Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSymptomsChronic vs. RecurrentComplicationsTreatmentHow is Chronic Tonsillitis Prevented?When to See a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Symptoms
Chronic vs. Recurrent
Complications
Treatment
How is Chronic Tonsillitis Prevented?
When to See a Provider
Chronictonsillitisis an infection of thetonsils—the two pieces of tissue at the back of your throat—that lasts longer than two weeks. Chronic tonsillitis can cause swelling and inflammation of the tonsils, as well as accompanying symptoms like sore throat, bad breath, and enlarged lymph nodes.
This article explains the difference between chronic and recurrent tonsillitis. It also talks about chronic tonsillitis symptoms, treatment options, and when to see your healthcare provider.
Verywell / Joshua Seong
Why Chronic Tonsillitis Occurs
Tonsillitis occurs more commonly in children than in adults, but it does not usually affect children under the age of 2.
Is tonsillitis more serious in adults?Tonsillitis isn’t more serious in adults, but some adults may be more likely to develop it than others. Older adults and people who live or work with children, for example, are at greater risk.
Is tonsillitis more serious in adults?
Tonsillitis isn’t more serious in adults, but some adults may be more likely to develop it than others. Older adults and people who live or work with children, for example, are at greater risk.
If you have an infection with antibiotic-resistant bacteria or an immune system that doesn’t work correctly, you may develop chronic tonsillitis.
You may also have an increased risk of developing chronic tonsillitis if you have been exposed to radiation.
Symptoms of Chronic Tonsillitis
People who experience chronic tonsillitis tend to have ongoing:
While symptoms of acute tonsillitis typically last from three days to about two weeks, chronic tonsillitis symptoms last longer.
Chronic tonsillitis may also affect the adenoids, similar bundles of tissue higher up in the throat and back of nose, or the lingual tonsils, which are on the lower back part of the tongue.
15 Evidence-Based Home Remedies for Tonsillitis
Chronic vs. Recurrent Tonsillitis
Whereas even one bout of tonsillitis that lasts more than two weeks is deemed chronic tonsillitis, recurrent tonsillitis is when someone has any case of tonsillitis multiple times in a year.
More specifically, recurrent tonsillitis is diagnosed when someone has more than seven bouts in a year, more than five a year during a two-year span, or more than three a year during a three-year span.
At first, the infections may respond well to antibiotics. But some people still experience frequent tonsil infections.
At least one study has shown that recurrent tonsillitis runs in families. In other words, if you have family members who have recurrent tonsillitis, you are more likely to have it too.
Reasons for recurring strep throat include:
Tonsillitis, Snoring, and Sleep Apnea
Complications of Chronic Tonsillitis
Untreated tonsillitis can lead to a number of complications, such as:
Rarely, people who have a bacterial form of tonsillitis may develop rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, or an infection of the kidneys calledglomerulonephritis.
A peritonsillar abscess occurs when infection from the tonsils spreads into the tissue of the throat behind the tonsil. This complication occurs more commonly in adolescents and adults than in children.
Tonsillitis and Strep Infection
If a strep infection is causing your tonsillitis and it’s left untreated, you could develop serious complications such as:
Chronic Tonsillitis Treatment
If a bacterial infection is the cause of your tonsillitis, your healthcare provider will prescribe an antibiotic. It’s important to take the full course of medication as prescribed to reduce the chances the bacteria will become resistant or come back.
Since the bacteria may be resistant to antibiotics, it may be necessary to try another medication if the first prescription doesn’t work.
For pain control, you can use over-the-counter medications such as:
When you first begin treatment for recurrent or chronic tonsillitis, you need to make sure you drink enough liquids. Treating your sore throat will make it easier to drink enough liquid to stay hydrated. If you have signs of dehydration, you should seek medical attention.
Tonsillectomy
Regardless of what is causing your recurrent or chronic tonsillitis, your healthcare provider may also recommendhaving your tonsils removed. Ultimately, the decision to remove the tonsils depends on multiple factors, including:
Choosing to have a tonsillectomy can dramatically reduce the number of times you have a sore throat and need antibiotics in a year. It can also improve your quality of life.
If you have a child who has had repeat tonsillitis infections, make sure they:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Tonsillitis is considered serious enough to see a healthcare provider when it persists longer than four days, or when you developwhite spots on your tonsils.
Seek emergency care if you or your child have trouble breathing, excessive drooling, or if the pain interferes with your ability to eat or drink.
Summary
Chronic tonsillitis is a medical condition that causes swelling of the pharyngeal tonsils and back of the throat lasting longer than two weeks. Symptoms include an ongoing sore throat, enlarged tonsils, bad breath, and enlarged lymph nodes. It can be treated with antibiotics, pain relievers, and sometimes surgery to remove the tonsils.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.Fact sheet: Tonsillitis.
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