How to Diagnose Tonsillitis

Pay attention to your body's symptoms. Tonsillitis shares many symptoms with the common cold or sore throat. If you notice the following signs, you may have tonsillitis.

• A sore throat lasting more than 48 hours. This is the primary symptom of tonsillitis and one of the first to appear.
• Difficulty swallowing
• Ear pain
• Headache
• Sensitivity in the jaw and neck.
• Neck pain.

Identify tonsillitis symptoms in children. This condition is quite common in children. When diagnosing young kids, note that their symptoms can differ significantly from adults.

• Children often experience nausea and stomach pain with tonsillitis.
• If the child is too young to express discomfort, you may notice excessive drooling, refusal to eat, and unusual irritability.

Check for swollen and red tonsils. Ask a friend or family member to inspect your tonsils for signs of inflammation. If you suspect a child has tonsillitis, you can perform the check yourself.

• Gently press a spoon on the patient's tongue and ask them to say "ahhh" while you shine a light into their throat.
• Inflamed tonsils appear bright red and swollen, often with a white or yellow coating.

Measure body temperature. Fever is a primary indicator of tonsillitis. Use a thermometer to determine if a fever is present.

• You can purchase a thermometer at a pharmacy. Place it under the tongue and wait for about a minute to read the result.
• For children, use a digital thermometer instead of a mercury one. For kids under three, a rectal thermometer is recommended for accurate readings, as they cannot hold a thermometer in their mouth.
• Normal body temperature ranges from 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C). Anything higher indicates a fever.

See a doctor. If you suspect tonsillitis, you may need medication or even a tonsillectomy. Only a doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis. Visit an ENT specialist for a final assessment. If a child shows symptoms, take them to a pediatrician promptly.

Prepare necessary information. The doctor will ask several questions and may request clarifications, so it’s best to be prepared in advance.

• Be ready to describe when symptoms started, whether over-the-counter medications have helped, if you’ve previously self-diagnosed tonsillitis or strep throat, and whether symptoms are affecting your sleep. These details help the doctor accurately diagnose your condition.
• Discuss with the doctor the best treatment options, expected recovery time, and when you can resume normal activities.

Undergo clinical tests. The doctor will perform specific tests to diagnose tonsillitis.

• First, a general examination will be conducted. The doctor will inspect your throat, ears, and nose, use a stethoscope to monitor breathing, check for neck swelling, and assess if the spleen is enlarged, which could indicate mononucleosis causing tonsillitis.
• A throat swab will be taken. The doctor will use a sterile swab to collect a sample from the back of your throat to test for bacterial infections. Some clinics provide results within minutes, while others may take 24 to 48 hours.
• A complete blood count (CBC) test may be recommended. This test measures the levels of different blood cells, helping determine if the infection is bacterial or viral. It’s typically done if the throat swab is negative and the doctor needs further clarification.

Treating tonsillitis. Depending on the cause and severity, the doctor may suggest various treatments.

• If the cause is viral, you can recover at home within 7 to 10 days. Treatment is similar to managing a cold: rest, drink plenty of fluids (especially warm liquids), use a humidifier, and soothe your throat with lozenges, ice pops, or other cooling foods.
• If bacteria are the cause, antibiotics will be prescribed. Follow the dosage instructions carefully to avoid worsening the condition or incomplete recovery.
• For recurrent tonsillitis, a tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils) may be recommended. This is typically a same-day procedure, allowing you to return home the same day.

Note that tonsillitis is highly contagious. Both bacterial and viral forms of tonsillitis spread easily. Certain situations increase your risk of contracting it.

• Sharing food or drinks, especially at gatherings, can lead to infection. This raises the likelihood and severity of tonsillitis symptoms.
• Severe nasal congestion forcing mouth breathing also increases the risk. Pathogens spread through airborne droplets when near someone breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Mouth breathing further elevates the risk of tonsillitis.

Identifying Risk Factors. While anyone can develop tonsillitis, certain factors may increase the likelihood. Smoking elevates the risk by irritating the respiratory system and weakening the body's defenses. Excessive alcohol consumption can impair the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. Sharing drinks while drinking can also lead to infections. Conditions that compromise the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS and diabetes, heighten the risk. Recent organ transplants or chemotherapy treatments also increase the chances of developing tonsillitis.

Noting Tonsillitis in Children. This condition can occur at any age but is more common in children than adults. Exposure to young children increases your risk. Tonsillitis is prevalent among preschool and elementary school children due to close contact and easier germ transmission. Working in environments with young children, such as schools, also raises the risk. Frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with infected children for 24 hours are recommended precautions.