected then antibiotic penicillin by mouth is often prescribed. 

Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure in which both tonsils are fully removed from the back of the throat. It is mainly performed for recurrent infections and obstructive sleep apnoea.  For those with frequent throat infections, surgery results in fewer sore throats in the following one to two years, but it is unclear what the long term benefits are. Some patients with recurrent infections will find undergoing a tonsillectomy will reduce the time absent from work or school.