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Is It Just a Sore Throat or Tonsilitis?

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15 September 2025

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3 minute read

Is It Just a Sore Throat or Tonsilitis?

By Dr. Nur Adillah Binti Lamry

Tonsils are two small glands located at the back of the throat. They are a part of our body’s immune system and help fight germs — but sometimes, they themselves become the target of infection.
And when the tonsils become infected and inflamed – we call it tonsillitis.

What Causes Tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is usually caused by pathogens such as viruses (examples; adenoviruses, Ebstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus) or bacteria such as streptococcus. Most often, viruses are the common organism and it tends to resolve on its own. Bacterial infections however, will require antibiotics.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms

A child, or even adult can present with sore throat, pain or difficulty when swallowing, and fever. The tonsils will look red and swollen, sometimes with white patches over it. And if it’s very big, it can cause obstruction and snoring! The lymph nodes in the neck also can become swollen and in young children, they may become irritable and display a poor appetite.

How Tonsillitis is Diagnosed

A doctor can usually diagnose tonsillitis by examining the throat. The tonsils will look inflamed and sometimes it can be very big that it touches each other. This is what we call ‘kissing tonsils’! An ENT specialist may put a camera up your nose to see if your adenoids (a tissue behind your nose that is similar to tonsils) are also enlarged.

How Can It Be Treated?

Pain and fever relief are important and can be managed with medications such as paracetamol and other analgesia. A doctor will also prescribe some numbing agents for the throat such as gargles or throat sprays. If the tonsillitis is due to bacterial infection, antibiotic will be prescribed to eliminate organism. Staying well hydrated is also essential for recovery.
Additionally, if you have recurrent episode of tonsillitis, that is an indication that the tonsils might need to be removed. This procedure is called tonsillectomy.

When is Tonsillitis Serious?

You should be concerned if the sore throat lasts more than a few days, with persistent fever, or when the tonsils get so big that it hinders swallowing and makes breathing difficult.

Do All Cases of Tonsillitis Need Surgery?

Not all cases of tonsillitis require surgery. An ENT specialist will evaluate the indication. Usually it is needed in cases of recurrent episodes of tonsillitis, severe complication of tonsillitis like peritonsillar abscess or if the tonsils are big, causing obstruction leading to obstructive sleep apnea.

Is Tonsillectomy Dangerous?

A tonsillectomy is generally a safe and common surgical procedure, especially when performed by an experienced ENT surgeon. However, like any surgery, it carries some risks; like pain, bleeding and infection, though serious complications are rare.

This article first appeared in The Sun, 15 Sepember 2025.

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15 September 2025

•

3 minute read

Is It Just a Sore Throat or Tonsilitis?

By Dr. Nur Adillah Binti Lamry

Dr. Nur Adillah Binti Lamry

Ear Nose And Throat

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