Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils.
Most cases of tonsillitis are caused by infection with a common virus, but bacterial
infections also may cause tonsillitis.
Common signs and symptoms of tonsillitis include:
Red, swollen tonsils
White or yellow coating or patches on the tonsils
Sore throat
Difficult or painful swallowing
Fever
Bad breath
Headache
If a virus is the expected cause of tonsillitis you must drink plenty of water, to keep
your throat moist and prevent dehydration, warm liquids caffeine free, warm water
with honey. Keep your home free from cigarette smoke and cleaning products that
can irritate the throat. Talk to your doctor about using ibuprofen or paracetamol to 
minimize throat pain and control a fever.
If tonsilloitis is caused by a bacterial infection your doctor will prescribe a course
of antibiotics. Penicillin taken by mouth for 10 days is the most common antibiotic
treatment prescribed for tonsillitis caused by group A strptococcus.