What Are the Causes and Symptoms of Tonsillitis, and When Does It Become Serious?

Last Updated: 5/11/2025

Tonsillitis is one of the most common throat conditions among children and adults. It occurs when the tonsils — two small glands at the back of the throat — become inflamed due to a viral or bacterial infection. This inflammation can lead to sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever.
While mild cases often resolve on their own, more severe infections may require medical treatment to prevent complications.

 

 

If you’re experiencing persistent throat pain or swollen tonsils, don’t delay. You can book an appointment with Magrabi Hospitals’ ENT specialists for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

 

 

 

What Is Tonsillitis and How Does It Occur?

The tonsils are two small oval-shaped glands located on each side of the throat. They form part of the body’s immune system, helping trap bacteria and viruses that enter through the mouth or nose.
However, when overwhelmed by germs, the tonsils themselves can become infected, leading to tonsil pain, redness, and swelling.

Common signs include a sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, or white patches on the tonsils. The infection usually spreads through airborne droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces.
Your ENT doctor can examine the throat with a scope or visual inspection to confirm the diagnosis and recommend the right treatment.

 

Causes of Tonsillitis

Understanding the causes of tonsillitis is essential for prevention and proper treatment. Infections may be viral or bacterial.

Viral Causes

• Common cold and influenza viruses.
• Epstein-Barr virus or adenovirus.
• Usually mild and self-resolving with home care.
   

Bacterial Causes

• Most commonly Group A Streptococcus.
• Causes severe pain, high fever, and difficulty swallowing.
• Requires antibiotics to prevent rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.
   

Bacterial Tonsillitis

Among the main causes of tonsillitis is infection with Streptococcus pyogenes.
Typical symptoms include:

• Severe sore throat.
• White or yellow patches on the tonsils.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• High fever and bad breath.
   

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) warns against using antibiotics without a prescription to prevent bacterial resistance and ensure safe, effective recovery.

 

Is Tonsillitis Contagious?

Yes, tonsillitis can be contagious, especially when caused by viral or bacterial infections.

It spreads through:

• Airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing.
• Sharing utensils, cups, or towels.
• Direct contact with the mouth or nose of an infected person.
   

The Saudi Ministry of Health recommends frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals to reduce transmission.

 

Types of Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis can appear in three main forms: acute, chronic, and recurrent.

Acute Tonsillitis

Develops suddenly due to viral or bacterial infection and progresses quickly.
Symptoms:

• Sharp tonsil pain and trouble swallowing.
• High fever and general fatigue.
• Usually lasts 7–10 days.
   

Doctors at Magrabi Hospitals emphasize that early treatment of acute tonsillitis prevents progression to chronic or recurrent cases.

Chronic Tonsillitis

Occurs when inflammation persists or returns repeatedly without full healing.
Symptoms:

• Mild but constant throat pain.
• Persistent bad breath.
• Enlarged, hardened tonsils.
   

Untreated chronic tonsillitis may cause sleep apnea or repeated ear infections.

Recurrent Tonsillitis

Defined as five or more episodes per year.
Common triggers:

• Weak immune system.
• Re-infection from close contacts.
• Incomplete antibiotic treatment.
   

In frequent cases, Magrabi specialists may recommend tonsil removal to prevent further complications.

Causes of Recurrence

1. Low immunity.
2. Poor treatment adherence.
3. Continuous exposure to infection.
4. Chronic sinus or nasal infections.
5. Smoking and poor hygiene habits.
    

Doctors advise strengthening immunity, maintaining hygiene, and avoiding infected individuals to prevent recurrent tonsillitis.

 

Tonsillitis in Children and Adults

Tonsillitis in Children

• Common between ages 3–10.
• Usually viral, occasionally bacterial.
• Symptoms: fever, sore throat, swollen tonsils, painful swallowing.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Health, early medical evaluation helps prevent complications.

 

 

You can book your child’s appointment through Magrabi’s online system for safe and professional care.

 

 

Tonsillitis in Adults

• Less common but often more painful.
• Triggers include smoking, low immunity, or strep infection.
• Symptoms: radiating throat pain, foul breath, swallowing difficulty.
   

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) warns against using antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription to avoid bacterial resistance and long-term complications.

 

Symptoms, Complications, and When to See a Doctor

Common Symptoms

1. Tonsil pain extending to the ear or jaw.
2. Fever and fatigue.
3. Swollen, red tonsils.
4. Tonsil ulcers or minor bleeding.
5. Difficulty swallowing or speaking.
6. Bad breath from bacterial buildup.
    

Effect of Tonsillitis on the Body

The effect of tonsillitis on the body extends beyond the throat. When the tonsils are infected, immune reactions can affect multiple systems. Persistent inflammation may lead to tonsil ulcers, discomfort, and fatigue.

Possible systemic effects include:

1. Fatigue and poor concentration.
2. Swollen neck lymph nodes.
3. Tonsil ulcers that may bleed or spread infection.
4. Middle ear infections.
5. Breathing problems during sleep.
    

Ignoring these symptoms may weaken immunity and cause long-term complications. Always seek medical advice if tonsil ulcers persist.

In short, the effect of tonsillitis on the body is not limited to the throat — it can impact the ears, respiratory system, and overall health — making early diagnosis essential.

 

The Dangers and Long-Term Effects of Tonsillitis

Many people wonder, “What are the dangers of tonsillitis?”
Although often mild, untreated or repeated infections can cause serious problems:

1. Progression to chronic tonsillitis.
2. Persistent enlargement of tonsils blocking breathing.
3. Spread of infection to the ear or sinuses.
4. Rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation.
5. General immune weakness.
    

Recognizing the dangers of tonsillitis emphasizes the importance of prompt medical evaluation and full treatment.

 

When Should You See a Doctor?

Doctors at Magrabi Hospitals recommend medical attention if you experience:

1. Fever lasting over three days.
2. Difficulty swallowing or breathing.
3. Non-healing or bleeding tonsil ulcers.
4. Neck or jaw pain with swelling.
5. More than five infections per year.
    

In such cases, visit the Ear, Nose and Throat Department at Magrabi Hospitals for a complete evaluation and safe, personalized care.

To learn more about adenoid treatment methods, you can read the article: Medical and Surgical Methods for Treating Adenoids: Your Comprehensive 2025 Guide by Magrabi Doctors.

The Difference Between Sore Throat and Tonsillitis

Many patients ask about the difference between sore throat and tonsillitis.
While both cause throat pain, they differ in cause, location, and severity.

Feature	Sore Throat	Tonsillitis
Location	Affects the throat lining (pharynx).	Affects the tonsils themselves.
Cause	Usually viral (cold, flu).	Viral or bacterial (Strep A).
Symptoms	General pain, dryness.	Focused pain, swelling, tonsil ulcers.
Duration	3–5 days.	Up to 10 days or longer.
Complications	Rare.	May lead to ear or kidney infection.

In summary, the difference between sore throat and tonsillitis lies in the site of infection — pharynx vs. tonsils — and the fact that tonsillitis often requires medical evaluation.

 

A Quick Look at Tonsillitis Treatment

Tonsillitis treatment depends on the infection type and severity:

• Viral cases: rest, hydration, warm fluids, and mild pain relievers.
• Bacterial cases: antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.
• Chronic or recurrent cases: may require tonsillectomy.
   

Never self-medicate or take antibiotics without medical supervision. For full details, read our upcoming article on Tonsillitis Treatment Options.

To learn more about the adenoidectomy procedure, you can read the article: Adenoidectomy in the Nose: When Do We Resort to It? And How Is It Performed for Children and Adults?

 

You can book an appointment at Magrabi Hospitals for a full assessment and tailored treatment plan.

 

 

 

Conclusion

Tonsillitis is common and often mild, but early diagnosis and proper management are key to preventing chronic infections or complications.
If you experience persistent sore throat, fever, or tonsil ulcers, seek professional help promptly.

 

 

If symptoms persist, book an appointment with Magrabi Hospitals’ ENT specialists for a comprehensive examination and personalized care.

 

 

References

• Saudi Ministry of Health
• Saudi Food & Drug Authority
• Mayo Clinic – Tonsillitis
• NHS – Tonsillitis
   

 

Medically reviewed by:

Dr. Hesham Abdul Aziz

Consultant ENT Specialist – Magrabi Hospitals

 

Medical Disclaimer:

This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult a qualified ENT specialist if symptoms persist or worsen.