How to Treat Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis refers to the inflammation of the tonsils, which are lymphatic glands located at the back of the throat. A sore throat, often quite painful, results from the inflammation and irritation of the tonsils. Possible causes include post-nasal drip due to allergies, viruses like the flu or common cold, or bacterial infections such as streptococcus. Depending on the cause, there are several medical and natural remedies available to relieve the sore throat and promote faster recovery.

Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs. Medications such as aspirin, Aleve (naproxen sodium), Advil, or Motrin (which contain ibuprofen) can help reduce inflammation and pain. These medications are also effective in lowering a fever if you experience one along with the sore throat.

• WARNING: Do not give aspirin to children. Aspirin can cause Reye’s syndrome—a sudden condition causing brain and liver damage—in children with chickenpox or the flu.

Try using over-the-counter pain relievers. Acetaminophen doesn’t reduce inflammation but can alleviate pain associated with tonsillitis. Adults should not take more than 3 grams of acetaminophen per day. Check the medication label or consult a doctor for the appropriate dosage for children.

Take a spoonful of cough syrup. Even if you're not coughing, cough syrup will coat the throat with soothing pain-relieving substances. If you prefer not to use syrup, honey will also coat the throat and help reduce pain.

Try using antihistamines. There are various antihistamines that help reduce allergy symptoms by blocking histamine receptors. These medications can relieve symptoms if your tonsillitis is caused by post-nasal drip due to allergies.

Take antibiotics for strep throat. Strep throat, a bacterial infection, causes 5% to 15% of sore throat cases in adults and is more common in children aged 5-15. Strep throat is usually accompanied by a runny nose, but unlike the common cold, which also causes severe sore throat and swollen tonsils, strep throat typically involves pus, swollen neck lymph nodes, headache, and fever (above 38°C). A doctor will diagnose strep throat through a throat swab test. The condition improves within a few days with antibiotic treatment.

• Always complete the full course of antibiotics, even if you feel better before finishing the medication. This ensures all bacteria are killed and helps prevent antibiotic resistance.

Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated helps fight off illness. Water also keeps the throat moist and reduces pain. Avoid alcohol, coffee, and caffeinated sodas as they can exacerbate dehydration.

Gargle with saltwater once an hour. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Gargling several times a day has been proven to reduce swelling and remove irritants, including bacteria.

• Add ½ teaspoon of baking soda to help combat bacteria.

Suck on hard candies. Sucking on hard candies stimulates saliva production, which helps moisten the throat. Throat lozenges and anti-inflammatory sprays should be used in moderation. While they provide temporary relief, overuse can worsen the condition of your sore throat.

• Do not let children suck on hard candies as they may choke. Instead, you can offer them fruit-flavored ice pops or cold drinks.

Take a spoonful of honey. Honey coats and soothes the throat, and it also has antibacterial properties. You can also add honey to warm beverages to enhance their flavor and effectiveness.

• Warning: Do not give honey to children under one year old, as it may contain spores that cause infant botulism, a life-threatening illness.

Drink warm liquids. Lemon tea or honey tea can help soothe a sore throat. You can also try any of the following warm drinks:

• Chamomile Tea – Chamomile contains natural antibacterial and pain-relieving compounds that help soothe the throat.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Vinegar kills germs and soothes the throat. Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey in a cup of warm water. This mixture has a strong flavor; you can gargle with it and spit it out if you don't want to swallow.
• Marshmallow Root, Licorice Root, or Slippery Elm Bark – These herbs are soothing and help reduce inflammation in mucous membranes like the tonsils by coating the throat with a protective layer. You can buy these herbs as teas or make your own. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of herb and steep for 30-60 minutes, then strain and drink.
• Ginger – Ginger contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds. Take a 5 cm piece of ginger, peel it, slice it, and crush it. Add the crushed ginger to 2 cups of boiling water and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Drink once the water has cooled slightly.

Make chicken soup. The sodium in chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a rich source of nutrients that help your body fight the infection causing tonsillitis.

Eat an ice cream. You need nutrients to fight illness, and if your throat hurts too much to eat solid food, ice cream is a good option. It’s easy to swallow, and the cold will help soothe your throat.

Suck on garlic. Garlic contains allicin, a compound known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. While it may not be the best for your breath, garlic can help eliminate the pathogens causing tonsillitis.

Chew cloves. Cloves contain eugenol, a natural pain reliever and antibacterial compound. Place one or two cloves in your mouth and suck on them until they soften, then chew them like gum. Cloves are safe to swallow.

Rest. There are few remedies more effective than rest to help your body recover. Lack of sleep or continuing to work or attend school while sick can worsen the illness.

Use a cool mist humidifier while sleeping. This will help moisturize and soothe your throat while also thinning mucus that may be causing discomfort.

Create steam in the bathroom. Turn on the shower to fill the room with steam, then sit in the steam for 5-10 minutes. The warm, moist air will help calm your sore throat.

Call your doctor if your sore throat lasts longer than 24-48 hours. Contact your doctor sooner if you or your child have swollen glands, a fever (above 38°C), and severe throat pain, or if you've been in contact with someone who has strep throat and are now experiencing throat pain.

• Contact your doctor if you have strep throat and your condition worsens or doesn't improve after 2 days of antibiotics, or if new symptoms like a rash, joint swelling, decreased urination, dark urine, chest pain, or difficulty breathing occur.

Consider tonsil removal for children who frequently suffer from tonsillitis or strep throat. Children with large tonsils are more prone to throat and ear infections. If a child experiences tonsillitis more than 7 times a year, or 5 or more times per year over 2 years, consult a doctor about a tonsillectomy – a low-risk outpatient procedure to remove the tonsils.