Tonsillitis in adults and children: basics to know
Viral versus bacterial tonsillitis, red flags, and how ENT care fits when infections keep coming back.
The tonsils are lymph tissue at the sides of the throat. They can become red and swollen with viral or bacterial infections—symptoms often overlap, so examination and context matter.
Typical symptoms
- Sore throat, worse with swallowing
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Bad breath or white spots on the tonsils (not always bacterial)
- Swollen neck glands
When to seek urgent care
Get urgent medical attention for trouble breathing, drooling, severe dehydration, neck stiffness with high fever, or inability to open the mouth—these are not routine tonsillitis alone.
Recurrent or chronic problems
If infections are frequent, disrupt schooling or work, or there is ongoing sleep disturbance from enlarged tonsils, it is reasonable to discuss options with an ENT specialist—including both non-surgical and surgical pathways when appropriate.
Clear explanation and a measured approach are central to how we discuss tonsil problems in clinic.