Tonsils are glands at the back of the throat behind the tongue and it is believed that it acts as a barrier against infection however your tonsils can become hot, red and swollen (inflamed) and that is normally caused by a throat infection causing tonsillitis.
It is common in children and can also occur in young adults known as glandular fever.
Removing tonsils is considered if:
Sore throats are due to tonsillitis.
If one has regular sore throats five or more episodes per year.
Symptoms have been occurring a year.
Episodes of sore throats are disabling and affecting normal body function.
Contagious
You’re typically contagious one to two days before symptoms develop and may remain contagious until your symptoms go away. If you or your child is diagnosed with bacterial tonsillitis, you’re usually not contagious when your fever is gone and you have been on antibiotics for 24 hours. Healthline
Spots (can be pus filled and some will form in a large ulcer surrounded by red patch of discoloured sore looking skin) visible on throat/tongue or on tonsils (tonsils are floppy red flaps at side of throat not in middle)?
Difficulty opening the mouth and speaking?
Loss of voice?
Abdominal pain and/or are constant violently vomiting or vomiting longer than two days (one day if a child)?
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
Do not wait, phone for ambulance if have or develop:
Symptoms usually last from three to four days and gets better within a week however if symptoms last longer than four days with no improvement or it keeps coming back.
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Tonsillitis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.