Throat
Tonsil Diseases
The tonsils are two areas of immune tissue at the back of the throat. They can become infected or enlarged, causing problems with swallowing, sleep or everyday comfort. Tonsil conditions affect both children and adults, and treatment depends on the type and severity of the problem.
Common Tonsil Problems
Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Some people experience isolated episodes, while others have repeated infections that disrupt school, work or daily activities.
Enlarged tonsils may contribute to swallowing difficulties or obstructed breathing during sleep. Tonsil size alone does not determine whether treatment is necessary; the associated symptoms matter.
What Symptoms Can Occur?
Symptoms may include:
- A sore throat and pain when swallowing.
- Red or swollen tonsils.
- Fever and feeling unwell.
- Tender glands in the neck.
- White patches on the tonsils.
- Bad breath or pain felt in the ears.
Snoring, restless sleep or witnessed pauses in breathing may suggest an airway problem related to enlarged tonsils. These symptoms deserve assessment even without frequent infections.
How Are Tonsil Conditions Assessed?
Assessment includes examining the throat and neck and reviewing the frequency, severity and duration of symptoms. Keeping a record of infections, treatment and missed school or work can be helpful.
A throat swab or other tests may be recommended when appropriate. If sleep-related breathing problems are suspected, further assessment, sometimes including a sleep study, may be needed.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Many acute infections improve with supportive care, including adequate fluids, rest and suitable pain relief. Antibiotics may be prescribed when a bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed and treatment is indicated. They do not treat viral infections.
For recurring problems, monitoring symptoms over time can help establish whether episodes are becoming less frequent or whether specialist treatment should be considered.
When Is Tonsil Surgery Considered?
Tonsillectomy may be considered for recurrent, significant tonsillitis that interferes with normal life, or for enlarged tonsils contributing to obstructive sleep apnoea. Repeated abscesses around a tonsil or suspicious examination findings may also require surgical assessment.
The decision considers documented episodes, their impact, complications and individual health. Surgery is not necessary for every sore throat or every enlarged tonsil.
Recovery and Limitations
Tonsil surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. Recovery commonly involves considerable throat pain and time away from school or work, often around two weeks.
Risks include bleeding, dehydration and anaesthetic complications. Any fresh bleeding after surgery requires immediate hospital assessment. Follow the surgical team’s instructions about pain relief, drinking, eating and activity.
Other throat infections can still occur after tonsil removal, and sleep-related symptoms may need further follow-up.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Seek urgent care for rapidly worsening throat pain, particularly on one side, difficulty opening the mouth or a muffled voice. These can indicate an abscess around the tonsil.
Difficulty breathing or inability to swallow saliva requires emergency assessment.
Discuss Your Symptoms
Contact the clinic to arrange an assessment for recurrent tonsil infections, swallowing difficulties or sleep-related symptoms and discuss appropriate treatment options.
This information provides general guidance and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
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