What are the common symptoms of tonsillitis?

Common symptoms of tonsillitis include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, redness and swelling of the tonsils, and may be accompanied by high fever, headache, and general fatigue. If symptoms are severe or recurrent, it is advisable to visit a hospital for examination and treatment as soon as possible. Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils caused by bacterial or viral infection.

Sore throat is usually the earliest symptom, and patients may feel a burning or stinging sensation, especially when swallowing food or water, which significantly intensifies the discomfort. Observation of the mouth will reveal redness and swelling in the tonsillar area, possibly accompanied by white or yellow secretions. If the inflammation is caused by bacterial infection, high fever may also occur, usually exceeding 38.5°C, accompanied by systemic symptoms such as chills, fatigue, and joint pain. Some patients may experience swollen lymph nodes, with pain when touching the neck. Patients with chronic tonsillitis may exhibit symptoms such as bad breath, hoarseness, or a foreign body sensation in the throat.

To alleviate the symptoms of tonsillitis, one can try rinsing the mouth with warm salt water to maintain oral cleanliness, choosing soft and easy-to-swallow foods in the diet, and avoiding spicy, cold, and irritating foods. Additionally, after identifying the cause of tonsillitis, doctors may prescribe antibiotics such as amoxicillin, erythromycin, or cephalosporins for bacterial infections. For viral inflammation, symptomatic supportive treatment is primarily used, such as taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen) to reduce fever and relieve pain. If tonsillitis recurs or affects daily life, doctors may recommend surgical removal of the tonsils.

It is crucial to note that if the disease is not controlled in a timely manner, it may lead to complications such as peritonsillar abscess or rheumatic fever.