Tonsillitis (Inflammation of the Tonsils)
About the Disease & Condition
Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils, typically caused by viral or bacterial infections. It leads to sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Recurrent or severe tonsillitis may result in complications such as abscess formation, sleep disturbances, or breathing obstruction. Diagnosis is made through throat examination, rapid strep testing, or culture. Management includes symptomatic relief, antibiotics for bacterial causes, and, in recurrent or chronic cases, surgical removal of tonsils (tonsillectomy).
Known Symptoms
- Severe sore throat with pain while swallowing
- Swollen and red tonsils, sometimes with white patches
- Fever, fatigue, or enlarged neck lymph nodes
- Bad breath and difficulty speaking due to discomfort
Known Causes
- Viral infections such as cold, flu, or adenovirus
- Bacterial infections, commonly
- Streptococcus species
- Frequent exposure to pathogens in crowded environments
Weakened immune system increasing susceptibility to infections
Care
- Maintain hydration and consume soft, soothing foods
- Take prescribed medications including antibiotics if bacterial
- Gargle with warm salt water for symptom relief
- Seek ENT care for recurrent or severe tonsillitis
Relevant Specialities
ENT
Our ENT Department delivers specialist care from routine ear, nose, and throat conditions to complex skull-base and head-and-neck surgery. Our multidisciplinary team of otolaryngologists, audiologists and allied specialists provides advanced endoscopic and microscopic procedures, cochlear implantation and full audiology services, supported by dedicated theatres and modern diagnostics. We use minimally invasive techniques (coblation, balloon sinuplasty, image-guided endoscopy, PRP) and run specialist clinics for sinus & skull-base surgery, snoring & sleep apnea, pediatric ENT and head-and-neck oncology. Care is coordinated with reconstructive and oncology teams to ensure precise, safe and patient-centred outcomes.
Our ENT Department delivers specialist care from routine ear, nose, and throat conditions to complex skull-base and head-and-neck surgery. Our multidisciplinary team of otolaryngologists, audiologists and allied specialists provides advanced endoscopic and microscopic procedures, cochlear implantation and full audiology services, supported by dedicated theatres and modern diagnostics. We use minimally invasive techniques (coblation, balloon sinuplasty, image-guided endoscopy, PRP) and run specialist clinics for sinus & skull-base surgery, snoring & sleep apnea, pediatric ENT and head-and-neck oncology. Care is coordinated with reconstructive and oncology teams to ensure precise, safe and patient-centred outcomes.
