FAQ – Frequently asked questions

Tonsillitis is a bacterial infection of the throat area, and usually it will be diagnosed by a doctor. Unlike with a common cold (which is caused by viruses), you will be running a high fever and feeling very sick if you are suffering from tonsillitis. When you look in the mirror, you may sometimes be able to see traces of pus in the throat.

Your throat feels dry, scratchy and sore. It is painful to swallow, eat, drink and speak. The back of your throat (the pharynx) may be redder than normal and your tonsils (if you still have them) may be swollen and red. Your voice may be hoarse. A bacterial infection may cause sores or white spots to appear on your tonsils or pharynx.

Viruses are the most common cause of sore throat: about 90% of sore throats are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. Bacteria can also cause sore throat, though it usually comes as a secondary infection after an initial infection by a virus. The most common bacterial cause of sore throat is the bacteria called streptococcus; this is known as “strep throat”. Environmental factors such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, dust, strong alcohol, allergies and dry air can cause sore throat.