TONSILS: Definition

The tonsils are two small glands located on either side of your throat, at the back of your mouth.

They are part of your body’s defense system, acting like guards. Their job is to capture and destroy harmful germs, like bacteria and viruses, that try to enter your body through the mouth or nose, helping to keep you from getting sick.

Sore Throat or Tonsillitis?

Sore throat (angina) and tonsillitis are related to throat illnesses, but they are not exactly the same:

• Sore Throat (Angina): This is a general term used when you experience throat pain, which can be caused by viruses or bacteria. You may feel irritation in your throat, have difficulty swallowing, and develop a fever.

• Tonsillitis: This is when the small glands at the back of your throat, called the tonsils, become inflamed and painful. It’s a type of sore throat, but the issue specifically involves the tonsils.

Virus or Bacteria?

It’s important to differentiate between a viral sore throat and a bacterial sore throat (tonsillitis) because this helps doctors determine the appropriate treatment.

Think of your body like a fortress, and invaders trying to get in—sometimes these invaders are viruses, and other times they are bacteria.

• If viruses are causing your sore throat (viral angina), your body can usually fight them off on its own without any special help.

• If bacteria are the cause (bacterial tonsillitis), your body might need a special medicine called antibiotics to clear them out.

Giving antibiotics when they’re not necessary, such as for a viral sore throat, can make the medication less effective when you actually need it.

That’s why doctors carefully identify the type of sore throat to provide the right treatment, ensuring you recover quickly and effectively.

How Can the Doctor Tell the Difference?

A doctor can distinguish between a bacterial and viral sore throat by examining your symptoms and performing certain tests. Here’s how it works:

• Symptoms: The doctor will ask you about your symptoms. For example, if you have intense throat pain, a fever, and swollen lymph nodes in your neck, it could indicate bacterial tonsillitis. If you also have a runny nose, cough, or watery eyes, it’s more likely a viral infection.

• Throat Examination: The doctor may examine your throat with a small light to see if your tonsils are red, swollen, or covered in white patches—signs commonly associated with bacterial infections.

• Rapid Strep Test: To be sure, the doctor may perform a rapid test. This involves using a cotton swab to gently wipe your tonsils, then analyzing the sample to detect specific bacteria, such as streptococcus. The results are available in just a few minutes.

These methods help the doctor determine whether your sore throat is bacterial, which requires antibiotics, or viral, which usually clears up with rest and simple care.

How Does the Rapid Strep Test Work?

Don’t worry—the test is quick and painless!

First, you’ll be asked to open your mouth wide and say "Ahhh."

Then, the doctor will gently swipe a cotton swab at the back of your throat for just a few seconds. It might tickle or feel slightly uncomfortable, but it doesn’t hurt.

Next, the swab is tested to check for harmful bacteria in your throat. The sample is placed into a small device, and within minutes, you’ll know the result.

If the test shows you have a bacterial infection, you’ll be prescribed medication to help you feel better fast.

That’s it! The whole process takes only a few minutes, and you’ll quickly know what’s causing your sore throat.

What You Might Feel with a Sore Throat (Angina):

• Throat Pain: Your throat feels very sore, especially when swallowing, like something is scratching you.

• Fever: You feel hot, or you have chills, making you feel extremely hot or cold.

• Neck Pain: You may notice small, tender lumps in your neck that hurt when touched.

• White Spots in Your Throat: When you look in the mirror, you might see white or yellow spots at the back of your throat.

• Fatigue: You feel extremely tired and have little energy.

• Loss of Appetite: Swallowing is painful, so eating or drinking may become difficult.