Tonsillitis

Tonsils are located at the back of your throat which aim to provide support for your immune system. They act to stop germs entering the body through the mouth and nose and also contain white blood cells which are responsible for killing those germs. Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils become infected by a virus or bacteria causing them to swell and redden. In some cases, white or yellow spots may also form on the tonsils. Tonsillitis can affect anyone but it is commonly seen in children.

Signs and symptoms of tonsillitis may include:

A sore throat
Visible pus on tonsils
Swollen glands on neck
Fever and chills
Fatigue
Feeling unwell
Difficulty swallowing
Ear pain
Bad breath
Loss of appetite
Vomiting and/or nausea
Abdominal pain
Headache and muscle ache

If this is the first time yourself or your child has tonsillitis or if it is severe, see your doctor for a checkup. If this is not your first time, generally you will get better with self-care at home without needing to see your doctor. In most cases of tonsillitis, symptoms usually improve within three to four days. As tonsillitis is often caused from a viral, your doctor may not prescribe antibiotics as these will not help in this situation. Antibiotics are reserved for severe cases or under special circumstances. If you experience trouble breathing, showing signs of dehydration, difficulty opening your mouth or are worried in any way, please see your doctor.

At home care:

Get lots of rest
Keep hydrated
Pain relief such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, throat sprays, lozenges and antiseptic mouth washes. Speak to your friendly Direct Chemist Outlet Pharmacist to find an option that’s safe and suitable for yourself
If antibiotics are prescribed by your doctor, ensure they are taken as directed and the full course is completed
Changing toothbrush to prevent re-infection
Eat softer foods to avoid irritation

How to stop the spread?

Practicing good hygiene reduces the chance of passing on the infection to others. Ensure you regularly wash your hands, avoid sharing cutlery and cups, keeping toothbrushes separate from others, sneezing into your elbow and using tissues rather than a hankie. Make sure tissues are disposed of in the bin immediately after use and wash your hands afterwards.