Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an infection of the tonsils - these are the 2 pads of glandular tissue at the back of the throat. The tonsils help defend the body against infections which may enter through the nose or mouth.

Tonsillitis is very common and can happen at any age. Most cases of tonsillitis disappear within a few days.

Signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of tonsillitis may include:

• sore throat and neck
• pain when swallowing
• fever
• earache
• bad breath
• headache
• loss of appetite and feeling generally unwell
• red and swollen tonsils, with pus
• swollen and tender glands at either side of the neck
• change in the sound of your child’s voice, it may sound hoarse or muffled.

Your child may also have stomach pain without having a sore throat and they may vomit.

Tonsillitis can lead to other infections in your child’s nose, sinuses and ears. These can include middle ear infection or 'glue ear' - also known as otitis media.

When to seek help

See your GP if your child has any common symptoms.

If you're not sure whether to go to an emergency department, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) and speak to a registered nurse.

Diagnosis

A doctor can usually diagnose tonsillitis by examining your child and looking at their tonsils.

They may also do a throat swab and send it for testing if they think a bacterial infection is causing the tonsillitis.

Treatment

The most common cause of tonsillitis is a viral infection. Viruses can’t be treated with antibiotics, but you can treat pain and fever with paracetamol or ibuprofen.

If the tonsillitis is caused by a bacterial infection, your GP will give your child antibiotics to treat the infection.

If your child's tonsillitis is regular and severe, or causes complications, they may need a tonsillectomy to remove their tonsils. Find out about tonsillectomies.

Developed by Paediatric Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery  Department, Queensland Children’s Hospital.We acknowledge the input of consumers and carers.

Resource ID: FS164. Reviewed: August 2023.

Disclaimer: This information has been produced by healthcare professionals as a guideline only and is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your child’s doctor or healthcare professionals. Information is updated regularly, so please check you are referring to the most recent version. Seek medical advice, as appropriate, for concerns regarding your child’s health.