Tonsillitis & pharyngitis
About Throat Infections
Most throat infections are caused by viruses and clear up on their own with rest and symptom relief. Sometimes, bacteria such as group A streptococcus can be the cause, leading to conditions like tonsillitis or pharyngitis. Because viral and bacterial infections can look alike, a quick and accurate diagnosis from a healthcare professional is important to ensure the right treatment.
Symptoms
This condition most often affects preschoolers and adolescents, but it can also occur in adults. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Sore throat or pain when swallowing
- Redness or swelling of the throat and tonsils
- White or yellow patches on the tonsils
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Headache or general malaise
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing in severe cases
In young children who cannot describe what they are feeling, signs and symptoms may include:
- Drooling due to difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Unusual irritability or fussiness
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made by a healthcare professional through a clinical examination.
A throat culture can be performed to check for Group A Streptococcus.
A sterile swab is used to collect throat secretions, which are then sent to the laboratory.
Results are usually available within 24 to 48 hours.
- Positive result: Likely a bacterial infection.
- Negative result: More likely a viral infection.
Treatement
At the Clinic
Antibiotic treatment may be recommended for bacterial infections following a medical examination.
At-Home
If the infection is viral, home care can help relieve symptoms and support recovery. Antibiotics are not effective for viral infections.
- Rest: Ensure adequate sleep.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
- Soothing liquids: Hot drinks like caffeine-free tea, warm lemon water, or soup, and cold snacks like ice cream can relieve sore throats.
- Saltwater gargle: Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 250 ml of warm water, gargle, and spit out.
- Humidifier: Helps in dry rooms, especially during winter.
- Avoid irritants: Keep away from smoke and harsh cleaning products.
- Pain and fever management: Ask for guidance on using ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Moderate fever without pain may not need treatment. Children and adolescents should not take aspirin, due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
Antibiotics
- If a bacterial infection (like Group A Streptococcus) is diagnosed, antibiotics may be prescribed.
- Take the full course, even if symptoms improve.
- Incomplete treatment can lead to:
- Worsening or spread of the infection
- Increased risk of rheumatic fever
- Severe kidney inflammation
Surgery: Tonsillectomy
Surgical removal of the tonsils may be recommended for:
- Frequent or recurrent tonsillitis
- Chronic tonsillitis
- Bacterial tonsillitis that does not respond to antibiotics
Criteria for frequent tonsillitis:
- More than 7 episodes in a single year
- More than 4–5 episodes per year over the past 2 years
- More than 3 episodes per year over the past 3 years
Other indications for tonsillectomy:
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing, especially large foods like meat
- Abscesses that do not respond to antibiotics
Recovery:
Full recovery usually takes 7 to 14 days.
Address
132 Jacques-Bizard Boulevard
L'Île-Bizard (Québec) H9C 2T9
Opening Hours
Sunday: 10:00 - 12:00
Monday - Friday: 9:00 - 17:00
Saturday: closed
Agency Permit
AP-2101691