Viral tonsillitis: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Viral tonsillitis is an infectious disease caused by a virus resulting in inflammation of the tonsils and symptoms such as pain and swelling in the throat, difficulty swallowing, dry cough, runny nose and low-grade fever.

This type of tonsillitis can be caused by different viruses, the main ones being rhinovirus and influenza, also responsible for the flu and cold, or other viruses such as adenovirus or coronavirus, for example.

It is important to consult an otorhinolaryngologist when symptoms of tonsillitis appear, so that the most appropriate treatment can be diagnosed and initiated, which generally involves hydration and anti-inflammatory medications.

Viral tonsillitis symptoms

The main symptoms of viral tonsillitis are:

• Sore throat;
• Pain or difficulty swallowing;
• Fever below 38ºC;
• Dry cough;
• Stuffy or runny nose;
• Redness and swelling of the tonsils;
• Body ache.

Furthermore, if tonsillitis is associated with the herpes virus, these symptoms may be accompanied by conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, hoarseness, inflamed gums, mouth ulcers and vesicular lesions on the lips.

The presence of whitish plaques or points of pus in the throat is not common in this type of tonsillitis, occurring mainly in bacterial tonsillitis. Know how to recognize bacterial tonsillitis.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of viral tonsillitis is made by the otorhinolaryngologist through the assessment of symptoms and observation of the throat, with no additional tests necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

If you have symptoms of viral tonsillitis, consult an otolaryngologist in the nearest region:

Main causes

Viral tonsillitis is caused by different viruses, the most common being rhinovirus, coronavirus, adenovirus, herpes simplex, influenza, parainfluenza, Epstein-Barr and Coxsackie.

This virus-caused throat infection is very common in young children, aged 5 years on average, as they are easily acquired in daycare centers and schools due to the direct contact that children have in these places.

How transmission happens

Transmission of viral tonsillitis occurs mainly through contact with droplets released when an infected person sneezes or coughs.

Furthermore, it can also happen through direct contact with contaminated objects, such as cutlery, glasses or toothbrushes.

Therefore, to avoid transmission, it is important to wash your hands frequently, avoid sharing personal items and not stay in crowded places for a long time, especially if you have low immunity.

How the treatment is carried out

The treatment of viral tonsillitis should be guided by an otorhinolaryngologist, who may recommend rest or oral hydration to avoid dehydration.

In general, it is not necessary to use medication, however, the doctor may recommend the use of analgesics, such as paracetamol, or anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen or nimesulide, to alleviate symptoms.

If a person frequently has tonsillitis, the doctor may also recommend surgery to remove the tonsils, known as tonsillectomy. See how surgery to remove the tonsils is performed.

Natural treatment for viral tonsillitis

Some measures to improve the symptoms of viral tonsillitis can be carried out at home, such as:

• Eating pasty and soft foods, such as soups and broths;
• Drink a large amount of water, more than 2 liters per day;
• Sucking lozenges for an irritated throat;
• Keep at rest, avoiding intense physical activities;
• Stay in an airy and humid environment.

Other homemade recipes can also be used to alleviate viral tonsillitis, such as gargling salt with warm water 2 to 3 times a day and drinking lemon and ginger tea, for example. See how to make teas for sore throats.