How do you tell if your tonsil is infected?

Typical signs of a bacterial infection include white pus-filled spots on the tonsils, no cough and swollen or tender lymph glands. If you develop severe tonsillitis as a teenager or adult, your GP may recommend a blood test for glandular fever.

What does a tonsil infection look like?

Red, swollen tonsils. White or yellow coating or patches on the tonsils. Sore throat. Difficult or painful swallowing.

How do you treat tonsil infection?

To relieve the symptoms of viral and bacterial tonsillitis, you can: Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Drink warm liquids, like tea, apple cider or broth. Gargle with warm salt water.

What do red lines on tonsils mean?

Any kind of infection in your throat can make your tonsils red and irritated. Tonsillitis refers to inflammation of your tonsils, usually due to an infection. Viruses often cause tonsillitis. However, sometimes a more serious bacterial infection can result in inflammation.

What should tonsils look like?

Normal tonsils are usually about the same size and have the same pink color as the surrounding area. On their surfaces are little depressions, called crypts, which may appear deep and contain pus-filled pockets or tonsil stones.

What are white spots on tonsils?

Tonsil stones, or tonsiliths, are calcium deposits that form in small cracks in the tonsils. They occur due to a buildup of food particles, mucus, and bacteria. They may appear as white or sometimes yellow spots on the tonsils.

What does white patch on tonsil mean?

What does white stuff on tonsils mean?

White spots on tonsils are usually caused by pus, and they tend to appear with bacterial infections like strep throat. White spots can also appear with viral infections, such as mononucleosis or cytomegalovirus. These types of infections typically appear with other symptoms like fever, fatigue and general malaise.

How can you tell the difference between viral and bacterial tonsillitis?

Knowing whether your sore throat is viral or bacterial is usually determined by symptoms. Viral sore throats usually consist of a cough, swelling in the throat, and runny nose whereas bacterial sore throats are typically accompanied with nausea and vomiting, stomach ache, and there is no cough.