Tonsillitis — Causes, Symptoms, and When to See an ENT Doctor

10 September 2025
ENT & Sinus Health
1 Minute Read

Overview:

Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils — those small glands at the back of your throat that fight infections. It commonly affects children but can occur at any age.

Symptoms:

  • Sore throat and pain while swallowing
  • Fever and swollen tonsils
  • White patches or pus on tonsils
  • Bad breath or muffled voice

Causes:

Most cases are caused by viral infections, but bacterial tonsillitis (especially Streptococcus) needs antibiotics.

Treatment:

  • Rest and hydration
  • Saltwater gargles
  • Antibiotics (if bacterial)
  • Recurrent cases may require Tonsillectomy (surgical removal)

ENT Advice:

If tonsillitis occurs more than 4–5 times a year or causes difficulty swallowing or breathing, consult an ENT specialist for evaluation.

“Never ignore a sore throat that keeps coming back — timely ENT care can prevent long-term complications.”

Author: Dr. N. Sai Saranya, ENT Specialist