Tonsillitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Tonsillitis?
A primary care doctor or a pediatrician, a doctor for children, usually diagnoses and treats tonsillitis. An ear, nose, and throat doctor, called an otolaryngologist, can remove the tonsils when infections keep coming back. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is tonsillitis?
Tonsillitis is swelling of the tonsils. The tonsils are two lumps of tissue at the back of the throat, one on each side. They are part of the lymphatic system, which clears away infection.
Tonsillitis is very common in children. Almost every child in the United States gets it at least once.
Symptoms
Tonsillitis can feel like a bad cold or the flu. Common signs include:
- A sore throat, which may be severe.
- Red, swollen tonsils.
- Trouble swallowing.
- A white or yellow coating on the tonsils.
- Swollen glands in the neck.
- Fever and chills.
- Headache and ear pain.
- Bad breath.
Symptoms usually go away after 3 to 4 days but can last longer.
Causes and who gets it
The cause is usually a viral infection, such as a cold. Bacterial infections, such as strep throat, can also cause tonsillitis.
Tonsillitis is most common in children over age two. Tonsillitis from bacteria is more common in kids ages 5 to 15. Tonsillitis from a virus is more common in younger children.
Tonsillitis itself is not contagious. The viruses and bacteria that cause it are contagious. Washing your hands often can help stop them from spreading.
How doctors diagnose it
The provider first asks about symptoms and medical history. Then the provider looks at the throat and neck. They check for redness or white spots on the tonsils and for swollen lymph nodes, which are small glands that fight germs.
Most children also get a test for strep throat, because strep needs treatment. A rapid strep test is done in the office, and the results come back within minutes. A throat culture is done in a lab and takes a few days.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. If a virus is the cause, there is no medicine to treat it. If bacteria such as strep throat are the cause, antibiotics are needed. It is important to finish all of the antibiotics, even if you feel better. If you stop too soon, the infection can return.
These steps can help someone feel better:
- Get a lot of rest and drink plenty of fluids.
- Eat soft foods if swallowing hurts.
- Try warm liquids or cold foods, such as popsicles, to soothe the throat.
- Gargle with warm salt water.
- Suck on a lozenge, but not in children under four, because they can choke.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen can ease pain and fever. Children and teens should not take aspirin, which has been linked to Reye syndrome.
A tonsillectomy is surgery to remove the tonsils. A child might need it if tonsillitis keeps coming back or if bacterial tonsillitis does not get better with antibiotics. Children usually go home later the same day. Full recovery can take a week or two.
Strep throat can lead to serious problems, such as an abscess near the tonsils, kidney disease, or rheumatic fever. Children with strep should stay home from school or day care until they have taken antibiotics for 24 hours.
When to see a doctor
Call your health care provider if your child has a sore throat for more than two days, has trouble or pain when swallowing, or feels very sick or very weak. Also call for a fever of 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C) or higher, pus in the back of the throat, or a red rash that feels rough. See a doctor if symptoms do not go away within one week or if throat infections keep coming back.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you or your child has trouble breathing, starts drooling, or has a lot of trouble swallowing. Go right away, too, for a severe sore throat that quickly gets worse, swelling inside the mouth or throat, trouble speaking, being unable to swallow, or trouble opening the mouth. These can be signs of quinsy, a pocket of pus between the tonsils and the wall of the throat.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can look at the throat, arrange a strep test, and follow your progress. They can also help you decide when to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor if infections keep coming back.
Common questions
Is tonsillitis contagious?
No, tonsillitis itself is not contagious, but the viruses and bacteria that cause it are. Washing your hands often can help stop the spread.
Does tonsillitis need antibiotics?
Antibiotics are needed only when bacteria, such as strep throat, cause the tonsillitis. They do not treat a virus. If you are given antibiotics, finish all of them even if you feel better.
How long does tonsillitis last?
Symptoms usually go away after 3 to 4 days but can last longer. When strep is the cause, symptoms often get better within 2 or 3 days after antibiotics are started.
Do I need my tonsils taken out?
Most people do not. Surgery is usually only done when severe tonsillitis keeps coming back.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
