Is it just a sore throat? How to spot tonsillitis symptoms.

How to tell if your sore throat is actually tonsillitis.

A sore throat is common. Tonsillitis? Not so much. The difference comes down to severity and symptoms that go beyond just throat pain.

Signs your sore throat might be tonsillitis.

• Severe throat pain. Feels worse than a regular sore throat, making swallowing difficult.
• Swollen, red tonsils. Your tonsils may be inflamed, irritated, or covered in white spots.
• Fever and chills. A temperature over 100.4°F (38°C) is a key sign of an infection.
• Swollen lymph nodes. The glands in your neck may feel tender and enlarged.
• Bad breath. Bacteria or pus buildup can cause an unpleasant odor.
• Ear pain. The throat and ears are connected, so tonsil swelling can trigger ear discomfort.
   

Tonsillitis vs. strep throat: how to tell the difference.
 

Tonsillitis can be viral or bacterial. If it’s caused by a virus (like a cold), it won’t respond to antibiotics. But if strep bacteria are to blame, you may need antibiotics to clear the infection.

When should you be concerned about tonsilitis?

If your sore throat lasts more than four days, gets worse, or is accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing, it’s time to take action. 

Let’s talk about when tonsillitis becomes serious.
 

When does tonsillitis become serious?

Tonsillitis can be painful, but in most cases, it clears up on its own within a week. However, some red flags signal it’s time to take action. If ignored, severe tonsillitis can lead to complications like abscesses, breathing difficulties, or even hospitalization.

Signs your tonsillitis is more than just a sore throat.

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing. If your throat is so swollen that it feels like you can’t breathe or swallow food, seek medical attention immediately.
• Severe pain on one side of the throat. This could indicate a peritonsillar abscess, a pus-filled infection that requires urgent treatment.
• High fever (over 102°F). A persistent, high fever signals a serious infection that may need antibiotics.
• Dehydration. If swallowing is too painful, you may struggle to drink enough fluids, leading to dizziness, dark urine, or dry mouth.
• Stiff neck or extreme fatigue. These symptoms could indicate a more serious infection spreading beyond your throat.
   

Can untreated tonsillitis cause complications?

Yes. While many cases resolve on their own, untreated bacterial tonsillitis (especially strep-related) can lead to:

• Peritonsillar abscess. A collection of pus near the tonsils that may require drainage.
• Rheumatic fever. A rare but serious condition that can cause heart problems.
• Kidney inflammation. Known as post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, this condition affects kidney function.
• Chronic tonsillitis. Repeated infections may lead to tonsil removal surgery (tonsillectomy).

If your symptoms aren’t improving or seem to be getting worse, it’s time to see a doctor. Let’s talk about when to seek medical care for tonsillitis.
 

When to see a doctor for tonsillitis.

A mild sore throat doesn’t always need medical attention. But if your symptoms are severe, long-lasting, or getting worse, it’s time to see a doctor.

See a doctor if you have:

• A fever over 102°F that won’t go down
• Severe throat pain that lasts more than four days
• White patches or pus on your tonsils
• Difficulty swallowing liquids or saliva
• Swollen lymph nodes that feel hard or painfu
• Breathing problems or noisy breathing while sleeping
• Recurring tonsillitis (multiple infections in a year)
   

How CityMD can help with tonsilitis.

At CityMD Urgent Care, our medical team can quickly diagnose tonsillitis and determine if you need antibiotics, pain relief, or further treatment. We offer:

• Rapid strep testing to check if your tonsillitis is bacterial
• Symptom management to ease pain and fever
• Expert advice on recovery and when to follow up with an ENT specialist
• Convenient walk-in visits—no appointment needed
   

Don’t let tonsillitis take over your week.

If your sore throat won’t go away, is making it hard to eat or drink, or comes with other serious symptoms, don’t wait it out. Visit your nearest CityMD today and get the relief you need.