What are the symptoms of a tonsillitis?
January 7, 2022 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Roberta Weinert
Dear Doctor,
my name is Ralf Busse and I have been suffering from severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever for the past few days. My tonsils are very red and swollen. I feel very weak and lethargic overall. I have also noticed white patches forming on my tonsils. I am worried that it may be a case of tonsillitis and I am wondering what symptoms are typical for this condition.
I have tried to alleviate my symptoms with home remedies such as warm tea and gargling with salt water, but so far there has been no improvement. I also feel like my symptoms are getting worse day by day. Therefore, I am reaching out to you to learn more about the symptoms of tonsillitis and to inquire about possible treatment options.
Could you please explain to me what other symptoms besides the ones I have mentioned may indicate tonsillitis? Are there specific signs that point to a bacterial infection? What treatment options are available to me for tonsillitis and when should I definitely seek medical attention?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Ralf Busse
Dear Mr. Busse,
Thank you for your message and your candid words regarding your complaints. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, swollen and red tonsils, as well as white patches. These symptoms could indeed indicate a tonsillitis, also known as a throat infection.
Typical symptoms of tonsillitis, in addition to those already mentioned, include general feeling of illness, fatigue, headache, body aches, and possibly enlarged and painful lymph nodes in the neck. In some cases, there may also be throat pain when swallowing saliva or food.
If the tonsillitis is caused by bacteria, additional symptoms such as pus on the tonsils, bad breath, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth may occur. In this case, it is a bacterial tonsillitis, which usually requires treatment with antibiotics.
The treatment of tonsillitis depends on the cause. If it is a viral tonsillitis, as often occurs with a cold, home remedies such as warm drinks, gargling with salt water, rest, and care can help alleviate the symptoms. However, in the case of bacterial tonsillitis, antibiotic therapy is usually necessary.
It is advisable to see a doctor if the symptoms do not improve within two to three days despite your own measures, if there are severe difficulties swallowing, if the fever persists or increases over several days, or if you feel very weak and ill overall.
I recommend that you consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist, who can examine your tonsils and determine the appropriate treatment method. Please do not hesitate to contact me again if you have further questions or concerns.
I wish you a speedy recovery and good health.
Best regards,
Roberta Weinert
