White or Red Tonsillitis – Diagnosis & Treatment in Casablanca

Medical Consultation and Rapid Strep Test with Dr. Zarrou

Tonsillitis (or pharyngotonsillitis) is a common throat infection that may be viral or bacterial.
In Casablanca, Dr. Zarrou offers fast and reliable diagnosis using the Rapid Strep Test, which helps differentiate between simple viral tonsillitis and streptococcal tonsillitis that requires antibiotic treatment.

What is tonsillitis?

Tonsillitis is an acute inflammation of the tonsils and typically presents with:

• Sore throat

• Fever

• Difficulty swallowing

• Tender cervical lymph nodes

• Altered or fatigued voice

There are two main types:

Red tonsillitis

Inflammation without white patches, most often viral.

White tonsillitis (erythematous-pultaceous tonsillitis)

Presence of white patches on the tonsils.
It may be:

• Viral, or

• Bacterial, especially caused by Streptococcus A, which can be more serious if untreated.

Rapid Strep Test – Results in 5 Minutes

Available immediately in the clinic in Casablanca

The Rapid Strep Test quickly confirms or excludes infection with Streptococcus A.

Why perform a Strep Test?

• Avoid unnecessary antibiotics

• Quickly identify bacterial tonsillitis

• Reduce the risk of complications (acute rheumatic fever, abscess, etc.)

• Obtain an immediate and reliable diagnosis

How does the test work?

• A painless throat swab

• Results in 5 minutes

• Immediate therapeutic decision

Viral vs. Bacterial Tonsillitis: How to Tell the Difference?

Viral tonsillitis (most common)

• Red throat

• Moderate fever

• Cough, runny nose

• General body aches
  Treatment: painkillers, hydration, rest — no antibiotics.

Bacterial tonsillitis (Streptococcus A)

• Severe throat pain

• High fever

• No cough

• White patches on the tonsils
  Treatment: appropriate antibiotics (after a positive Strep Test).

White Tonsillitis: Causes

Bacterial causes

• Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Strep)

• Group C & G Streptococci

• Fusobacterium necrophorum (teenagers/young adults)

• Diphtheria (rare)

Viral causes

• EBV (infectious mononucleosis)

• Adenovirus

• CMV, HSV

• Common respiratory viruses

Warning Signs That Require Urgent Evaluation

Some forms of tonsillitis require immediate medical attention:

1. Peritonsillar abscess

• Pain on one side

• Trismus (difficulty opening the mouth)

• “Hot potato” voice

• Uvula deviated to one side

2. Cervical phlegmon

• Neck swelling

• High fever

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing

3. Lemierre’s syndrome

• Persistent fever

• Neck pain

• Tonsillitis that does not improve

4. Epiglottitis (life-threatening emergency)

• Drooling

• Breathing difficulty

• Muffled voice

Dr. Zarrou systematically screens for these emergencies during your consultation.

Treatment of Tonsillitis: What Does Dr. Zarrou Offer?

If the Strep Test is positive (Streptococcus A)

• Appropriate antibiotics

• Anti-inflammatory medication / painkillers

• ENT hygiene and care advice

If the Strep Test is negative

• Symptomatic treatment

• Proper hydration

• Painkillers, anti-inflammatory medication

• Avoid unnecessary antibiotics

When should you consult urgently?

• Fever lasting more than 48 hours

• Severe one-sided throat pain

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing

• Suspicion of abscess

• Tonsillitis lasting more than 5 days

Book an Appointment in Casablanca

Dr. Zarrou is available 7 days a week by appointment for acute tonsillitis, white tonsillitis, or suspected streptococcal infection.

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