Conditions
Recurrent sore throat and tonsillitis
Frequent or severe throat infections affecting the tonsils.
Most sore throats are caused by viruses and settle on their own. Some people have frequent or severe bouts of tonsillitis that disrupt work, school or sleep, or develop complications such as abscesses.
Common symptoms
- Repeated painful throat infections
- Fever, difficulty swallowing and bad breath
- Enlarged, sometimes pus-covered tonsils
- Time off work or school with each episode
Assessment and treatment
Assessment looks at how often and how severe the episodes are. Many people are managed without surgery; where infections are frequent and disabling, removing the tonsils (tonsillectomy) may be discussed.
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This page is general information and not a substitute for individual medical advice.